What to Expect After You Submit a Request

After you contact 811, participating utility companies review your request to determine whether they have underground facilities near your project area. Most requests are processed quickly and without issue. Here’s what you can expect.

How Utilities Respond

Each participating utility company reviews your request individually. Only utilities that have facilities near your work area will respond.

• Some utilities will visit your property and mark underground lines with paint or small flags
• Some may respond with a “clear” message if no facilities are present
• You may not be contacted directly unless clarification is needed

Markings indicate the approximate location of underground lines. Depth is not shown.

If You Do Not See Paint or Flags

Not every locate request results in visible paint or flags.

• Some utilities may respond with a “clear” message if no facilities are present
• Only utilities with facilities near your project area will respond
• You must confirm that all required utilities have responded before digging

Markings Are Temporary

Utility markings are valid for a limited period and may fade over time due to weather, mowing, or normal yard activity.

• Do not dig if markings are missing or unclear
• Contact 811 if your project is delayed or markings fade

Confirm Before Digging

Before beginning your project, confirm that all required utilities have responded and markings are clearly visible.