Call 811 Overview

Follow these 5 steps when contacting your local 811 for service.

Iowa Boring What Is 811 | Contractor Notify Utilities

Iowa Boring What Is 811 | Contractor Notify Utilities

Step 1. Notify your local one-call center by calling 811 or making an online request 2-3 days before work begins. The one call-center will transmit information to affected utility operators.

Iowa Boring What Is 811 | Contractor Wait Utilities

Iowa Boring What Is 811 | Contractor Wait Utilities

Step 2. Wait 2-3 days (varies by state) for affected utility operators to respond to your request. On average, between 7-8 utility operators are notified for each request.

Iowa Boring What is 811 | Contractor Confirm Utilities

Iowa Boring What is 811 | Contractor Confirm Utilities

Step 3. Confirm that all affected utility operators have responded to your request and located accurately. State laws vary on the process for confirmation. If you see clear evidence of a utility, such as an above ground marker, manhole cover or utility box, but no marks, please call 811 so that utility can be notified.

Iowa Boring What is 811 | Contractor Respect Utilities

Iowa Boring What is 811 | Contractor Respect Utilities

Step 4. Respect the marks. The marks provided by the affected utility operators are your guide for the duration of your project. If you are unable to maintain the marks during your project, or the project will continue past your requests expiration date (varies by state), please call 811 to ask for a re-mark.

Iowa Boring What is 811 | Contractor Dig Carefully Utilities

Iowa Boring What is 811 | Contractor Dig Carefully Utilities

Step 5. Dig carefully. State laws generally prohibit the use of mechanized equipment within 18-24 inches of a marked utility, which is called the tolerance zone. If you must dig near the marks, hand dig or use vacuum excavation to expose the facility. After exposing the facility, avoid using mechanized equipment within the same tolerance zone.