do I need to call 811 before running sprinkler lines? (houses, contractor)

[ps2cho]

Going to install grass in our back yard. I have to run PVC pipe 6/8" into the soil down the side of the house.

Should I still call 811 and make sure theres nothing there before starting? Might be a silly question and the answer is always, but the electrical box is on the other side of the house, and I would be trenching a good 10ft further back from the main water lines, so I doubt there would be anything there?

[hawk55732]

If you are asking you might as well do it. You never know what might have been ran in the past.

[adjusterjack]

If you are using a trencher or backhoe, make the call.

If you are using a shovel, it's optional. You are likely to feel what's down there before you can damage it.

[hawk55732]

Originally Posted by adjusterjack

If you are using a trencher or backhoe, make the call.

If you are using a shovel, it's optional. You are likely to feel what's down there before you can damage it.

Depends on what it is. I cut through my cable line once with a shovel.

[KO Stradivarius]

Yes! Don't be that guy who cuts corners and cuts lines. Like the one time my neighbor cut my cable TV line trenching his irrigation lines. That was fun. Don't be that guy.

Actually, I thought you could be fined if you cut a utility line when you did not call 811. Sounds like a good policy.

http://www.arizona811.com/homeowners/

The law is A.R.S. 40-360.21-31, and requires anyone who is excavating on public or private property for any reason to determine, in advance, “whether underground facilities will be encountered, and if so where they are located from each and every underground facilities operator and taking measures for control of the facilities in a careful and prudent manner.”

The Arizona Corporation Commission is the enforcement agency. The civil penalty is $5,000 per violation.

[Threestep2]

Originally Posted by adjusterjack

If you are using a trencher or backhoe, make the call.

If you are using a shovel, it's optional. You are likely to feel what's down there before you can damage it.

Said the yard guy who cut out fiber cable. A nice 800$ repair bill.
If a contractor does work the home owner's call does apparently not apply.

[marinezac]

What's the harm in doing it. Just to be on the safe side.

[Sno0909]

It's free, so you should just do it for peace of mind.

[Northrick]

Yes. It's not a big deal.

[cjs123]

I would if I was doing it myself.

When I had a contractor replace my front yard drip irrigation system they called everybody regarding gas, electrical, and water lines. I came home from work to find everything was marked and ready to go.

I don't know what happened when a company came out to install fiberoptic lines throughout the subdivision, but I was told by the gas company they kept hitting gas lines and they had to shut down service to a lot of houses (including mine). Yikes.