Planning Outdoor Projects? Call Texas811 Before You Dig to Protect Your Home and Community
As spring settles in across the Greater Houston Area, homeowners are rolling up their sleeves for outdoor improvement projects — from building fences and installing pools to laying irrigation systems and transforming their yards with fresh landscaping. But before the first shovel hits the dirt, there’s a critical step that shouldn’t be skipped: calling Texas811 before you dig.
Whether you're a do-it-yourselfer or hiring a contractor, reaching out to Texas811 can save you from expensive repairs, service outages, or even life-threatening accidents.
What Is Texas811?
Texas811 is a non-profit organization that helps homeowners and contractors locate underground utility lines before digging. By law, any time you plan to disturb the soil deeper than 16 inches, you must notify Texas811 at least two business days in advance. Once contacted, Texas811 coordinates with local utility companies to mark the location of buried lines, such as:
- Gas and Electric
- Water and Sewer
- Cable and Internet
Calling 811 — or submitting an online locate request through Texas811.org — is free, fast, and required by state law.
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Why Notifying Texas811 Matters
Accidentally hitting a utility line can have serious consequences. Damaging a gas or electric line can lead to fires, explosions, injuries, or neighborhood-wide outages. Even striking a cable or internet line can disrupt service for an entire street — and you may be liable for repair costs.
Every year, thousands of Texans make the mistake of skipping the 811 call, resulting in avoidable hazards and expenses. By taking a few minutes to contact Texas811, you not only protect yourself and your property but also help safeguard your neighbors and utility workers.
Common Projects That Require an 811 Call
Spring is prime time for outdoor upgrades, and many popular home improvement tasks require a locate request, including:
- Fence installation or replacement
- Pool construction
- Major irrigation system repairs or new installations
- Planting trees or large shrubs
- Building decks, patios, or pergolas
- Installing mailboxes with deep posts
- Large landscaping features or retaining walls
If you're unsure whether your project requires it, the general rule of thumb is: “When in doubt, check it out.”
How the Process Works
- Submit a request online or by dialing 811 at least 48 business hours before digging.
- Utility companies will send out locators to mark lines with color-coded flags or spray paint.
- Begin your project — with peace of mind — after the marked areas are cleared.
A Smart Start for Any Spring Project
For Houston-area homeowners searching online for how to locate utility lines before digging, fence installation safety tips, or Texas811 pool construction requirements, this reminder couldn't come at a better time.
Taking the right precautions now means avoiding headaches later. Plus, you'll be in good company — Texas811 fields millions of locate requests each year, playing a vital role in community safety across the state.
So before you break ground on that new backyard project, call 811 or visit Texas811.org. It’s quick, easy, and may just be the smartest move you make all season.
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.