Call 811 Before You Dig
SAFE DIGGING STARTS WITH YOU!
Know What's Below. Call 811 Before You Dig.
Whether you’re a homeowner with a green thumb, a contractor, or a weekend DIY enthusiast, calling 811 or making a request online at texas811.org is a crucial step to ensure your safety. Underground utility lines, such as gas, electric, water, and communication cables, are hidden below the surface. More than 1/3 of the gas pipeline damages in San Antonio are caused by people who did not contact 811. By making a call or request online, you can avoid potential hazards, prevent costly repairs, and protect yourself and your community.
It’s free. It’s the law. It could save your life.
- Contact 811 - Dial 811 or request online at texas811.org two-business days before any digging project.
- Wait - Wait two business days for the utility companies to mark the work area.
- Confirm - Confirm utility companies have responded by comparing markings to utilities listed on the 811 ticket, or by receiving a phone call, email, or fax confirming the locate work is complete.
- Respect - Respect and replace the markings provided by the utility companies if they are moved. These markings are your guide for the duration of the project.
- Carefully Dig - It is the responsibility of the person digging to avoid damaging marked lines.
Homeowners: Individuals who own or rent properties and may require digging or excavation for various purposes, such as landscaping, home improvement projects, or installations.
Contractors & Construction Companies: Professionals engaged in construction, renovation, or infrastructure projects that involve excavation activities.
Each excavator is responsible for calling in their own utility locate request. DO NOT work off another excavator’s locate request.
Texas law requires you (or your contractor) to make a request no less than 48 hours (2 working days – excluding weekends/holidays) before digging.
There is no cost for this service.
- Your name
- Address
- Phone number
- Fax number
- E-mail address
- Date and start time
- Project description
- Duration of project
- Location of project
- Reason for digging
American Public Works Association (APWA) Uniform Color CODE for Marking Underground Utility Lines
- Red – Electrical Power Lines, Cables, Conduit, and Lighting Cables
- Yellow – Gas, Oil, Steam, Petroleum or Gaseous Materials
- Orange – Communications, Alarm or Signal Lines, Cables, or Conduit
- Blue – Potable Water
- Purple – Reclaimed water, Irrigation, and Slurry lines
- Green – Sewer and Drain Lines
- Pink – Temporary Survey Markings
- White – Proposed Excavation
Disturbances during a digging or construction project are the leading cause of outside natural gas line damage. If a natural gas pipeline is nicked, scraped, or dented, it is crucial to take immediate action by calling 911 and CPS Energy at (210) 353-4357 (HELP). Even seemingly minor damages can compromise the integrity of the pipeline and lead to a future pipeline issue.
Natural gas is a colorless, odorless gas, and utilities add an odorant known as mercaptan, giving it a distintive smell similar to rotten eggs. Leaking natural gas can be hazardous. Below are additional warning signs you can use if you suspect a natural gas leak.
Know the signs:
Smell it: Strong odor like rotten eggs (mercaptan)
Hear it: Hissing or roaring noise
See it: Dead plants, dirt blowing, or bubbling water
Follow these safety guidelines if you smell, hear, or see any signs of a gas leak.
What to do:
✔️ Exit the building immediately
✔️ Leave the door open on the way out
✔️ Leave the area immediately if you’re outside
✔️ Go to another location, call 911, and CPS Energy at 210-353-HELP (4357)
✔️ Stay away from the area until it’s safe to return
What NOT to do:
❌ Don’t ignore the warning signs
❌ Don’t operate anything electrical
❌ Don’t turn lights on or off
❌ Don’t use a phone in the area
❌ Don’t turn a flashlight on or off
❌ Don’t light a flame or strike a match
❌ Don’t open the garage door or use appliances
