Whether you're a contractor breaking ground on a major commercial project, a homeowner or a property manager planning routine landscaping, there's one phone call that should always come before the first shovel hits the ground: 811. April is National Safe Digging Month - an initiative encouraging homeowners and professionals to contact 811 before starting any excavation project.

It's free. It's required by law in most states, including Pennsylvania . And it could save lives.

What Is 811?

811 is the national "Call Before You Dig" hotline, designated by the Federal Communications Commission in 2005 as a universal number to give anyone planning to dig a simple, nationwide way to get underground utility lines marked before excavation begins. The number was mandated by the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002, which required a single toll-free abbreviated dialing code to consolidate the patchwork of regional one-call systems that existed across the country. When you call 811 — or submit a request online — your local utility companies are notified and will send crews to mark the locations of underground lines on your property using color-coded paint or flags.

The entire process typically takes just a few business days, and it costs you nothing.

What's Actually Underground?

You might be surprised by what lies below. Underground infrastructure commonly includes:

• Natural gas lines
• Electrical cables
• Fiber optic and telecom lines
• Water and sewer pipes
• Petroleum pipelines

Striking any one of these can mean serious injury, costly repairs, service disruptions for you, your business or neighboring properties — and significant legal liability.

The Real Risks of Skipping the Call

According to the Common Ground Alliance, a utility line is struck by a digger every 62 seconds in the United States. The consequences range from expensive utility repairs and project delays to fires, explosions, and fatalities.

For businesses, the stakes are even higher. A natural gas line rupture can shut down an entire facility. A severed fiber optic cable can knock out communications for an entire block. And if an investigation reveals you failed to call 811 before digging, your business could face steep fines and liability for damages — even if you hired a contractor who did the digging.

The bottom line: the responsibility ultimately rests with the property owner.

Who Needs to Call?

The short answer is anyone who plans to move earth. That includes:

• Homeowners
• General contractors and excavators
• Landscapers and groundskeeping crews
• Property managers overseeing construction or renovation
• Facilities teams installing fencing, signage, or irrigation systems
• Municipalities and government agencies

No project is too small to warrant a call. Even driving a post into the ground for a new sign can puncture a line if you're in the wrong spot.

How the Process Works

Calling 811 is straightforward:

• Call 811 or submit a request online at least 2–3 business days before you plan to dig (timing requirements vary by state).
• Provide your location and project details — what you're digging, where, and how deep.
• Wait for the markings — utility companies will visit your site and mark underground lines with color-coded flags or paint.
• Dig with care — even with markings in place, hand dig or use vacuum excavation within 18–24 inches of marked lines.
• Keep the ticket number in case lines are accidentally struck — it documents that you followed proper procedure.

Understanding the Color Code

When crews mark your site, the colors mean:

A Note on Private Lines

It's worth noting that 811 only covers public utility lines. Lines that run from the meter or utility connection to your building — known as private lines — are your responsibility to locate. For these, you'll need to hire a private utility locator. This is a common oversight that even experienced contractors miss.

UGI Energy Services and Pipeline Safety

At UGI Energy Services, pipeline safety is something we take seriously — not just as an obligation, but as a core part of how we operate. We maintain miles of natural gas pipeline infrastructure across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, and we work hard to ensure that our communities, landowners, and business partners understand how to stay safe around that infrastructure.

If you're planning a project near a UGI Energy Services pipeline corridor, we encourage you to call 811 well in advance and to reach out to us directly with any questions. Our team is here to help make sure your project moves forward safely and without costly interruptions.

The Bottom Line

Calling 811 before you dig takes a few minutes. Repairing a struck gas line, or recovering from the injuries and liability that can follow, takes far longer — and costs far more.

Make 811 a non-negotiable first step on every project, every time.

Have questions about pipeline safety or UGI Energy Services' infrastructure in your area? Contact us or visit our Pipeline Safety page to learn more.