811 Before Digging
Established in 1983, Tennessee 811 serves as the statewide official one-call center to notify underground utilities of proposed excavation. Tennessee 811 does not mark lines but functions as a communications link between member utilities and anyone excavating. Tennessee’s Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act (TCA 65-31-101) requires everyone who digs to contact Tennessee 811 at least three (3) working days’ notice before starting a project. Tennessee 811 processes the notification of proposed excavation and notifies their member utilities, or their contract locators, to mark their underground facilities prior to the excavation. This free service helps prevent damage incidents which can result in millions of dollars in property damage, the interruption of utility service, personal injuries, and even loss of life. Tennessee 811 is a non-profit governed by a Board of Directors.
How do I contact Tennessee 811?
Tennessee 811 is a FREE service. Contact Tennessee 811 by dialing 811 or (800) 351-1111, or submit a ticket online through the Tennessee 811 website before digging. Because some VoIP, internet-based phone systems, and Wi-Fi calling providers do not support 811 dialing, the toll-free number (800) 351-1111 is available as a backup.
The 811 Process
Safe digging is everyone’s responsibility, but excavators have more responsibilities under the law and higher risk if the proper processes aren’t followed. Submitting a ticket is the first step but it’s not the only step, and sometimes it takes more than just contacting 811 once. Make sure to follow these steps before digging.
Why should I contact 811?
Contacting Tennessee 811 allows a customer who plans to dig to receive the approximate location of underground utility lines to ensure safety while excavating. Knowing where underground utility lines are buried before each digging project helps prevent injury, expense, and penalties. The depth of utility lines may vary and multiple utility lines from different providers may exist in a single area. Simple digging jobs can damage utility lines and disrupt vital services to an entire neighborhood, harm those who dig, and result in expensive fines and repair costs.
Who should contact 811?
Regardless of whether you are a contractor, a homeowner, or a “weekend warrior,” you should always contact 811 prior to digging. From planting a tree or shrub to building a deck – if the job requires digging, you should contact 811 before digging
When should I contact 811?
Planning a home improvement job? Planting a tree? Installing a fence or deck? WAIT! Here’s what you need to know first:
Whether you are planning to do it yourself or hire a professional, smart digging means contacting 811 before each job.
Homeowners often make risky assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked, but every digging job requires contacting 811- even small projects like planting trees and shrubs. The depth of utility lines varies and there may be multiple utility lines in a common area. Digging without contacting 811 can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood, harm you and those around you and potentially result in fines and repair costs. Contacting 811 before every digging job gets your underground utility lines marked for free and helps prevent undesired consequences.
Am I required to contact 811 before digging?
Yes, Tennessee state law requires anyone who plans to dig, move earth, excavate, or perform any other type of activity that could damage underground utility lines to notify the utility companies in that area. Tennessee 811 provides an easy way to comply with state law. To read the entire law please click here.
How far in advance should I contact 811?
Excluding weekends and holidays, please provide a 72 hour (3 day) advance notice of your intent to dig. After reporting your intent to dig, you will receive a locate ticket valid for 15 calendar days from the start date indicated on the ticket, after which it expires. If you wish to continue working, you must contact 811 in at least 3 days prior to the expiration date to renew your ticket.
Can I submit requests online?
Yes, Tennessee 811 provides an online ticket submission. Tickets submitted prior to 1:00pm CST are entered before 3:00pm CST on the same day. Tickets received after 1:00pm CST are not guaranteed entry until the following business day. Online requests can be submitted at the Tennessee 811 website.
Are the colors of the paint and flags left by the locators meaningful?
Yes, each color indicates a universal color to what is buried below the ground.
- Red – Electric
- Orange – Communicators, Telephone, or Cable TV
- Blue – Potable Water
- Green – Sewer / Drainage
- Yellow – Gas / Petroleum Pipe Line
- Purple – Reclaimed Water
- White – Premark site of intended excavation