How Long Does 811 Take? Your Utility Locate Timeline

Planning an excavation is a masterclass in logistics. You’re coordinating crews, scheduling equipment, and managing deadlines that feel like they’re set in stone. The one variable that can throw a wrench in the entire operation is the underground. You know calling 811 is the mandatory first step, but the biggest question on your mind is always, how long does 811 take? A simple two-day wait can quickly stretch into a week due to holidays, backlogs, or incomplete responses. Understanding the real-world timeline—not just the official one—is critical for keeping your project on budget and on schedule. This guide breaks down the entire process, from making the initial call to what happens when the paint hits the ground.

Key Takeaways

• Know What 811 Doesn't Cover: The free 811 service is a legal requirement, but it only marks public utilities up to the meter. You are responsible for locating all private lines on your property, which requires a private locator to prevent costly strikes.
• Master the 811 Timeline: The "2-3 business day" rule is a minimum, not a guarantee. Always submit your request well in advance, factoring in weekends, holidays, and seasonal backlogs to keep your project schedule on track.
• Prepare Your Site for Success: You can ensure a faster, more accurate locate by taking a few simple steps. Pre-mark your dig area with white paint, make sure the site is clear and accessible, and protect the utility marks once they are placed.

First Things First: What is 811?

If you’re planning to move dirt for any reason—whether it’s for a small landscaping project or a major commercial build—you’ve probably heard about 811. So, what is it? Simply put, 811 is the national phone number designated to help you avoid hitting underground utility lines. When you call 811 or submit a request online, you’re notifying local utility companies of your intent to dig. They then send locators to your site to mark the approximate location of their buried lines with paint and flags.

Think of it as the essential first step in any excavation project. This system was created to protect critical infrastructure like gas, water, electric, and communication lines that are buried just out of sight. Hitting one of these lines can cause service outages, lead to costly repairs, and create serious safety hazards for your crew and the public. While the 811 process is a crucial starting point for identifying public utilities, it’s important to remember that it only covers lines owned by member utility companies. It won’t show you the private lines that often run between the meter and the building on your property.

Why the "Call Before You Dig" Service is a Must-Do

Calling 811 isn't just about following rules; it's one of the smartest things you can do to protect your project's timeline, budget, and crew. The best part? It’s a completely free service funded by the utility companies themselves. Taking a few minutes to make the call helps you prevent accidental damage to buried lines, which can stop service outages for an entire neighborhood. More importantly, it helps you avoid the high costs of repairs and potential fines. Above all, it’s a fundamental safety measure that protects everyone on your job site from preventable injuries. It’s a simple, no-cost action that provides a massive return in safety and peace of mind.

The Legal Side of Excavation Requirements

Beyond being a smart safety practice, calling 811 is also a legal requirement. In nearly every state, it is the law to notify the local 811 center before you begin any mechanized digging. Failing to do so can result in significant fines and liability for any damages you cause. These laws are in place because the risk of hitting a utility line is just too high. By making the call, you create an official record of your request and start a formal process that demonstrates due diligence. This protects you, your company, and the community. While specific regulations can vary from state to state, the core requirement is universal: you must call before you dig.

Which Projects Require an 811 Call?

A common misconception is that 811 is only for large-scale construction projects. In reality, you must call for almost any outdoor digging project, no matter how small it seems. Planning to install a new fence, plant a tree, or even put in a new mailbox? You need to call 811. For general contractors and facility managers, this applies to everything from trenching for new fiber optic cables and conducting soil borings to repairing irrigation systems or installing new signage. The rule of thumb is simple: if you’re disturbing the ground with any type of equipment, from a shovel to an excavator, a call to 811 is your required first step.

The Real Risks of Skipping the Call

Ignoring the "call before you dig" mandate isn't just cutting a corner—it's taking a massive and unnecessary risk. The consequences of striking an unmarked utility line can be catastrophic. Hitting a natural gas line can cause explosions and fires, while cutting into an underground electrical cable can lead to electrocution or widespread power outages. Even damaging a water or sewer line can result in costly flooding and environmental contamination. These incidents not only bring your project to a screeching halt but can also lead to serious injury or even death. The few minutes it takes to contact 811 are a small investment to prevent a disaster that could impact lives, property, and your company's reputation.

