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The main reason is strengthening the electric utility system by keeping the lines away from strong winds, human sabotage, and illegal connections. Knowing the depth of various utility lines before you start digging to lay cables or planting trees, will help you avoid them. Virginia 811 is the free Virginia information exchange center for excavators, contractors and property owners planning any kind of excavation, digging or demolition work. In most parts of the country, sewer lines are 24 -36 inches below the ground. Fiber cable depth depends on topography and local conditions. To find a water line course from the street to your house, find the place where it enters your yard by the water meter. How can I get that line moved? So, how deep should a water line be buried? Depending on conduit and wire used, you can deploy underground cable for transporting electrical power at varying depths. The simple answer is rust. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. buried utility structures and appurtenances. A few of the larger services: Individual states often maintain web portals providing information on safe digging. A homeowner can simply drain their sprinkler line when it gets cold so that it doesnt freeze. Your homeowners association may have rules regarding how deep water supply lines must be buried. Because burying the cable 24 inches requires further digging, this method is only feasible if the soil is easy to dig or if digging equipment is rented. Are you thinking of installing patios, decks, walls, or any other structure in your yard? Placing them underground can stop that from happening. Continue with Recommended Cookies. There is one stipulation: the main lines must be exposed on the outside of your home and 18 inches below the ground level. You can check with your citys zoning department or look for your areas interactive underground utility map on the web. Make sure that you contact 811 at least a few days before you plan to start digging. They will be protected well at that depth and you can still get to them easily if a replacement becomes necessary. Homeowners may dig shallow trenches for irrigation piping or for low-voltage landscape lighting. The Code of Virginia defines Legal Holidays inTitle 2.2, Chapter 33, Section 2.2-3300. He is a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board. If the pipe cannot be buried to code-required depth, the code may provide some concessions for burying the line higher. If there is a dangerous or emergency situation, call 911 immediatelyand clear the area. Do you need to replace some busted water supply lines? However, you can only dig a hole to install a water line if there is nothing in the way. If you have installed underground wires or pipes yourself, consult your notes to determine their location. Virginia 811 is the information hub that provides information from folks planning to dig to the utilities or their contract locators. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. And when installed near a road, it should be laid in a manner that prevents future conflicts in case of road improvement projects. These are general guidelines for how deeply most utility lines are buried. 811 is the national call-before-you-dig phone number. Trench length. Thats a no, especially when dealing with gas, water, or electric lines. It reduces the risk of damage due to human activity such as sabotage, theft, and illegal connections. Telecom cables come in different varieties. The utility line markings are right over where my garage is being built. There may be others. Even a shovel can cut pvc, I've seen it and done it. Copper pipes work great if you need water supply lines. deep. Contact Virginia 811 only for work that you plan to start within the next fifteen working days. Furthermore, the electric cables should be laid to avoid any damage or disturbance in the future. February 21, 2022 George Washington Day (Known outside Virginia as Presidents Day) As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Copyright 2023 - Toppickguide. First, check the Virginia Positive Response System. Most utility companies will not provide depth information because of the potential for error, even when using the latest electronic equipment. These links provide information for anyone excavating in Virginia. The 2-working day marking period starts at 7 AM on the next working day after the call. Locators are required to document who they spoke to that agreed to the extension. It varies based on where you live, the quality of the soil, and the frost depth where you live. Burying your sprinkler lines about eight to nine inches into the ground should be enough. Kelly Bacon is a licensed general contractor with over 40 years of experience in construction, home building and remodeling, and commercial building. Many homeowners didnt find cast iron pipes to be worth that trouble so they went with other options. Buried depth requirements of these utilities can vary from area to area. These notices are commonly known as Virginia 811 Tickets and excavators are required to keep the Ticket Number with them on the jobsite. Our company is a full-service Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) firm. Virginia 811 uses a numbering sequence that includes the date that the call was received. And in case you're picturing big, dramatic . In some areas there are aggregated