Every post hole is a dig. 811 is the free national number for getting buried utility lines marked first, and putting in a fence is one of the jobs it says needs a call.
How it works
When you contact 811, you're asking the utilities to mark the approximate location of their buried lines with paint or flags. 811 says to reach out a few business days before you dig. The exact waiting period is set by your state, so check your state's rule. Two examples:
- Virginia: at least 3 working days before you dig, and Virginia 811 says the marking is always free.
- Ohio: utilities get 2 working days to mark, not counting the day you notify OHIO811.
You can outline where the fence will go in white paint or white flags, so only the utilities in that part of the yard get located. Before anyone digs, use your ticket to confirm every utility has responded.
What the colors mean
| Color | Line |
|---|---|
| Yellow | Gas |
| Red | Electric |
| Blue | Drinking water |
| Green | Sewer and drain |
| White | Where you plan to dig |
Yellow from 811; the rest from Ohio's marking standards as published by OHIO811.
Lines 811 won't mark
Lines you own are private. Virginia 811 gives the water line from the meter to your house as an example: the 811 request won't mark it.
If you hire a fence company
Confirm they will contact 811 a few business days before digging starts. In Virginia, the contractor you hire is the one responsible for calling.
Sources: 811 (Common Ground Alliance) home page; 811 (Common Ground Alliance): Before You Dig; 811 (Common Ground Alliance): For Homeowners; Virginia 811: Homeowners FAQ; Virginia 811: Private Utilities Explained; OHIO811: Homeowners.
Rules and quotes in your city
Each city page lists that city's own height and permit rules, with links to the code, and takes quote requests.