PG&E advises safe digging in the month of April

April is National Safe Digging Month and PG&E is reminding homeowners and contractors to call 811 before all digging projects, whether or large or small project.

Underground utility lines can be shallow, sometimes only a few inches below the surface, due to erosion, previous digging projects, shifting or settling of the ground and uneven surfaces.

Damaging an underground utility line is dangerous and can leave customers responsible for repair costs averaging $3,500 and up. Calling 811 is free and easy, and professional utility workers will respond within two business days to mark the location of underground utility lines for your project site, according to a news release.

“During spring and summer months, we see an increase in incidents where underground utility lines are damaged due to digging projects. Even if your digging project is small, calling 811 will help you dig safely and avoid expensive repair costs,” said PG&E Gas Operations Senior Vice President, Joe Forline.

“There is far too much risk with guessing where utility lines are located or how deep they may be. The safest play is to call 811 before you dig and a crew member will come out to mark where your lines are located.”

So far in 2022, there have been six instances where an underground gas or electric line was struck in Solano County. That’s compared to at least 37 instances in 2021 in Solano County — with seven in Vallejo and eight in Benicia. Twelve of those 37 strikes in 2021 happened at a residence in Solano County when the homeowner did not call 811.

During 2021, 811 was not called in advance in 89 percent of incidents when homeowners damaged an underground utility line while digging. The average cost to repair a damaged utility line is $3,500. The leading causes of damages to underground utility lines while digging include building or replacing a fence, gardening and landscaping, planting a tree or removing a stump, sewer and irrigation work and building a deck or patio. Customers should call 811 a minimum of two business days before beginning any project that involves digging, no matter how large or small. Customers can also visit 811express.com to have underground utility lines marked for their project site.

Professional utility workers for all utilities (gas, electric, water, sewer and telecommunications) will be dispatched to mark the location of all underground utility lines for the project site with flags, spray paint, or both.

The 811 call center serving Central and Northern California, USA North, is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will provide Spanish and other translation services.