services similar to the nationwide onebut on a smaller, regional scale. First off, water lines must be buried so they dont get damaged constantly. How do I remove a shrub that is directly over the painted utility location? If used, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe shall be glued with an appropriate adhesive, bonded, or . When working around buried facilities, remember that main lines are typically at least 2 feet deep while service lines are only at about 18 inches deep. Call 811 to make sure that there are no cables, wires, or sewer lines in the ground so that you don't damage them when you bury a water line. In some localities, the underground sewer line from the main line in the street to the house is owned by the homeowner and is a private utility line. November 11, 2022 Veterans Day Water lines will freeze in a matter of hours if they stay at a temperature of 20 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Considering how sturdy they are and how well they handle heat, you can easily understand the appeal. As the ground under our feet becomes more congested with utility lines, it's vital to identify the location of utilities gas, fiber, water . Manage Settings During the technician's visit, they'll be able to determine if the underground . Easily locate, trace, find electrical pipes/conduits, or water/sewer lines that are buried up to 20" (50cm) in soil or under a concrete slab with a high leve. For ALL excavation work ANYWHERE in Virginia. However, in some instances, the line may not have been installed, or it could be damaged and needs to be replaced. However, for most lines except irrigation and garden lighting, the general depth is 18 inches, and the ideal depth is 36. They need to be checked regularly to ensure that rust particles do not contaminate your water. 24 inches In addition, National Codes dictate the depth, below ground, these lines must be buried. In order to get a Web Ticket Account, you will be required to participate in a training session provided by Virginia 811 (at no cost). The current depth of an electric or natural gas line can be different than when it was first installed. But that raises a challenge, of course. Check them out to see which one will be best for your home. That is something we can assist you with. You may want to check first for utility lines. Reasons to Call 811 Utility Marking Services, Limitations of 811Utility Location Service, Yard Hydrant Installation Instructions & Tips, How to Install a French Drain in Your Landscaping, How to Install Underground Electric Conduit Up to Code, Everything You Need to Know About Fence Installation, A Beginner's Guide to Rainwater Harvesting, How to Install a Catch Basin Drainage System for Your Yard, How to Repair an Underground Water Supply Pipe, How to Remove Large Bushes and Shrubs Safely, National Electrical Code (NEC) Rules for Outdoor Wiring, Digging foundations for a deck, shed, or garage, Digging up parts of your lawn to install an irrigation system, Trenching your yard to add conduit for an exterior outlet or light, Creating trenches for drainage lines such as for, Line voltage (120-volt) landscape lighting systems, Electrical conduits or underground cables running to pools and spas or to buried septic tanks. Under a driveway, you may only need 12 inches of burial depth. Attached Graphic (A) Underground utility facilities crossing the highway shall be encased as shown in Figure 21.40(a)(1). It would be a waste of time to search for the lines every time you want to take on a major construction project. The 811 utility location service only identifies underground services. For example, a maple tree that stands 15 feet tall has roots that spread 15 (or more!) VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - April 2, 2018 - April marks the traditional start of the digging season with homeowners and contractors beginning outdoor projects increasing the chance of damages to underground utility lines, including natural gas pipelines.Virginia Natural Gas is joining other utilities, one-call centers and damage prevention advocates across the country to encourage Virginia . It doesnt cost you anything. This is a list of some of the underground utility locating companies working in Virginia. No. The national electrical safety code doesn't have a minimum depth for communications lines, but 6 to 12 inches is probably typical. Additionally, you should lay copper and fiber cables as straight as possible with minimum bends. Is only protected by a 20-amp fuse or breaker. Another utility line you should know about when you set out to dig or excavate is the gas line. They will only mark the lines they own and maintain (usually up to . They should know about the frost line especially if theyve been in the area for a long time. Box 608 Chesterfield, VA 23832-0009 Phone : 804-748-1271 Fax : 804-751-4607 Hours Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (excluding holidays) Water and Wastewater Emergencies 804-748-1310 When work is expected to begin. "Utility line" means any item of public or private property which is buried or placed below ground or submerged for use in connection with the storage or conveyance of water, sewage, telecommunications, electric energy, cable television, oil, petroleum products, gas, or other substances, and includes but is not limited to pipes, sewers, Your email address will not be published. When calling in