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Planning a home improvement project?

If it calls for digging, it calls for Virginia 811.

Installing a new fence or mailbox? Are you finally starting that garden you’ve been dreaming of? For digging projects big or small, you need to contact Virginia 811 at least 3 working days before you start digging to avoid hitting an underground utility line. By using Virginia 811‘s free service and having the approximate location of buried utility lines marked on your property, you can prevent damage to your property, your neighborhood, and yourself. 

Safety begins with CARE

The Virginia 811 C.A.R.E. Message

Whether you’re a professional excavator, contractor, or homeowner, you have an important role in preventing damage to underground utilities. No matter how big or small your project is, contacting Virginia 811 to request utility line markings before you dig will help avoid physical injury, property damage, costly repairs, and service interruptions.

Safe digging always begins with following the Virginia 811 Dig with C.A.R.E. message:

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CONTACT VIRGINIA 811 BEFORE YOU DIG

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ALLOW THE REQUIRED TIME FOR MARKING

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RESPECT AND PROTECT THE MARKS

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EXCAVATE CAREFULLY


Always remember… shallow digging is still digging. 

There is no allotted depth before a person needs to contact Virginia 811. Whether you are planting small shrubs or installing fences, any time you put a shovel in the ground you need to contact Virginia 811 because many utilities are buried just a few inches below the surface.

READY TO GET STARTED?


Get More Virginia 811 Homeowner FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions and Detailed Safe Digging Practices

Learn about the process before you dig
Frequently asked questions
What each utility color code represents
Understanding the difference in utility lines
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