One Costly Mistake That Could Turn Your Dream Fence Into a Nightmare
Every year, thousands of homeowners face a shocking reality: their fence installation project becomes a financial disaster because they skipped one critical step. According to a recent survey 34.9 Million Americans dig around their homes without consulting 811, and as a result suffer financial strain because of hitting a utility line or even getting seriously injured, too. The solution? Understanding the importance of proper utility line marking before breaking ground on your fencing project.
What Is Utility Line Marking and Why It Matters
Utility line marking is the process of identifying and marking the location of underground utilities such as gas, water, electric, cable, and sewer lines before any digging begins. Anyone who plans to dig should contact 811 or go to their state 811 center’s website before digging to request that the approximate location of buried utilities be marked with paint or flags so that you don’t unintentionally dig into an underground utility line.
811 is a national call-before-you-dig service that you can call to make a request to locate and mark the utility lines on your property. This free service is not just recommended—it’s required by law in most areas. Texas law requires excavators to contact 811 at least two business days before excavating, excluding weekends and holidays, even if you’re working in your own backyard.
The Financial Consequences of Hitting Underground Utilities
The cost of hitting a utility line extends far beyond simple repairs. Hitting a buried line while digging can disrupt utility service that’ll cost more than a pretty penny to repair, not to mention the risk of serious injury or even death is a possibility, too. When you consider that fence installation typically costs $32.48 – $52.22 per linear foot, adding thousands of dollars in utility repair costs can quickly double or triple your project budget.
Beyond immediate repair costs, homeowners may face additional expenses including emergency service calls, temporary utility restoration, property damage repairs, and potential legal liability. Hitting a power line or gas line can be a serious hazard. These incidents can also cause significant delays to your project, extending what should be a straightforward fence installation into weeks of complications.
Understanding the 811 Process
The utility marking process is straightforward but requires advance planning. Dial 811 or make a request online two-business days before any digging project. After you submit your request, wait the two-business days for the utility companies to mark the work area. It’s crucial to confirm that all affected utility companies have responded before beginning any excavation work.
Professional fence contractors understand this process well. When contracting a company to install your fence, they should take care of this for you and request to have your utility lines located through 811 prior to your installation date. However, homeowners should verify that their contractor is handling this essential step.
Special Considerations: Public vs. Private Utilities
One critical aspect many homeowners overlook is the difference between public and private utilities. It’s important to note that the 811 ticket only covers your public utilities and NOT private utilities. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to locate and mark private utility lines.
Private utilities that won’t be marked by 811 include underground sprinkler and/ or irrigation lines, underground water lines that feed a swimming pool or other structure, underground electric lines (other than local utility lines) that supply power to lamp posts, walkway/yard lighting, pool wiring, sheds, invisible dog fences, wells, etc. After a public utility reaches the meter on your house/property, that line is considered private. If the lines leave the meter and runs to another area of the house, that line will not be marked by the locating service.
Working Around Marked Utilities
Once utilities are marked, fence installation becomes a careful balancing act. All lines marked by a locating service (public lines) have a grace area of 2 feet to each side of the marking. That means the line could be within a 4-foot-wide path. Professional installers must plan their fence layout to accommodate these restrictions.
Hand dig when digging within 4ft of paint or flags. Once you’ve hand exposed the underground utilities, you can carefully continue to dig using the necessary tools. This careful approach prevents damage while allowing the project to proceed safely.
Choosing the Right Fence Company
For residents in the Jacksonville area seeking professional fence installation beechwood services, selecting a contractor who prioritizes safety and follows proper utility marking procedures is essential. H&W Fence Co provides expert fencing services across Duval County FL, offering durable installations with trusted craftsmanship and local care. We aim to be more than just a fence company; we’re part of the Duval County community, dedicated to your satisfaction.
At H&W Fence Co, we understand that a fence is more than just a boundary; it’s an investment in your property and your family’s well-being. We’re not just a fence company; we’re your neighbors in Greenland, Duval County. We understand the unique challenges Duval County homeowners face, from weather conditions to specific neighborhood regulations. With our dedication to fine craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, we’ve become a trusted name in Duval County.
Prevention Is Your Best Investment
Did you know that digging for fence posts is the #1 cause of residential underground utility line damage in Illinois? This statistic highlights why proper utility marking isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a financial necessity. The small investment of time required to call 811 and wait for marking can save thousands in repair costs and prevent serious safety hazards.
To avoid all underground problems – big and small – it is imperative that both the fence contractor and the homeowner do their due diligence to mark all the underground infrastructure at the installation site. This collaborative approach between homeowner and contractor ensures the safest, most cost-effective project outcome.
Conclusion
Utility line marking represents a small step that prevents enormous problems. Call 811 to locate them before you start any projects that involve digging on your property—like landscaping, fence installation or construction. It’s the law, one that can prevent thousands of dollars in damage and the risk of injuries. Whether you’re planning a simple property boundary fence or a comprehensive privacy installation, making that 811 call should be your first step toward a successful project.
Remember, professional fence installers who prioritize safety will always handle utility marking as part of their standard process. When evaluating contractors, ask about their utility marking procedures—it’s a clear indicator of their professionalism and commitment to your project’s success. Don’t let a preventable mistake turn your dream fence into a costly nightmare.