The 811 Timeline: What to Expect

So you know you need to call 811, but the big question for any project manager or site owner is, "How long is this actually going to take?" Timing is everything when you have crews and equipment scheduled. While the 811 system is a critical first step for safety, its timeline isn't always straightforward. Understanding the key milestones—from your initial call to the day the marks expire—helps you build a realistic schedule and avoid costly delays. Let's walk through what you can generally expect from the process, so you can plan your excavation with confidence and keep your project moving forward without any surprises.

How Far in Advance Should You Call?

The golden rule is to submit your locate request at least two to three full business days before you plan to break ground. For example, North Carolina’s 811 service requires you to submit your ticket at least three business days in advance. This isn't a suggestion; it's a requirement in most states to give utility companies enough time to respond. Calling on a Monday for a Wednesday dig is often cutting it too close. To be safe, build a buffer into your schedule and make the call as soon as you have your excavation plans finalized. This simple step is the best way to start your project on the right foot.

Standard Response Times for Locators

Once your ticket is in the system, the clock starts for the utility companies. State laws give them a specific window to mark their lines. In many places, like Georgia, they have three business days to send a locator to your site. In others, like New York, the window is 48 hours, not including weekends or holidays. This means you won't see flags appear instantly. Each utility company (gas, electric, water, cable) sends its own locator on its own schedule within that timeframe. So, don't be surprised if the marks for different utilities show up on different days.

Planning Around Holidays and Weekends

This is where many project schedules get thrown off track. The 811 timeline operates strictly on "business days." That means weekends and public holidays don't count toward the required notice or response time. If you submit a ticket on a Friday afternoon before a long weekend, the two- or three-day clock may not even start until the following Tuesday. This can turn a simple locate request into a week-long delay. When you’re coordinating subcontractors and equipment rentals, these gaps can be expensive. It’s exactly these kinds of scheduling bottlenecks that lead many GCs to partner with a private utility locating firm to stay on schedule.

How Long Are Your Marks Good For?

The paint and flags on the ground aren't permanent. Your 811 ticket is only valid for a specific period, which varies by state. In North Carolina, for instance, marks are good for 15 working days. If your project extends beyond that window, you are legally required to request a "remark" or update your ticket before it expires. Don't wait until the last minute. Faded paint, displaced flags, or an expired ticket can shut down your job site and put you at risk for a utility strike. Always check the expiration date on your ticket and plan for remarks if your excavation work is ongoing.

Know Your Local Rules: State-by-State Differences

While the "2-3 business days" rule is a common guideline, the reality on the ground can be very different depending on where you are and the time of year. Some states may advertise a 48-hour turnaround, but during the busy spring construction season, locators can get backed up for a week or more. In some regions, it’s not uncommon for tickets to take much longer to be fully completed. This variability makes it tough to plan with certainty. Working with a team that provides comprehensive subsurface utility mapping gives you direct control over your timeline and delivers a complete picture of what’s underground, regardless of public utility backlogs.

So, You've Called 811. What Happens Next?

Making the call to 811 is the critical first step for any excavation project, but it’s just the beginning of the process. Once you hang up the phone or submit your ticket online, a well-defined system kicks into gear. Your request is sent out to all the public utility operators in your specified work area, and each one is responsible for marking their own buried infrastructure. Understanding this workflow is key to keeping your project on schedule and avoiding unnecessary delays.

It’s important to remember that the 811 service only covers public utilities—the lines owned and maintained by member utility companies. They won’t mark private lines like the electrical running to a detached garage or a water line to an irrigation system. For a complete picture of your site, you’ll need to supplement the public locate with private utility locating services to identify everything that 811 is required to miss. Knowing what to expect from the public system helps you plan for the next steps and ensure your entire site is clear before breaking ground.

How Your Locate Ticket is Processed

When you contact 811, you’re creating a "locate ticket." This ticket contains all the essential details about your project: your contact information, the location of the dig site, and the type of work you’re doing. This ticket is then automatically distributed to the public utility companies that have assets registered in that area. According to the 811 process, you must submit your ticket at least two to three full business days before you plan to dig, though this can vary by state. This lead time gives each utility company the necessary window to schedule a locator and visit your site. Think of the ticket as your official request and the starting gun for the locating timeline.

What the Utility Companies Do

After receiving the ticket, each individual utility company dispatches its own locator (or a third-party contractor) to your job site. Their sole responsibility is to mark the approximate horizontal location of their underground lines. The gas company marks gas lines, the electric company marks power lines, and so on. They use spray paint and flags to indicate where their assets are buried. It’s crucial to understand that one utility will not mark another’s lines. If five different utilities have infrastructure on your site, you should expect to see five different locators show up over the next few days to place their marks.

