Utility Marking & Safety: Do Fence Companies Call 811?
Most homeowners don’t think about what’s buried underground until something goes wrong. But when you’re putting in a fence, utility marking isn’t just a good idea, it’s the law in most places. And the first step is simple: call 811 before you dig. So, do fence companies actually do that?
Do Fence Companies Call 811 Before Digging?
Yes. Legitimate fence companies call 811 before they dig.
That call (or online request) is required by law in every U.S. state. It doesn’t matter if the job is residential or commercial. If digging is involved, the utility lines need to be marked first.
Calling 811 is free, and once it’s done, utility companies send out locators to mark buried lines with spray paint or flags. They usually mark:
- Gas lines (yellow)
- Electric lines (red)
- Water (blue)
- Communication (orange)
- Sewer (green)
After that, digging can happen safely. Most states require at least 2-3 business days of notice before any digging starts.
What Happens If a Fence Company Doesn’t Call 811?
If a contractor skips this step, they’re not just taking a risk, they’re breaking the law.
Damaging underground utilities can lead to:
- Huge fines (sometimes thousands of dollars)
- Utility service outages
- Dangerous gas or electric line strikes
- Delays and added costs to the project
And if a line gets hit, the contractor is usually liable. Not the homeowner. Though in some cases, the property owner could get dragged into the mess if they hired someone unlicensed.
Do Homeowners Need to Call 811 Themselves?
Usually, no.
If you’re hiring a professional fence company, they are the ones responsible for calling 811. It’s part of the job. But if you’re building the fence yourself (DIY), then yes, you need to make the call.
Here’s how it breaks down:
| Who’s Doing the Work | Who Should Call 811 |
|---|---|
| Licensed Fence Company | The Fence Company |
| Homeowner (DIY) | The Homeowner |
| Landscaper/General Contractor | The Landscaper or Contractor |
You shouldn’t rely on someone else to call unless you’re sure they did. When in doubt, ask for the 811 ticket number. Every request creates one.
What About 611? Do Fence Companies Call That?
No. Fence companies do not call 611.
611 is for phone service support, usually for reporting issues with your telephone line. It has nothing to do with utility locating or digging.
This is a common mix-up, but when it comes to marking underground lines, 811 is the only number that matters.
How Long Does It Take After Calling 811?
Most states require a 2 to 3 business day waiting period after the request is made. So if a company calls 811 on a Monday, markings might be completed by Wednesday or Thursday.
It varies a little by state. Some rural areas might take longer, but no company should dig before the markings are done.
Can a Fence Be Installed Without Hitting Utilities?
Yes, but only if utility lines have been properly marked and the installers work carefully around them.
Fence posts usually go 2 to 3 feet deep. That’s deep enough to hit shallow utility lines like cable, phone, or even electric in some places. That’s why 811 marking is critical. Crews also need to hand-dig around any area where a utility line is close to a post hole.
What Homeowners Should Ask Before Fence Work Begins
Before any digging happens, homeowners should ask:
- Did you call 811?
- Do you have a ticket number?
- When was the request made?
- Have the markings been completed?
If a company avoids these questions or says it’s not needed, that’s a red flag. Might be time to find someone else.
Final Advice
Always make sure 811 is called before any fence installation. It’s not optional. It’s the safest and legally required step before putting anything in the ground.
If you’re doing it yourself, call 811 a few days before you plan to dig. If you hired a company, ask for proof they did it. Mistakes underground can cost way more than a few days of waiting.
And if you’re in Tampa and looking for a fence company that actually does things the right way, Local Choice Fence calls 811 on every single dig. No shortcuts. No excuses. Just safe, professional work from start to finish.
