SAHBA Home Hints
March 2, 2008
Call Before you Dig, Free and Easy
As the weather warms, weekend warriors start to emerge and home and yard improvements begin to take shape. If you are planning a project such as building a deck, fence or planting a new shade tree, you will need to know what you are “digging” yourself into.
Knowing where utility lines are underground in a construction zone is not just a smart safety measure, it also is the law. Arizona Blue Stake (ABS) and Common Ground Alliance (CGA) are two organizations that educate potential diggers and assist in the process of mapping underground facilities.
ABS and CGA work with 811, the federally mandated “Call Before You Dig” telephone number. The country-wide number connects callers to their local One-Call Center that then helps them contact the necessary utilities at no charge.
“Hits happen all the time,” said Hans Rhey, Comcast Marketing Manager.
Many times homeowners believe utility lines do not need to be staked out because their project is small. But, CGA lists several basic projects that require contact with utilities before digging such as; planting a tree or hedge, digging a pond, erecting a fence, installing a mailbox and pouring concrete.
Staking out a construction area protects existing underground facilities. These underground facilities stretch beyond populated areas into rural areas, where above ground lines are common.
Comcast has miles of fiber-optic cable running under streets' right-of-way that are vulnerable to road construction mishaps. Property owners must be conscious of where these cables enter their property.
“Sticking a spade in the ground could potentially damage utility lines and disrupt service to an entire neighborhood. If lines are damaged, the digger could face fines and repair costs,” said Rhey, a SAHBA member.
Comcast often sees accidents around drop points where cables enter a lot. If a drop is damaged by the customer, Comcast charges $19.99 for the service call and $38 hourly for repair.
Things to remember before you dig
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Plan: Utilities must have two weeks to stake out underground lines.
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All utilities must be considered. You cannot dig if any of the utilities do not respond to your request.
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Marked utility lines are valid for 15 working days.
Details: 811 or Arizona Blue Stake at 1-800-STAKE-IT.
SAHBA represents about 750 member businesses and 40,000 jobs serving the residential construction industry in Pima and Cochise counties.
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