ticket requests, please listen carefully as our phone menu options have changed. All you have to do is call the national phone number and inform the operator where you intend to dig. Utilities Email Department of Utilities Physical Address View Map 9840 Government Center Parkway Chesterfield, VA 23832 Directions Mailing Address P.O. Q: How deep are the underground utility lines buried? Check your deed or plot plan, or call the utility. Irrigation lines and landscape lighting conduits and cables are not identified by 811location services, so dig methodically and slowly, examining the excavation regularly for unexpected pipes and cables. The locators have 48 hrs. When you call 811, the process works like this: In 2005, the U.S. federal government made 811the national number to call for alerting different regional services that coordinate location activities for underground public utilities throughout the country. Keep your trenches or holes at least 18 inches away from 811markings. It is important to know where the utility lines are buried so you can avoid them when digging in your backyard. Most plumbing companies have the tools to locate sewer lines and record the depth at various intervals. Even if you know what the frost line is for the state, it may still differ for your property. Have the companies send their people in for assistance. Everyone in Virginia is a stakeholder. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. In warmer parts of the country, they may be closer to the surface. Click here to request training. In addition to calling 811, some states also accept online requests. Then wait three hours for the utility locator to mark the line. Check online by searching Utility Locating or visit the National Utility Locating Contractors Association website atwww.nulca.orgfor more information. You may want to check first for utility lines. It is therefore wise to get utility companies to mark these lines in your home so your construction activity wont damage them. Laying electric cables underground helps keep humans safe from electrocution. Call 811 to make sure that you won't be digging into a buried oil or gas pipeline, an electric or fiber optic cable, a telephone, or a water main. Fifteen working days, starting at 7 AM on the next working day after you called in the request. How it works. You should be fine as long as you abide by that rule. Keep in mind that the cable company can bury their TV cable about 6 inches under ground whereas the power company must now use underground cable and go close to 3 feet deep. The information below explains the significance of the numbers. Each utility owner has been assigned specific letter designations that are to be used to identify the paint marks at the jobsite. Average cost . Before you use a utility locator, an important (and sometimes required) step to take is to call 811. Most irrigation pipes and low-voltage cables will be fairly shallow, so digging a series of test holes by hand can help you locate them. In the case of a gas service pipe, this should be a minimum of 375mm deep on private ground and a minimum 450mm deep when laid under footpaths and roads. Right click and select Save Target As to save the file to your computer for faster printing. Both of them are related to protecting the water lines themselves. For example, the local aggregated services may let you schedule on-line, or they may put you in touch with private location services who, for an additional fee, can locate and mark any private utility lines on your property that are not covered by 811. Youll want professionals to help you form the right trench, do the ductwork, and make sure the connections meet safety codes. That means every six minutes, a person digging risks everything from gross inconvenience to fines to repair costs to injury and even death. Failure to contact a utility service can lead to repair costs on your part if you damage the lines buried in your garden. Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics including environmental science and houseplants. The National Electrical Code has code explaining how to protect direct-buried broadband communications cables. Tickets entered by Web Ticket Entry on these dates or on weekends are entered into the computer system as if the call were received on the first working day after the holiday or weekend. If the wire or pipe approaches a major obstruction like a garden pond or foundation footers, it will detour around the obstruction. I'll second what he said. The national standard is 36 inches. Call Virginia 811 and report the details. Utility Locating Contractors who would like to be added to this alphabetical listing should contact the Virginia Utility Protection Service, Inc. Public Awareness & Training Department at info@vups.org or call our business office at (540) 985-9355. http://www.vita.virginia.gov/isp/default.aspx?id=12096. (DO NOT call Virginia 811.) Other examples of private utility lines are: lawn sprinkler piping, invisible pet fence wires, electric wires to lampposts or outbuildings, and propane lines from the tank to the house. Virginia 811 notifies participating utilities of the upcoming excavation work so they can locate and mark their underground facilities in advance to prevent possible damage to underground utility lines, injury, property damage and service outages. Millions of miles of underground utility lines run beneath residential lawns