Decoding the Flags and Paint: What the Colors Mean
The colors you see on the ground aren't random; they follow a standardized color code to identify the type of utility buried below. This system creates a universal language for anyone working on an excavation site. Here’s a quick guide to what the colors mean:

Red: Electric power lines, cables, or conduit
Yellow: Gas, oil, steam, or other gaseous materials
Orange: Communication lines, cable TV, or alarm lines
Blue: Potable water
Green: Sewers and drain lines
Purple: Reclaimed water, irrigation, or slurry lines
Pink: Temporary survey markings
White: Proposed excavation route

What to Do if a Utility Doesn't Respond

You’ve waited the required time, and you see marks for the water and electric lines, but nothing for the gas line you know is in the area. What now? First, do not assume that a lack of marks means the area is clear. If a utility fails to respond within the legal timeframe, your next step is to call 811 again. Reference your original ticket number and explain the situation. The 811 center will issue a re-notification to the non-responsive utility company. This creates a paper trail and legally documents your due diligence, which is essential for protecting your team and your project from liability.

Keeping Your Paperwork in Order

Your 811 locate ticket isn’t valid forever. The lifespan of a ticket varies by state but typically lasts for a set number of business days. For example, in some states, a ticket is valid for 15 working days. If your project extends beyond this period, you are required to get your marks refreshed. Faded paint or missing flags can lead to a dangerous strike. To keep your ticket active, you’ll need to call 811 a few days before it expires to request an update. This will prompt the utility companies to come back out and re-mark their lines, ensuring your site remains safe and compliant throughout the project.

How to Handle Delays and Curveballs

Even with the best planning, your 811 locate request can hit a snag. From seasonal backlogs to unclear markings on the ground, delays can throw a wrench in your project schedule. But don't worry—understanding why these issues happen is the first step to managing them effectively. Knowing what to expect and how to respond can help you keep your project moving forward with minimal disruption. Let's walk through some of the most common challenges and the practical steps you can take to address them.

Common Reasons Your Locate Might Be Delayed

The digging season hits its peak in the warmer months, and the 811 system can get overloaded. When the ground thaws, everyone rushes to start their projects, leading to a massive influx of locate requests. It’s not uncommon for wait times to stretch out for weeks during this rush. Another common issue is ticket volume; some contractors submit hundreds of requests at once, creating a backlog. Sometimes, tickets for certain utilities like fiber optics can remain open for extended periods. It’s also worth noting that marks are only valid for a set time, so requesting them too far in advance can mean you’ll just have to call for a re-mark later, adding another delay.

What Qualifies as an Emergency Dig?

The term "emergency" gets thrown around a lot, but in the world of 811, it has a very specific meaning. A true emergency involves an immediate threat to life, health, or property, like a severed gas line or a major water main break. These situations require a rapid response, often within two hours. Unfortunately, some contractors try to fast-track their projects by calling in a routine job as an emergency. This not only clogs the system but also pulls locators away from genuine crises. Misusing the emergency system creates unnecessary strain and can cause significant delays for everyone, including those with legitimate, time-sensitive needs. Always reserve emergency requests for true critical situations.

How Weather Can Affect Your Timeline

Weather is one of the biggest variables in excavation work, and it directly impacts utility locating. The primary digging season generally runs from spring through fall, with April and November being particularly busy months as crews rush to start or finish projects. This seasonal demand alone can extend your wait time. Beyond the calendar, daily weather conditions play a huge role. Heavy rain can wash away paint markings, while snow or ice can cover the ground, making it impossible for locators to see surface features or place flags accurately. Frozen ground can also make it difficult to get a good signal, affecting the accuracy of the equipment and the locate itself.

Coordinating Locates for Large or Phased Projects

If you’re managing a large-scale or multi-phase project, a standard 811 ticket might not cut it. These "planning locates" are far more complex and often take days or even weeks to complete. The sheer size of the area means locators have to spend a lot more time on-site. The challenge is compounded when you're dealing with dense utility corridors or sites with outdated, unreliable maps. For these jobs, you need a comprehensive picture of the underground infrastructure. This is where a more detailed approach, like subsurface utility mapping, becomes essential for understanding the full scope of what lies beneath your project site and avoiding costly surprises down the road.

