Don’t Start That Yard Project in The Points Until You Call 811 First
For many homeowners in The Points, a weekend yard project can start with a simple idea: plant a tree, repair a fence, install a basketball goal, refresh the landscaping or finally begin that backyard deck project. But before the first shovel goes into the ground, Texas law requires one important step that can prevent costly damage and protect the safety of the entire neighborhood.
Homeowners, DIYers and contractors must contact 811 at least two business days before digging, excluding weekends and holidays, even when the work is happening in a private backyard. The service helps identify underground utility lines before work begins, giving residents and crews a clearer picture of what may be buried beneath the surface.
Why Calling 811 Matters Before Digging in The Points
811 is the national “call-before-you-dig” phone number, and in Texas, homeowners can also submit a request online through Texas811. The service is free to homeowners because it is funded by utility owners to help protect buried lines and the people living and working near them.
Damaging an underground utility line can do more than interrupt service. It can create repair costs, possible fines, safety hazards and outages that affect nearby homes. A damaged gas, electric, water, sewer or communications line can quickly turn a routine home improvement project into a problem for the homeowner, the contractor and surrounding neighbors.
That is why Texas811 encourages residents to remember that every dig counts. Even smaller projects can involve underground utilities, especially in established neighborhoods where electric, cable, gas, water, irrigation, sewer and communication lines may run through front yards, side yards and backyards.
Common Projects That May Require an 811 Ticket
Homeowners should contact Texas811 before many common home and yard projects, including building or repairing a fence, replacing or installing a mailbox, installing a sprinkler system, placing an in-ground basketball goal, landscaping, planting a tree or doing any chore or maintenance that requires digging.
The list is not limited to major construction. A shovel, post-hole digger, auger or trenching tool can all reach areas where lines may be buried. For The Points homeowners hiring a contractor, Texas811 notes that it is the contractor’s responsibility to contact 811 two business days before digging. Residents may still want to ask for the ticket or notification number before work begins so they know the request has been made.
How the Texas811 Process Works
The process is designed to be simple. Homeowners can dial 811 or submit a homeowner ticket online before the planned digging project. In Texas, the request must be made at least two business days before digging, excluding weekends and holidays.
After the request is submitted, utility companies are notified and locators are sent to the project site to physically mark the ground. Those markings may appear as flags or paint and help identify the approximate location of underground lines near the work area.
Texas811 describes the process in five steps:
- Contact 811
- Wait the required two business days
- Confirm that affected utility companies have responded
- Respect and preserve the markings during the project
- Dig carefully
Even after markings are placed, the person doing the digging is responsible for avoiding damage to marked lines.
Homeowners can simply call 811 or create a new Texas811 homeowner ticket online at txgc.texas811.org/ui/ticket/homeowner.
What the Utility Marking Colors Mean
Once a yard is marked, the colors are there for a reason. The 811 utility color code helps homeowners and contractors understand what types of lines may be located nearby.
White indicates proposed excavation. Pink is used for temporary survey markings. Blue marks potable, or drinking, water. Green identifies sewer and drain lines. Purple marks reclaimed water, irrigation or slurry lines. Red identifies electrical power lines, cables, conduit and lighting cables. Yellow marks gas, oil, steam, petroleum or other gaseous materials. Orange identifies communications, alarm or signal lines, cables or conduit.
Understanding those colors helps residents visualize where utilities may be buried and reduces the risk of costly or dangerous mistakes while work is underway.
A Free Step That Helps Protect the Neighborhood
The 811 service is free, but skipping it can come at a cost. Texas811 notes that many people do not think about getting underground utility lines marked until it is too late and a line has already been damaged.
For homeowners, the takeaway is straightforward: call 811 or submit an online ticket before digging, wait the required two business days, check that the area has been marked, and make sure anyone hired to work on the property has completed the same step.
As more residents take on outdoor upgrades, repairs and curb appeal projects, this simple reminder can help keep yards, homes and neighbors safer.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more helpful homeowner updates and community safety reminders for The Points.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
