Get connected and protected by calling 811. This easy-to remember, new nationwide number is federally-mandated and designated by the Federal Communications Commission to consolidate all local “Call Before You Dig” numbers. One FREE, call to 811 from your cell phone or land line gets your utility lines marked and helps protect you from potential injury and unnecessary expense.

Calling 811 is for both professional excavators and do-it yourself homeowners. Many homeowners do some type of digging project such as building a deck or installing a fence. Often they make assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked, but NJ law requires a markout for every digging project – even small projects like planting trees and shrubs.

One call to 811 from anywhere in the country quickly and easily begins the process. Local one call center personnel route your request to your local utility which then sends a professional locator to mark your lines for free within a few days. Once marked, you will know the approximate location of your utility lines and can then dig safely.

With more than 62 local one call numbers across the country, 811 eliminates the confusion of multiple “Call Before You Dig” numbers by providing one national number. 811 will not replace your local one call number (1-800-272-1000) and the one call process will remain the same. It’s just an easier number to remember.

Knowing the approximate location of your buried utility lines before each digging project helps protect you from injury and the consequences that can result from accidentally damaging a buried utility line. The depths of utility lines vary, and there can be multiple utility lines in the same area. Damages to these lines can disrupt service to the entire neighborhood, cause injuries and even harm the environment. Call 811 before you
dig. It’s EASY, it’s FREE and it’s the LAW!