Homeowner Education
PREVENT DISASTERS
Planning a project that involves digging? Safe digging starts with a quick, free call. Dial 811 two days before you dig. This can prevent unintentional damage, and it’s the LAW.
Every Dig Counts
Every project that involves digging needs to be located before ground is broken.
Safe Digging is Fast, Easy & Free.
It’s the Law.
What Projects Require A Homeowner to Connect to 811?
Homeowners Education Video Series
FAQs for the Homeowner
The 811 One-Call system notifies participating utility members but does not actually mark the lines. Member utilities may only mark public utilities and may not mark private or non-member utilities.
Private utilities are lines not owned by utility companies, typically found between the meter and the building. If you have a curbside meter, this can result in the property not being marked by utility companies. Other underground utilities that generally are not marked include but are not limited to: water and sewer lines, private lighting, sprinklers, fire mains, secondary electric lines to detached garages, pools, and septic lines.
Private utility markings incur fees. A quick search online should reveal a number of private locating companies in your area, and most plumbing companies offer private locating upon request.
The property owner owns the underground utilities and is responsible for covering the cost of protecting private underground utilities.
If there is no Positive Response, contact Texas811, by dialing 811 (you will need your ticket number), to process a No Response to notify utility companies to locate their lines ASAP. Some lines may not be marked because they are private
You may find more information on private utilities here: Texas 811
Once on the FAQ page, open the following topics for more information:
- “Who marks the underground utilities?”
- “What are private utilities?”
- “Who marks private utilities, and is there a cost?”
Submit a Locate Request
The DAMAGE PREVENTION COUNCIL OF TEXAS is a non-profit association dedicated To provide a communication network and education program that fosters collaboration with facility owners, contractors, and other public entities to minimize the risk of damage, injury, or death. We promote damage prevention and safe digging practices for underground facilities across Texas. Our mission is to provide a communication network and education program that fosters collaboration with facility owners, contractors, and other public entities to minimize the risk of damage, injury, or death.
Our team of industry leaders serves as subject matter experts and facilitates meetings. Regional DPC Chapters meet regularly throughout the State of Texas. DPC meetings provide an optimal forum where stakeholders can share information and perspectives while working together on all damage prevention issues. In promoting a spirit of shared responsibility, regional DPC chapters welcome all who would like to be a part of the damage prevention solutions.