Contacting Kansas811 is a critical first step before beginning any excavation project. Knowing where underground utilities are located helps reduce the risk of damage, injuries, costly repairs and service disruptions.
What is 811?
Millions of miles of utility lines are buried underground, including natural gas, electric, water, sewer and communication facilities. The National Call Before You Dig service (811) is a free resource that helps protect people and critical infrastructure by connecting excavators, contractors and homeowners with underground utility operators. Before you plant a tree, install a mailbox or start any digging project, contact 811. Utility operators will mark underground lines with paint or flags before excavation begins, and even small projects like gardens, bushes and flower beds require a call.
When Should I contact 811?
Contact 811 by visiting Kansas811.com at least two full working days (excluding weekends and holidays) before you want to begin digging. Be prepared when you call. Have the address, nearest cross street and exact location of where you plan to dig.
What should I do after contacting 811?
Wait. Allow locators two full working days, excluding the date of notification, weekends and holidays, to mark buried lines with paint or flags.
Confirm. Before you begin digging, confirm that all utilities have responded to your request. You can contact 811 by visiting Kansas811.com to verify that responses have been received.
Color match. Understand what the different colors of flags or paint in your yard mean. For example, natural gas lines are marked with yellow flags. Learn more here.
Dig carefully. The markers left by locators should guide your project. Utilize soft digging techniques to identify the location of underground facilities. You should avoid digging with mechanical equipment within 24 inches, in all horizontal directions, of all utility marks. Remember, if you smell natural gas, leave the area immediately, then call 911 and Kansas Gas Service.
Maintain the marks. Leave the flags in place throughout your digging project. If flags or markings are no longer present, contact 811 to have your project markings refreshed.
Call if you hit a line. If you damage a pipeline, notify Kansas Gas Service immediately and contact 811. If the damage results in the release of natural gas, leave the area immediately, then call 911.
Keep your locate ticket valid. Didn’t finish your project and you’re restarting after a long break? 811 locate requests are only valid for 14 calendar days. If your project extends beyond this period, contact 811 to submit a new request and have the area remarked before continuing excavation.
Learn more about 811 here.
