Before you begin digging, submit a FREE locate request with Alabama 811 to notify utility companies in your area to have the underground lines on your property marked.
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Before you begin digging, submit a locate request with Alabama 811. This notifies utility companies in your area so they can mark underground lines on your property.
• Submit your request online or call 811
• Provide a 2 – 10 full working day notice, not counting day of notification, prior to the proposed start of excavation
• Be prepared to describe where on your property you plan to dig
• It is FREE to submit a request
The more specific you are about your work area, the more accurate the markings will be.
After you submit your request, local utility companies will respond and mark underground lines in your yard.
During this time:
• Utility lines are marked with paint or small flags
• Each color represents a different type of utility
• Do not start digging until the required waiting period has passed — at least 2 full working days
Utility companies will mark underground lines or confirm there are no conflicts in your digging area.
This information will be provided on your locate request ticket.
If you do not see markings or receive a response, contact 811 before digging.
Already submitted a request?
After utilities respond, take a few minutes to review the markings in your yard.
• Markings show the approximate location of underground lines
• Each color represents a different type of utility (View color-code guide)
• Keep a safe distance from marked lines
• Markings are temporary; do not dig using existing marks not requested for your project
If markings are unclear, missing, or have faded, contact 811 for a re-mark before digging.
Once you begin digging, use extra caution around marked utilities.
• The tolerance zone extends at least 18 inches on each side of a marked utility
• If digging within the tolerance zone, carefully hand dig, or use other defined methods of non-invasive equipment, until the utility line is exposed
• Stop work immediately if you uncover a utility line, and notify Alabama 811, and the member utility if possible
What If Something Goes Wrong?
If you damage a utility line — even slightly — stop work immediately.
• Move away from the area if you smell gas or see sparks
• Do not attempt to repair the line yourself
• Call 811 right away to report the damage
If there is a release of gas or immediate danger to people or property, step away from the area and call 911.
Remain at a safe distance until utility personnel or emergency responders arrive.
• Utility companies may visit your property without knocking
• Markings may include paint, flags, or both
• Not all utilities mark on the same day
• Some utilities may respond with a “clear/no conflict” message if they have no lines in the area
• Markings show approximate locations