Steps to Take When Marks are Missing or Unclear

You’ve waited for the locate, but when you get to the site, the paint is faded, the flags are gone, or a utility seems to be missing entirely. What now? Your first move should be to check your state’s Positive Response Information System (PRIS). This online portal shows how each utility company responded to your ticket—whether they marked their lines, declared the area clear, or couldn't gain access. If a utility hasn't responded at all or you believe the marks are incomplete, don't start digging. Instead, call 811 again to submit a "re-mark" or "no response" ticket. This re-notifies the utility owner that further action is needed before your project can safely proceed.

When 811 Isn't Enough

The 811 "Call Before You Dig" service is an essential first step for any excavation project, but it’s important to know its limitations. Think of the 811 process as the starting point, not the complete picture of what’s happening underground. For general contractors, facility managers, and engineers, relying solely on public utility marks can leave your project exposed to significant risks, from costly utility strikes to unexpected delays. When you’re dealing with complex sites, tight deadlines, and zero margin for error, you need to know exactly what the public locate service doesn't cover. Understanding these gaps is the key to planning a safer, more efficient dig from the very beginning.

Understanding the Limits of Public Locates

The single most important thing to remember about 811 is that it only covers public utilities. These are the lines owned and maintained by utility companies, like the main water, gas, electric, and communication lines running along public rights-of-way. The service stops where the utility company’s responsibility ends—typically at the meter. Any lines running from the meter to a building, or between buildings on a private property, are considered private and will not be marked. This includes power lines to a detached garage, water lines for an irrigation system, or fiber optic cables connecting different buildings on a campus. Relying only on 811 marks leaves a massive blind spot on any property with its own infrastructure.

Finding Private Utilities on Your Property

So, who is responsible for locating those private lines? You are. According to state regulations, the excavator or property owner bears the full responsibility for identifying and protecting any private utilities on site. This is a critical detail that’s often overlooked. If your crew hits an unmarked electrical line powering the site’s security system, the fault—and the repair bill—is on you. This is precisely why professional private utility locating services exist. A private locator goes beyond the public meter to trace every line on your property, from storm drains to communication conduits, ensuring you have a complete and accurate map before breaking ground and avoiding costly surprises.

Locating Plastic, Fiber, and Other Non-Metallic Lines

Another challenge is the type of material being located. Many public utility locators rely on electromagnetic (EM) equipment, which works by detecting the electrical current flowing through a metallic pipe or a tracer wire laid alongside it. But what about non-metallic lines like PVC water pipes, plastic gas lines, or fiber optic cables? If there’s no tracer wire, or if it’s been damaged over time, standard equipment can’t find it. This requires more advanced methods like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), which can detect non-conductive materials. Without a comprehensive subsurface utility mapping approach that combines multiple technologies, these critical assets remain completely invisible and at risk of being struck.

What About Deep or Unmarked Utilities?

Even when a public utility is marked, the paint on the ground tells you nothing about its depth. Public locate services are not required to provide depth information, and depths can change significantly over time due to grading, erosion, or previous site work. For projects that involve directional drilling, soil borings, or deep trenching, knowing the horizontal location isn't enough to prevent a strike. Furthermore, many older sites have abandoned or unknown utilities that don't appear on any official records. These "ghost" utilities won't be marked by 811 but pose a very real threat to your excavation work, turning a simple dig into a complex and hazardous situation.

Getting a Clear Picture of Complex Sites

On a busy commercial property, industrial facility, or university campus, the underground environment can be an incredibly congested web of public and private utilities installed over decades. Trying to coordinate multiple 811 tickets and then fill in the gaps yourself is inefficient and risky, especially during the peak digging season when public locators are stretched thin. A single, comprehensive survey provides a clean, consolidated map of everything underground. By using advanced GPS and GIS mapping, you get clear, engineer-ready data that prevents conflicts, minimizes delays, and keeps your project on track from day one. It replaces guesswork with certainty.

Set Your Project Up for Success

A smooth 811 process isn’t just about making a phone call; it’s about good preparation. Taking a few simple steps before and after you submit your locate ticket can prevent frustrating delays and keep your project on track. Think of it as setting the stage for the locators. When they have everything they need, they can work quickly and accurately, which means you can get to work faster. Let’s walk through the key steps to ensure your locate request goes off without a hitch.