in the United States. It is essential to bury a water line so that it doesnt freeze or burst. The economic effects of such an effort on state and local governments or utilities, and ultimately consumers, would be significant. The answer to that depends on your location. If your neighbor doesnt know, you can call a plumber in the area. These web sites also offer a wealth of information on how to plan and execute a safe excavation. After contacting 811, they will ask you to supply some information. feet in both directions. They will ask you where youre planning to dig along with some identifying landmarks. December 31, 2021 New Years Day (Observed). Pipes for natural gas and electricity have been buried at least 24 inches deep. Where private companies have installed underground pipes or cables, contact the company and ask for assistance in locating them. Tickets entered on weekends or holidays will have time periods that begin at 7:00 AM on the second working day after they are entered. Are you curious as to how deep underground power must be? Call 1-800-400-2255 or visit OntarioOneCall.ca at least five business days before starting your project. It is the depth (in inches) at which water in the ground can expect to freeze. Digging in the area of an unmarked underground utility line is extremely dangerous. Direct-bury GFCI-protected underground feeder cable with a short length of PVC conduit at the home for a 12-inch-deeper trench. June 20, 2022 Juneteenth (Observed) When a home passes from one owner to another, the locations of these utility lines are rarely communicated to the new owner. Because of that, youre considering putting the water lines and other utilities in the same trench. November 8, 2022 Election Day In most areas, the service is known as "Call Before You Dig" but is known as "Dig Safe" in the New England region. Utility lines are usually . This is the one thats always underground to reduce the risk of contamination. You can knock out your neighbors wi-fi or damage electrical cables if you dont check to make sure that there is nothing in the way. The call center is CLOSED and only takes Emergency or 3 Hour Notice tickets on these holidays. If you arrive at the site of a proposed excavation and find unmarked utilities, Do NOT start digging. The minimum depth requirement of a direct burial cable is 24 inches, except when installed under a concrete slab with a minimum thickness of 2 inches. Drawings with detailed measurements are required to be on file for new homes and there may be records available for older homes. Digging Around Installed Utility Lines Knowing the depth of various utility lines before you start digging to lay cables or planting trees, will help you avoid them. You wouldnt want to mess up with this network of pipelines. Utility linessupply your home with gas, electricity, TV, and water, as well as remove sewage. In Chicago, call DIGGER (Chicago Utility Alert Network) at 312-744-7000 or visit the website. Benjamin Hershock, Manager Construction Replacements (Scattered Services and Abandonments) 703- 750-5232 Benjamin.Hershock@washgas.com. Check to find out the ideal burial depth in your state so that your water lines dont freeze or suffer damage. May 30, 2022 Memorial Day if it fits three criteria: Inside PVC conduit, run THWN-2 conductors 18 in. When a home passes from one owner to another, the locations of these utility lines are rarely communicated to the new owner. Each state has a different frost line, and they vary widely from shallow to several feet deep. Every six minutes an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without first calling 811. Click hereto see the Web Ticket Entry instructions. Once you have determined the exact location of the underground utility you will be able to safely work to remove the shrub. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. As long as you drain the sprinkler lines completely, they should remain intact through the winter. click here to enter your ticket using our Single Address Tickets program. However, there are general guidelines. Also, 811 does not coordinate location services for any service wires or pipes that are not considered public utilities or which have been installed by private companies. You may be specifically thinking of putting the water and electric lines together. Do not backfill if there is any damage. Section 02220 Trenching, Backfilling and Compaction of Utilities Page 02220-2 City of Lynchburg, VA Manual of Specifications and Standard Details April 2020 . Different states have rules and guidelines for these utility lines. n addition to Saturdays and Sundays, these dates do not count as working days in any of the time limits cited in the Damage Prevention Act. Call 811 to make sure that there are no cables, wires, or sewer lines in the ground so that you dont damage them when you bury a water line. The Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act Rules contain certain clarifications to language and defines standards. 2021 Follow along as we explore the important question; how deep should a water line be buried? Mark all utilities before you dig, and if you have to postpone your job for a month, call 811 to resume the process. Trenching cost. