For that reason, there are legal guidelines to help avoid incurring damages costs. How deep are the utility lines? The call agent then notifies any public utilities that might be affected by your digging and asks them to come out and mark utility lines. The minimum depth requirement of a direct burial cable is 24 inches, except when installed under a concrete slab with a minimum thickness of 2 inches. Identifying the frost line for your specific neighborhood can be a bit tricky. They will be protected well at that depth and you can still get to them easily if a replacement becomes necessary. Generally, you will find underground water lines deeper than other utility lines. Just because the line was installed at a particular depth doesnt mean its still there. Water and gas pipelines can run in the same trench, but electricity and gas cannot. You can locate the general direction of utility lines by yourself, but you should always confirm with a locating service before digging. Different states have rules and guidelines for these utility lines. Hitting a gas pipeline can have severe consequences, including leaks, poisoning, and explosions. Tell the operator where you plan to dig. You may not have a lot of available space for trenches on your property. Any and all buried utility lines will be placed at a minimum depth of 36". November 26, 2021 Day After Thanksgiving Holiday Failure to comply leads to expenses on your part if you damage the lines. Their durability is a big reason why they are so appealing. 1-540-985-9355. The homeowner is responsible for maintenance of this line including repair of leaks and locating prior to excavation. The national electrical safety code doesn't have a minimum depth for communications lines, but 6 to 12 inches is probably typical. The depth to which these utilities must be buried varies by region, and in colder climes, sewer and water lines are frequently buried deep in the earth and below the winter frost line. Furthermore, the electric cables should be laid to avoid any damage or disturbance in the future. Always call 811 if you plan to dig a hole that is deeper than 12 to ensure you dont hit a gas or electrical line. In the case of water service lines, the meter is often located underground in a meter box at the property line. They will get in touch with companies that have installed underground lines in your location, and mark special lines from the street to your yard. The main reason is strengthening the electric utility system by keeping the lines away from strong winds, human sabotage, and illegal connections. http://www.vita.virginia.gov/isp/default.aspx?id=12096, The Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act, The Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act Rules, Click hereto see the list of assigned letter designations. It reduces the risk of damage due to human activity such as sabotage, theft, and illegal connections. Tickets can be issued by either server and for this reason the first character in the ticket numbers is either an A or B to identify which one issued the ticket. Because burying the cable 24 inches requires further digging, this method is only feasible if the soil is easy to dig or if digging equipment is rented. Virginia 811 no longer uses ADC, 911, Chamber of Commerce, or VDOT maps with different grid systems. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. They will ask you where youre planning to dig along with some identifying landmarks. Utility companies dont monitor irrigation and garden lighting lines; check with your irrigation and lighting companies for specifications. You can definitely expect an answer for them. Many states will regulate how deep or shallow your sewer line should be. First off, water lines must be buried so they dont get damaged constantly. Other examples of private utility lines are: lawn sprinkler piping, invisible pet fence wires, electric wires to lampposts or outbuildings, and propane lines from the tank to the house. Contact Virginia 811 and request re-marking (This is called a re-mark ticket.) dia. Check online by searching Utility Locating or visit the National Utility Locating Contractors Association website atwww.nulca.orgfor more information. Manage Settings However, they also provide an exception to that code, that allows cable companies to basically provide the cable no physical protection at all. As long as you drain the sprinkler lines completely, they should remain intact through the winter. In my current house, most that I am aware of are in an area of about 100' by 40' feet that runs from the house out to the street. Click here to request training. The same homeowner who moves to a warm climate, though, can be startled to find that water and sewer pipes are quite shallow. This is a list of some of the underground utility locating companies working in Virginia. Additionally, you should lay copper and fiber cables as straight as possible with minimum bends. Tickets entered on weekends or holidays will have time periods that begin at 7:00 AM on the second working day after they are entered. How you plan to dig (by hand or machine). Millions of miles of underground utility lines run beneath residential lawns in the United States. Contact Virginia 811 only for work that you plan to start within the next fifteen working days. Its always wise to know the entire layout of the gas line before carrying out any digging activity near it. (Hopefully we will not have more than 99,999 tickets in one day for years to come. 0 0 electric power lines, cables, conduit, and lighting cables, telecommunication, alarm or signal lines, cables, or conduit, natural gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or other gaseous or flammable material, reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines. If, after three hours, the line is still unmarked, call Virginia 811 again. Please consider calling a professional service to check your garden for underground utility lines. Youll want professionals to help you form the right trench, do the ductwork, and make sure the connections meet safety codes.