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Call Before You Dig
Call Before You Dig

Call 811 Before You Dig

Every day, Chattanoogans are picking up the phone to call 811 before they dig. They're doing their part to reduce the risk of harmful incidents, expensive accidents, and natural gas outages for themselves and their neighbors.

Why Call 811?

The few minutes it takes to call 811 before you dig could end up saving you hours of work and lots of money. Breaking natural gas lines can result in steep fines and unexpected costs, interrupting your project and causing long delays while repairs take place. Any residential project that involves digging, no matter how big or how small, requires a call to 811. In fact, it's the law.

How 811 Works

  1. It takes less than two minutes. Call 811 at least three working days before you plan to dig. Provide your address, project type and approximate dig date. A dispatcher will determine whether or not you need to have your property checked for lines, and if so, schedule a marking window. Utility companies will be notified that your project site needs to be marked for safe digging.
  2. Within three working days, utility companies will arrive to spray or flag your yard, allowing you to avoid problem areas where lines are present. Markers will use a wand that detects line locations without any alteration to your property. You're not even required to be present while your project site is marked. If you end up getting busy and are unable to complete your digging before your marks fade, simply call 811 again and request a re-mark.
  3. With your project site marked, you can confidently tackle your project without causing undue harm, unpleasant interruption or unwanted expense. Remember to remind your neighbors to call 811 before they dig, which will support a safe community and keep natural gas bills low for your entire neighborhood.

Prefer to schedule online over calling?

Request a marking by setting up an 811 account and e-ticket.

You'll receive an email confirmation with helpful information on when your marking will take place, how to prepare and what to expect next.

Schedule Your Marking Online

For more information, visit Tennessee 811.