Eight Reasons to Call 811 Before You Dig

Date: 4/5/2026 12:00:00 PM

It’s that time of year when patio dads and garden grannies start dreaming big dreams about what the yard will look like this season. But before you start digging new fence post holes or clearing a patch for your prize-winning potato garden, take a pause and call 811 before you dig.

While most utility line disruptions come from heavy equipment, typical landscaping can also hit a line if you don’t plan properly. Even if you think you’re in the clear, here’s eight good reasons to pick up the phone before you pick up the shovel:

1. Be a legend, not that story
   Remember when Bushwacker tractor, an inattentive utility worker and road construction took out fiber service for ten hours to parts of Georgia and South Carolina a couple of years ago? Everybody knows some kind of story about “the guy who cut the main line.” Be known on the block for your Bar-B-Que. Don’t be that guy.
2. It’s not just utilities—people are on the line too
   Damaging buried utilities lines can cause serious injuries, and potentially death. Protect yourself and those around you.
3. 911 is not a “nice-to-have”
   Cut the wrong line and suddenly it’s not just Wi-Fi or water, you’ve messed with emergency communications.
4. You don’t want this paperwork
   Even if no one gets hurt, the forms alone are a hassle. The follow ups. The reports. The calls. It’s a lot.
5. You cut the Wi-Fi, every mama in the neighborhood will put you in time out
   When the neighborhood loses streaming and gaming all at once… they will find you (emotionally). You will never get a good holiday goodie plate again.
6. Repair bills can hit harder than your shovel
   You thought you were digging a hole for a fence post, but it turns out you were digging yourself into debt. In some cases, you or your company can be held responsible for monetary damages if you damage utility lines.
7. Project delays are not a vibe
   Nothing kills momentum like “we hit something and now everything is on hold.”
8. Calling 811 takes minutes. Repairs take… longer.
   One quick call vs. hours (or days) of chaos. Choose wisely.

For more information about 811, you can go to state webpages in Georgia or South Carolina.