What should you do to avoid damage to underground utilities before digging?

To avoid damage to underground utilities before digging, it is crucial to call 811 or a local utility locating service. This process connects you with a service that will locate and mark the positions of any underground utilities in your work area. This way, you can ensure that you do not inadvertently disturb gas lines, water pipes, fiber optics, or electrical cables, which could lead to dangerous situations or costly repairs.

Using a professional service is important because they have the expertise and tools necessary to accurately identify utility lines, providing you with the most reliable information. Marking the area with paint on your own, while a common practice for identifying digging locations, does not guarantee that you are aware of all the utilities present, especially those that are deeper or may not be visibly marked. Digging carefully with a shovel might reduce the risk of immediate damage but does not eliminate the potential for hitting underground utilities since you may not know their exact locations. Consulting with neighbors may provide anecdotal information but lacks the precision and reliability of a professional utility locating service.