811 Does Not
Mark all electric lines
Mark old and new water lines
Mark old and new water lines
We mark all electric lines, not just the neutral line that is in the middle. Because 811 is using tone equipment, they connect their tone sender to the neutral line only (so they are not electrocuted). What’s Below has a different method by using the earth’s ground flux lines. Like when you use a compass. No need to attach to an electric line to find them in the ground. Therefore, we mark them all, so the digging person is not in danger of hitting a live wire. This is why the law states that you must hand dig 24 inches each side of the marked line. The writers of the law knew there are at least two more electric lines in the area.
Mark old and new water lines
Mark old and new water lines
Mark old and new water lines
What's Below marks all new and old water lines. 811 only marks their water main. They do not mark the private water lines after their water meter.
Mark the unknowns
Mark old and new water lines
Mark the unknowns
Many times we have seen unmarked utility lines. If the line is not on a map to measure and mark or the tone equipment cannot find a means to connect, the line goes unmarked by 811. What's Below locates it all ! We use pink flags and paint for unknown utilities. This picture shows where an old forgotten water line is in the path of an horizonal drilling machine.
Know More About 811
Does 811 find all utility lines within my digging area?
No. 811 finds only the utility main lines before your meter. The utility companies are only concerned about possible damage to their supply lines. After their meter, it is your expense if there is damage. This is where our company, called What's Below, can help you. We find anything you need to know before you dig or move heavy equipment on an area. We mark all utility lines, graves, and caves within your area of concern. Many times What's Below has gone in after 811 and marked what they have not. We are locating it all!
Are you able to locate what 811 locates?
Yes, we are locating it all! We locate on both sides of all meters. 811 only marks the utility companies' supply lines or mains. They do not mark your septic tank or the lines going in or out of the septic tank. Oh, cut into one of those sewer pipes and get a nasty mess! What's Below marks these lines with green paint and/or flags for you.
You need to know all utility lines no matter who owns them. This is where What's Below can help you by finding all underground. We can find fiber optic lines with no tracer wire. The electronic tone equipment cannot find just fiber optic lines. If the tracer wire is cut or damaged, they cannot find their signal to mark the line. We can find it!
It's the law to call 811 before you dig.
Yes, it is the law, so you do not hurt your neighbors. The law is trying to protect others. You may dig into a main utility line that stops the utility flow to your neighbors. The law does not address your safety on your private utility lines.
I have several different flags with "OK" painted on my dig site. Can I start digging?
NO! The flags and okay painted marks are only telling you that the different utilities' main supply lines are not in your digging area. This does not mean there is not a danger below or where your utility lines are located. What's Below locates much more underground of your area than any location company. Besides your private utility lines such as electric, gas, data, and water lines that other companies do, we also look underground for other dangerous issues you need to know before digging. Maybe there is a field tile, explosive fuel pipeline, cave, or unmarked graves. What's Below is locating it all!
811 is free, why aren't you?
The location service that marks for 811 is being paid by the utility companies to locate their supply lines, so their lines will not be damaged. It is "free" to you, however a portion of your monthly utility bill is set aside to pay for the location service. We are not paid by the utility companies to locate private utility lines and neither is 811 paid to locate your private lines.