Gather This Information Before You Call

Before you even pick up the phone or go to the 811 website, take a minute to gather all your project details. Having this information ready makes the process much smoother and helps the operator create an accurate ticket. You’ll need the county and city, the street address of the job site, and the nearest cross street. Be prepared to describe the type of work you’re doing—like installing a fence, trenching for a new line, or drilling soil borings—and when you plan to start. A clear and precise description of the dig area is crucial. This isn’t the time for vague details; the more specific you are, the better the locators can do their job and mark only what’s necessary for your scope.

Make Sure Your Site is Ready and Accessible

Once your ticket is submitted, the clock starts ticking for the utility locators. Make their job easier by ensuring your site is ready for them when they arrive. This means clearing the proposed dig area of any obstructions like vehicles, construction materials, or equipment. If the area is overgrown with brush or tall grass, it’s a good idea to trim it back so the ground is visible. Also, be sure to unlock any gates and restrain any pets so the locators have safe and open access to the entire work site. A clean and accessible site allows for a faster, more accurate locate, preventing the need for a return visit and keeping your project on schedule.

How to Protect the Marks Once They're Placed

The colorful paint and flags left by the locators are your roadmap to the underground. Protecting them is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a safe dig. Once lines are marked, make it clear to your entire crew that these markings must not be disturbed. If a flag is moved or paint is scraped away, the location of that utility is lost, creating a serious safety hazard. For busy job sites, consider roping off the marked area to protect it from vehicle traffic. If marks are accidentally destroyed, you must stop work and call 811 again for a re-mark, which will inevitably delay your project.

Tips for Clear Communication with Locators

Clear communication is the key to an accurate locate. One of the best ways to avoid confusion is to pre-mark your proposed excavation area with white paint or white flags before the locators arrive. This creates a clear visual boundary and shows them exactly where you plan to dig. For larger or more complex projects, it’s also a great idea to meet the locators on-site. This gives you a chance to walk the area with them, point out the specific scope of work, and answer any questions they might have. This simple step can prevent misunderstandings and ensure the marks are placed exactly where you need them.

How to Verify the Marks are Complete

Before you break ground, you need to confirm that every utility company has responded to your ticket. Don’t just assume that a lack of marks means an area is clear. Most states have an online “Positive Response” system where you can check the status of your 811 ticket. This portal lets you see which utility owners have completed their marks and which have reported no lines in your dig area. According to North Carolina 811, this is the official way to verify that the locate process is complete. If a utility hasn’t responded by your start date, you need to call 811 again before proceeding. This final check is your green light to start digging safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need to call 811 if I'm hiring a private utility locator? Yes, absolutely. Calling 811 is a legal requirement for any excavation project, and it’s the only way to get public utility lines marked by their respective owners. A private locator complements this process by finding everything else on your property that 811 is required to miss, like the power line running to a security gate or a water line for an irrigation system. Think of it as a two-step process: 811 handles the public infrastructure, and a private firm gives you the complete picture of your actual site.

Why can't the 811 locators tell me how deep the utilities are? Public utility locators are only required to mark the approximate horizontal location of their lines. They don't provide depth information because the ground elevation can change over time due to erosion, grading, or other site work, making any initial depth measurement unreliable. For projects that require digging near a critical line, knowing the depth is essential. This is where advanced methods like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) become necessary to provide the vertical information you need to dig safely.

What's the most common reason a project gets delayed by the 811 process? The biggest factor is timing. Many project managers don't account for the two-to-three business day waiting period, not to mention weekends and holidays which can turn a short wait into a week-long delay. During the busy spring and fall construction seasons, the system can get backed up for even longer. These scheduling uncertainties are a primary reason why contractors partner with a private locating firm to gain direct control over their project timeline and avoid waiting on multiple public locators to respond.

I see marks on the ground, but I think something is missing. What should I do? First and foremost, do not start digging. An absence of marks doesn't mean an area is clear. Your next step is to check your state's Positive Response system online to see how each utility officially responded to your ticket. If a utility hasn't responded or you have reason to believe their marks are incomplete, call 811 again. Reference your original ticket number and request a re-mark. This creates an official record of your due diligence and is the safest way to protect your crew and your project.

Are the 811 marks 100% accurate? The paint and flags indicate the approximate location of a utility line, but they aren't exact. State laws define a "tolerance zone," which is a specific amount of space on either side of the marks where the utility could actually be located. This zone can be several feet wide. For this reason, you should only use hand tools when digging inside this zone. If your project requires precise excavation, like drilling soil borings or trenching near a sensitive line, you need more accurate data than the public locate can provide.