Stop what you’re doing
Don't smoke or light a match. Don't open the windows. Don’t use anything that could cause a spark, like a phone, light switch, appliance or flashlight. Don’t start your car or use your garage door to leave.
Make your next project a success – Start with 811
Planting a tree, bushes or flowers? Installing a fence, deck or mailbox? If you’re planning to dig, start with contacting 811. Big or small – begin your next home improvement project by submitting a ticket to 811.
Request Utility Markings
When you contact 811 at least three business days before you plan to dig, your local utilities will mark their lines so you can dig safely.
Submit a ticket to 811
Understanding the location of underground utilities could prevent injury and damage to property. Keep your friends, families and neighbors safe by contacting 811.
Not doing it yourself? Make sure your contractor contacts 811 before starting the job. We all have a tool that prevents damage to our pipelines – our phones.
Follow these steps for safe excavation and remember to plan, prepare and dig with care!
Whether your project is big or small, contacting 811 before digging is the law and helps to avoid possible penalties, costly repairs, and injuries.
CONTACT 811
Anyone planning to excavate is required to contact VA811 by calling 811 or visiting VA811.com at least three business days before work begins.
ALLOW REQUIRED TIME FOR MARKING
You need to wait three business days in Virginia for utility locators to have an opportunity to mark the location of utility lines with flags or a special spray paint.
RESPECT THE MARKS
In Virginia, the tolerance zone is defined as the width of the utility line plus 24 inches on each side. Do not use power digging equipment within the tolerance zone.
EXCAVATE CAREFULLY
State law requires that you hand dig or use other nonmechanical means within the tolerance zone.
Remember: Never assume pipeline location or depth. Locating procedures do not verify depth of main. Erosion, weather conditions, terrain modifications and previous digging projects can alter the landscape and bring pipelines closer to the surface.
Whether your project is big or small, contacting 811 before digging is the law and helps to avoid possible penalties, costly repairs, and injuries.
CONTACT 811
Anyone planning to excavate is required to contact VA811 by calling 811 or visiting VA811.com at least three business days before work begins.
ALLOW REQUIRED TIME FOR MARKING
You need to wait three business days in Virginia for utility locators to have an opportunity to mark the location of utility lines with flags or a special spray paint.
RESPECT THE MARKS
In Virginia, the tolerance zone is defined as the width of the utility line plus 24 inches on each side. Do not use power digging equipment within the tolerance zone.
EXCAVATE CAREFULLY
State law requires that you hand dig or use other nonmechanical means within the tolerance zone.
Remember: Never assume pipeline location or depth. Locating procedures do not verify depth of main. Erosion, weather conditions, terrain modifications and previous digging projects can alter the landscape and bring pipelines closer to the surface.
Columbia Gas utilizes third-party contractors – GridHawk and UtiliQuest – for locating services. At times, you may see them on your property or in your neighborhood, working to locate underground utility lines. All contractors carry a proper form of identification and would be happy to show you at your request.
If you damage an underground natural gas line:
Leave the area immediately
If you're inside, get out immediately. If you're outside, leave the area quickly.
Call 911 and us
From a safe location, away from the building, call 911 and our emergency number at 1-800-544-5606 (24/7) and wait for crews to arrive.
When it is safe, also contact 811 to report the damage.
More safety tips
Sewer Line Safety
Clearing a clogged sewer line may seem to be a simple fix, but it’s important to contact 811 and a professional plumber to ensure the clog is cleared properly and safely.
Gas Line Responsibilities
Know our responsibilities and your responsibilities for maintaining natural gas lines.
Report Gas Leaks
Learn how to detect natural gas and safely respond to the situation.
Color codes for utilities
The flags and paint markings used by utilities indicate the type of utility that lies underground below.
Safety is Knowing
Learn how to keep your home or business safe.