Building a deck? Planting a tree? Installing a mailbox? 811 is the new number you should call before you begin any digging project.

PA One Call - Call 811 Before You Dig

Homeowners and contractors must call 8-1-1 at least three business days before starting any digging or excavation project, as required by law.

Pennsylvania One Call System is a non-profit corporation created to protect underground facilities before anyone begins to disturb the earth. PA One Call receives requests from excavators, contractors, plumbers, builders, designers, and the general public to find out where underground lines are located. Pennsylvania One Call notifies member underground facility owners of the intent to excavate. The facility owner then marks where their lines are located. 

A new, federally-mandated national “Call Before You Dig” number, 811 was created to help protect you from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines while working on digging projects. People digging often make risky assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked due to concerns about project delays, costs and previous calls about other projects. These assumptions can be life-threatening.

Every digging job requires a call – even small projects like planting trees or shrubs. If you hit an underground utility line while digging, you can harm yourself or those around you, disrupt service to an entire neighborhood and potentially be responsible for fines and repair costs.

Calling 811 Keeps You Safe

Consumer Resources for PA One Call

Know What’s Below. Call Before You Dig – A PUC brochure that explains 811 and PA One Call.

811 Public Service Announcement: 30 seconds – An ad for the 811 Call Before You Dig campaign.

811 Public Service Announcement: 60 seconds – An ad for the 811 Call Before You Dig campaign.

Avoid a Grimm Situation – A 30-second Public Service Announcement for the 811 Call Before You Dig campaign.