Emergency

SC811 - Call Before You Dig

Dig Safe. Protect Yourself and Your Community.

Planning to install a fence, plant a tree, build a deck, or tackle another outdoor project? No matter how big or small the job, always contact SC811 before you dig.

Even simple digging projects can damage underground natural gas, electric, water, sewer, telecommunications, or cable lines. Striking a buried utility can interrupt service, cause serious injuries, lead to expensive repairs, and put you and others at risk.

The good news? Submitting a utility locate request is free, easy, and required by South Carolina law.

Before You Dig, Remember These 4 Things

💲 It's FREE

There is never a charge to request utility line locates through SC811.

⚖️ It's the LAW

South Carolina law requires anyone excavating — even for small home projects — to notify SC811 before digging.

⏱️ Plan Ahead

Submit your request and wait three full business days (not including the day you submit it) before starting your project.

📞 One Call Does It All

Call 811 or visit SC811.com, and SC811 will notify the participating utility companies serving your property.

Common Projects That Require an SC811 Locate

If your project involves digging, it requires a locate request — even if you're only using a shovel.

Examples include:

  • 🌳 Planting trees or shrubs
  • 🌼 Installing landscape beds
  • 🚧 Building a fence
  • 🏡 Constructing a deck or patio
  • 📬 Installing a mailbox
  • 🏀 Setting a basketball goal
  • 🌧️ Digging drainage trenches
  • 🛝 Installing playground equipment
  • 💡 Installing outdoor lighting
  • 🚜 Any excavation or grading project

When in doubt, contact SC811 before you dig.

5 Steps to Safe Digging

1. Request Your Locate

Submit your free locate request online at SC811.com or by dialing 811.

2. Wait for Utility Lines to Be Marked

Allow three full business days (excluding the day you submitted your request) for utility owners to locate and mark their underground facilities.

3. Check the Positive Response

Before digging, confirm that all utility owners have responded and completed their locates.

4. Protect the Marks

Leave utility markings undisturbed throughout your project. If they're washed away or disturbed, request a re-mark before continuing.

5. Dig Carefully

Always use extra caution around marked utilities.

State law requires a 24-inch tolerance zone on either side of utility markings. Within that area, carefully hand dig (or use other approved safe excavation methods) to expose buried utilities before using powered equipment.

How the SC811 Process Works

SC811 accepts routine locate requests Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (excluding holidays) and emergency requests 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Once you submit your request:

  1. SC811 notifies the participating utility companies.
  2. Utility owners mark the approximate location of their underground facilities.
  3. You wait the required three full business days.
  4. You verify all utilities have responded.
  5. You can begin digging safely.

Locate requests remain valid for 10 working days after they're processed.

What Do the Different Utility Marking Colors Mean?

After you submit an SC811 request, utility companies will use paint, flags, or both to mark the approximate location of underground utilities. Understanding these colors can help you recognize what's buried below and dig safely.

Utility Marking Colors

When your locate request is complete, utility locators will use paint or small flags to mark the approximate location of underground utilities. Each color represents a different type of utility.

⚪ White – Proposed Excavation
The area where you plan to dig. White paint or flags may be used to outline your proposed excavation before utilities are marked.

🟡 Yellow – Natural Gas, Oil & Steam
Natural gas pipelines and other petroleum or steam lines.

🔴 Red – Electric Power
Underground electric power lines, cables, conduit, and lighting cables.

🟠 Orange – Communications
Telephone, internet, cable TV, fiber optic, and other communication lines.

🔵 Blue – Drinking Water
Potable water lines.

🟢 Green – Sewer & Drainage
Sanitary sewer lines and storm drainage systems.

🟣 Purple – Reclaimed Water
Reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines.

🩷 Pink – Temporary Survey Markings
Temporary survey markings used during planning or construction.

Contractors & Professional Excavators

Whether you're working with a shovel or heavy equipment, preventing damage to underground utilities is everyone's responsibility.

Excavation is one of the leading causes of pipeline damage each year. Striking a natural gas pipeline can cause serious injuries, property damage, service interruptions, and costly repairs.

Always contact SC811 before digging. It's the law — and one of the easiest ways to protect your crew, your project, and your community.