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Virginia state law defines an emergency as follows Emergency means a sudden or unexpected occurrence involving a clear and imminent danger, demanding immediate action to prevent or mitigate loss of, or damage to, life, health, property, or essential public services. If there is no field contact, call Virginia 811 for assistance. Above all, keep records, measure, take pictures, and document for future purposes. In some cases, the actual location and marking will be done by private companies working under contract with the utility companies. Different states have rules and guidelines for these utility lines. If there is no field contact information, call Virginia 811to get a contact number or to request a 3-hour notice. Because there are so many cables and pipes running underground, you need to be careful when digging. A water line should be buried 4-6 below the lowest depth of frost in the ground so that it doesn't freeze and burst. The lead time required varies from region to region. Extraordinary circumstances may prevent utility operators/contract locators from completing the marking within 2 working days. To map all the underground utility lines, youll find the utility companies use a company to map and record such things as underground power, water lines and possibly gas lines. On average, between 7-8 utility operators are notified for each request. Contact them even when you plan to dig small holes. Thats a no, especially when dealing with gas, water, or electric lines. Sprinkler lines are easier to bury underground because you dont have to worry about freezing. Javascript must be enabled for the page to display correctly. To reach the Help Desk Press 3 November 25, 2022 Day After Thanksgiving Holiday The next character indicates the year. Professional locators are then sent for free to the requested dig site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, paint or both so that you don't dig into and damage an underground utility line. If lines continue underground, such as from a house to a garage or shed, 811 does not pinpoint their location. I once found a gas line buried about 6 inches deep under my own lawn, by sticking the tine of a garden fork through it. Our center operates 24 /7. November 11, 2021 Veterans Day If you provide either, our computer system will send you a confirmation message: 1) As soon as all utilities have posted a response on the system 2) or at the end of the 48 hour marking period (at 7 AM on the third working day after your call). Bring dogs inside or chain them up, unlock gates, and turn off exterior security devices. VGINs map data gives us access to orthophotography in addition to the streets and roads. Click hereto see the Virginia Marking Standards booklet. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Yes. NOTE: Companies designated with (P) are ones who perform Private Locates. How deep are residential utility lines buried in Texas? If you are a homeowner, working on your own property, or a professional excavator working at a single address, click here to enter your ticket using our Single Address Tickets program. Underground electricity lines should be at least 3 feet deep to the top of the cable or conduit. For this reason, Virginia law requires that excavators use care when excavating near marked utilities. Call before you dig811 or 1-800-552-7001 NEC is 18" of cover, but that's not always adhered to. (In the UK, the gas board repaired the line and re-buried it to the . If you need to excavate over a marked line and you need to know the depth for the installation of a driveway, etc., carefully expose the utility by hand digging at reasonable distances along the line of excavation as described in the Damage Prevention Act. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. In this case, the cable can be installed at. Service, Inc. Public Awareness & Training Department at[emailprotected]or call our business office at (540) 985-9355. (Find Out Now! Call 811 and get free help mapping out the utility lines in your property before taking on any major construction project. Calling 811 is the law in all 50 states. These markers indicate the approximate location of the gas line, the material being transported, the utility companys name, and their contacts in case of emergency. Furthermore, you should place sand around the cable to keep rocks from pushing against it and interfering with the signal. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. In general, bury metal conduits at least 6 inches below the soil surface. Now as the utility charts its post-bankruptcy course, it's looking to bury power lines as a way to prevent more such future disasters. Click hereto see a list of underground utility locating contractors who operate in Virginia. (Learn How To Connect Flexi Hose To Copper Pipe). However, burial depth isnt always obvious and the last thing you want to do is damage gas or electrical lines. Wait a few days (check your state's specific requirement here) to allow utilities to send out locators to mark buried lines with paint or flags. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Both the Act and the Rules apply to all stakeholders. Water and gas pipelines can run in the same trench, but electricity and gas cannot. Since July 1, 2002, Section 56-257 of the Code of Virginia has specified that underground utility lines must be installed at depths that are in accordance with accepted industry standards. Virginia 811 offers free training on the Act and the Damage Prevention program.
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