Miss Utility 8-1-1

Get the information you need before you dig.

A free convenient service makes it easy to get all underground utilities marked before you, or your contractor, digs.

When should I call?

To avoid damaging underground utility lines on their property, homeowners should contact Virginia 811 at least 3 working days (excluding weekends and legal holidays) before beginning any digging project.

Call Virginia 811 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Why should I call?

Calling 811 before you dig is the LAW.

If you are planning any type of digging project, you should call just to be on the safe side. Many utilities, such as cable television lines, are buried very close to the surface. While it might not be life-threatening, you’d hate to miss the big game because you were planting begonias. There is no cost to the homeowner for our service, so you really have no downside.

I hired a contractor. Should I still call 811?

It is the contractor’s responsibility to call before digging. Be insistent on this because you are the one who will be endangered or inconvenienced if your contractor hits a utility.

Also, be understanding. We live in a fast-paced world and everyone wants their projects completed promptly, however, allowing time for marking is just good sense. Some contractors seek to gain advantage by saying they can start a digging project without marking. This is a violation of Virginia law.