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'toppickguide_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_12',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-toppickguide_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'toppickguide_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_13',111,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-toppickguide_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-2-multi-111{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Use galvanized rigid metal electrical conduit with individual conductors inside for a 6-inch-deep trench. There can be any number of reasons why you might need to dig trenches or holes in your yard. Therefore, the depth of sewer lines varies greatly and depends on how deep the street sewer is. NEC is 18" of cover, but that's not always adhered to. Even in severely cold places, sewer lines do not freeze, but they must have a slope, so the depth varies widely, and the depth also depends on the depth of the street sewer. National Codes specify the depth to which these lines must be buried below ground. When you contact 811, the utilities that are owned and operated by companies will be marked by professional line locators working on their behalf. In cold climates, the pipe will be buried deeper to prevent freezing in the winter. This method may be used to run any size circuit, so its an excellent answerif you want to power something other than a water feature, for example. How do you dig around utilities? Don't make a judgment call; make a phone call to 811. The lines shall be buried a minimum of 36 inches under highway ditches, and 60 inches below the pavement structure. Expect to find the pipeline deeper in highways, footpaths, and roads than you would in a private property. When running a gas main supply pipe underground the HSE specifies it should be at least 750mm deep in a verge or road, but 600mm deep for a footpath. if it fits three criteria: Inside PVC conduit, run THWN-2 conductors 18 in. Knowing the depth of various utility lines before you start digging to lay cables or planting trees, will help you avoid them. Install your water line 4-6 feet below the lowest point where frost can affect the ground. Because youll almost certainly need to employ someone to dig a trench, go all the way down. Click hereto see the Virginia Marking Standards booklet. They are easily found by typing "811(state name)" in the browser window. The last five characters (00001) are the sequence order of issue. Virginia 811 notifies participating utilities of the upcoming excavation work so they can locate and mark their underground facilities in advance to prevent possible damage to underground utility lines, injury, property damage and service outages. They do not rust over and friction loss is also not an issue with them. Electric cables arent exactly pleasing; passing them underground preserves an areas scenic views. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Copyright 2023 - Toppickguide. Because there are so many cables and pipes running underground, you need to be careful when digging. Private utility line owners (generally homeowners) must locate the lines that they own on their property or hire a locating contractor to do this work. That is something we can assist you with. Many utilities are members of groups that map and record the locations of ALL subterranean lines, such as electricity, cable, phone, and gas lines. The 2-working day marking period starts at 7 AM on the next working day after the call. However, you do need to keep them apart by some distance. If the marks cannot be seen, do not dig until re-marking is completed. Wait until the legal start time on your ticket and verify that all operators identified on the ticket have responded. Keep your trenches or holes at least 18 inches away from 811markings. Listed below are some of the different types of pipes that are used as supply lines. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Some low-voltage underground wiring may be as shallow as 18 inches, whereas higher-voltage primary lines are at least 24 inches deep. If you accidentally catch one of these, it can cause harm and also be costly damage. The lead time required varies from region to region. Click here to enter your Single Address Ticket. When calling in ticket requests, please listen carefully as our phone menu options have changed. Typically, you will find gas lines at 24 inches below ground, while other utilities are 18 inches below ground. Otherwise, it should pass at least 24 inches below ground. Wait a few days (check your state's specific requirement here) to allow utilities to send out locators to mark buried lines with paint or flags. Most utility companies will not provide depth information because of the potential for error, even when using the latest electronic equipment. Upgrading his home kitchen is one of his ongoing hobbies. You should bury a water line below the frost depth line so that it doesnt freeze in extremely cold temperatures. The term private utility lines refers to the portion of an underground utility that is generally located on private property between the meter and the building. These links provide information for anyone excavating in Virginia. This is the one thats always underground to reduce the risk of contamination. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Your Guide To The Best Outdoor Products On The Market. Positive Response System 811, press 2 or call 1-800-552-3120 A water line should be buried 4-6 below the lowest depth of frost in the ground so that it doesn't freeze and burst. ). Before digging, you must call 811 since 2005. When you contact Virginia 811, you will be asked for an e-mail address or a fax number. We purchased our house 10 years ago because it had underground power and then with the widening of the street in front of our house the power company had to put in poles . deep. They will only mark the lines they own and maintain (usually up to . Utility linessupply your home with gas, electricity, TV, and water, as well as remove sewage. They also make it possible to have proper irrigation and gardening. Learn How To Dig A Trench For Electrical Wire, Learn How To Connect Flexi Hose To Copper Pipe, Learn How To Remove Glue From Engineered Hardwood Flooring, Laying conduit for exterior outlets or lights. The details included come courtesy of World Population Review. Call the utility operator immediately. The water pipe from the meter box to the house is owned by the homeowner. Wait 2 full working days, beginning at 7 AM on the next working day after making contact, to give the utilities time to locate and mark the underground lines. These markers indicate the approximate location of the gas line, the material being transported, the utility companys name, and their contacts in case of emergency. Your decision is based on how much power you desire. To find out the frost line for your property, you can talk to your neighbors. If your projects require digging, be sure to call your state's locating service for free marking of any buried utilities. The 811 utility location service only detects underground services; and 811 wont include municipal power reaching a property through the service drop. A water pipeline is another utility that usually passes through your garden. Frost lines are primarily determined based on the climate in the area, so states with warm weather or mild winters typically have frost lines below 12. Fortunately, there are effective ways to pinpoint the location of underground utility lines before you dig. Q: How deep are the underground utility lines buried? Contact the utility owner directly to obtain an estimate for relocating the utility line. Over time it is possible that underground utility lines will rise towards the surface due to grading, erosion, etc. In this case, the cable can be installed at. If you provide either, our computer system will send you a confirmation message: 1) As soon as all utilities have posted a response on the system 2) or at the end of the 48 hour marking period (at 7 AM on the third working day after your call). Thats a no, especially when dealing with gas, water, or electric lines. Are you thinking of installing patios, decks, walls, or any other structure in your yard? You must be willing to make a significant investment if you want copper supply lines connected to your home. Click hereto see the Web Ticket Entry instructions. Virginia 811 is a registered trademark of the Virginia Utility Protection Service, Inc. a non-profit association of underground utility owners in Virginia. But you might be struggling to figure out what kind of paint to use on garage walls. Virginia 811 uses a numbering sequence that includes the date that the call was received. Installation of utility lines. They will contact your local utility companies to send their teams to map the pipeline layout. Q: How deep are underground lines buried? The main advantage of laying water pipelines underground is to prevent impact from human activity. We make three attempts to deliver fax confirmation messages. (Learn How To Dig A Trench For Electrical Wire). The normal procedure is for them to call you, using the contact information that you provided when you contacted Virginia 811. Heres the breakdown. While tree limbs grow tall, their roots grow wide. Be sure to request your ticket at least 3 working days before you plan to dig. Gary Evans is passionate about home improvement. n addition to Saturdays and Sundays, these dates do not count as working days in any of the time limits cited in the Damage Prevention Act. Choosing trees to plant near underground utilities. Remember the utility can be up to 2 feet away from the mark. How deep you're planning to dig. In colder regions, for example, sewer and water lines can be buried deep below the winter frost line. If you need to bury eclectic cables for a garden pond or water feature, then you need to follow the rules. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Just 5 inches below the ground is sufficient to keep them out of the way of edging tools and aerators. Its best to be absolutely sure about the frost line before you start digging. Contact Virginia 811before you dig. Talk to plumbers about which brass pipes to use if youre interested in them. Your Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you. A: We can never guarantee the depth of underground facilities. Theres copper, fiber, cable telephone, and cable TV. When a home passes from one owner to another, the locations of these utility lines are rarely communicated to the new owner. To find a water line course from the street to your house, find the place where it enters your yard by the water meter. Use a fiber glass shovel and be careful, don't go at it hard. You should be fine as long as you abide by that rule. "Everyone involved with the project did a great job, professional, tidy, friendly." Judy, Chesapeake, VA Open Transcript If it is a recorded easement (like if it also serves the neighbors), the overbuilding restrictions will be spelled out. feet in both directions. If one or more utilities have not marked their lines or reported clear or no conflict, they will automatically receive a second notice and should quickly have the site marked or call you to notify you of the date and time when the area will be marked. In geographical areas with colder climates, private lines may need to be buried several feet under the ground to avoid frozen pipes. VGINs map data gives us access to orthophotography in addition to the streets and roads. In colder climates, sewer and water lines are typically deep in the ground below the winter frost line. January 17, 2022 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Benjamin Hershock, Manager Construction Replacements (Scattered Services and Abandonments) 703- 750-5232 Benjamin.Hershock@washgas.com. Longitudinal underground electric lines may be placed by plowing or open trench method. Check your deed or plot plan, or call the utility. Call 811 and get free help mapping out the utility lines in your property before taking on any major construction project. The 811 "Before You Dig" service was created in 2005 by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to protect utilities and pipelines from excavation damage. Click the province or state in which you are planning to dig for information about the One-Call service in that area. How do I remove a shrub that is directly over the painted utility location? Your homeowners association may have rules regarding how deep water supply lines must be buried. Follow the links under each centre to either visit the local damage . Representatives for the relevant utility companies still need to visit your property and note where their lines are buried. The law requires a call to 811 before digging. If the site is sandy and easy to dig, save money by digging deeper and you may not need to use conduit. Those pipes can last for several decades without leaking and they also inhibit the growth of bacteria. Respect the marks. Pipes for natural gas and electricity have been buried at least 24 inches deep. Gary is also a long-time content creator and enjoys spending his free time tending to his hydroponic vegetable garden. The lowest frost point varies based on your climate and the quality of your soil. Phone and cable lines are buried at a depth of around 12 inches. They will mark it and may dig it up. Virginia Administrative Code: 20VAC5-325-30. Its vital that you locate your underground sewer system and map it out before taking on any home improvement project. Each utility owner has been assigned specific letter designations that are to be used to identify the paint marks at the jobsite. If marks become eradicated or faded and you would like to have them remarked, contact Virginia 811, provide the ticket number and a REMARK ticket will be issued. When you call 811, the process works like this: In 2005, the U.S. federal government made 811the national number to call for alerting different regional services that coordinate location activities for underground public utilities throughout the country. If your neighbor doesnt know, you can call a plumber in the area. One thing you can face are the number of utility pipes and wires running through your yard at various depths. Have the companies send their people in for assistance. The last thing you want is to set the pipes in place only to find out later that theyre too shallow. Utility Locating Contractors who would like to be added to this These lines are the ones that come from the main lines to your house. Temporary marking paint typically has a 30 day limit before it washes away or fades. The national standard is 36 inches. Call 1-800-332-2344 Mark the area of proposed excavation in white, per OAR 952-001-0040. So, why did cast iron pipes fall out favor? In colder climates, sewer and water lines are typically deep in the ground below the winter frost line. In some instances, you will be charged for this service. Exposed water lines are more susceptible to wear and tear. These notices are commonly known as Virginia 811 Tickets and excavators are required to keep the Ticket Number with them on the jobsite. Never try to locate a utility line by probing the ground. alphabetical listing should contact the Virginia Utility Protection The depth is measured from the finished ground level to the top of the pipe. You may want to check first for utility lines. If there is no field contact information, call Virginia 811to get a contact number or to request a 3-hour notice. Every six minutes an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without first calling 811. Manner of installing underground utility lines. But there are no shortcuts when digging below ground . If the wire or pipe approaches a major obstruction like a garden pond or foundation footers, it will detour around the obstruction. These regional and state services are now generally coordinated with the national 811service, but they may offer additional services. Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics including environmental science and houseplants. After contacting 811, they will ask you to supply some information. Both homeowners and contractors can contact 811. Virginia state law defines an emergency as follows Emergency means a sudden or unexpected occurrence involving a clear and imminent danger, demanding immediate action to prevent or mitigate loss of, or damage to, life, health, property, or essential public services. There are a variety of reasons why you may need to dig trenches or holes in your yard. References Homeowners have important role in ensuring underground utilities and underground private lines are protected. Check them out to see which one will be best for your home. Thats a no, especially when dealing with gas, water, or electric lines. There may be others. If you have installed underground wires or pipes yourself, consult your notes to determine their location. Keep a distance of about 15 inches on either side of the utility lines once theyve been discovered. December 31, 2021 New Years Day (Observed). Extraordinary circumstances may prevent utility operators/contract locators from completing the marking within 2 working days. Call Before Installing Septic tanks and sewer lines Swimming pools Wells Sprinklers and water lines Basketball goal posts or mailbox posts Fences and deck posts Trees and shrubs 1) Call For ALL excavation work ANYWHERE in Virginia. Professional excavators are encouraged to use our Web Ticket Entry program. Our center operates 24 /7. The next three characters (182) indicate the day of issue the 182nd day of the year. There was a time not too long ago when cast iron pipes were the top choice for water supply lines. Regardless of the method you use, include a service entry bell that comes with a removable cover. If your work will not begin for 30 days or more after the initial marking, you should call 811again and have the marking repeated.