Dig Safe in Utah: What You Need to Know Before Excavating

Excavation work might look as simple as digging a hole, but in reality, there’s a lot beneath the surface you can’t see. From gas lines to water mains, fiber-optic cables to electrical conduits, Utah’s underground infrastructure is complex and dangerous to disturb.

That’s why digging safely isn’t optional, it’s the law. Whether you’re a homeowner putting in a fence post or a contractor breaking ground for a new building, you’re required to follow Utah’s “Call Before You Dig” laws.

Here’s what you need to know before excavating in Utah.

Why Digging Safely Matters

Every year in the U.S., utility damages cause:

• Power outages

• Gas leaks and explosions

• Water line breaks

• Internet and phone service disruptions

Beyond property damage, hitting a buried utility line can result in serious injury or death. In Utah, failing to follow dig-safe laws can also lead to hefty fines and liability costs.

Simply put: taking shortcuts isn’t worth the risk.

Utah’s Dig-Safe Law: The Basics

In Utah, anyone planning to dig must contact Blue Stakes of Utah 811 before starting work. This includes:

• Homeowners

• Contractors

• Landscapers

• Utility companies

811 is a free service that notifies local utility providers to mark the location of underground lines.

The Rules in Utah:

• Call or Click Before You Dig: Dial 811 or submit a request online at least 48 hours (2 business days) before excavation begins.

• Wait for Marks: Utility companies will come out and mark underground lines with paint or flags.

• Respect the Marks: Hand-dig carefully within 24 inches of any marked line. Heavy equipment should not be used directly on top of marked utilities.

• Keep Records: Document the markings before starting work in case weather or traffic removes them.

What Happens When You Call 811

Here’s what you can expect after submitting a request:

1. Your request is logged. You’ll receive a ticket number confirming the request.

2. Utilities are notified. Gas, electric, water, sewer, and telecom companies are alerted.

3. Locators visit your site. Utility representatives mark the location of underground lines with spray paint or colored flags.

4. You dig safely. Once marks are complete and you’ve confirmed the all-clear, you can proceed with excavation.

Color Codes for Utility Markings

When locators arrive, they’ll use specific colors to identify each type of utility line. Knowing what each color means helps you understand what’s under your feet.

• Red: Electric power lines

• Yellow: Gas, oil, steam, petroleum

• Orange: Communication (phone, internet, cable)

• Blue: Potable water

• Green: Sewer and drain lines

• Purple: Reclaimed water, irrigation

• White: Proposed excavation area

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with 811, mistakes happen. Avoid these common errors to stay safe and compliant:

• Not calling at all. Utah law requires every excavation project, big or small, to start with an 811 request.

• Digging too soon. You must wait for utilities to mark lines before breaking ground.

• Assuming old marks are accurate. Utility lines shift over time, and paint fades. Always submit a new request.

• Using heavy equipment near marks. Always hand-dig carefully around marked lines.

• Ignoring private lines. 811 only marks public utilities. Private lines (like sprinkler systems or lines between a home and a detached garage) are the property owner’s responsibility.

Dig-Safe for Homeowners

Many homeowners don’t realize that even small projects require an 811 request. In Utah, this includes:

• Installing a mailbox or fence

• Planting trees and shrubs

• Building a deck or shed

• Digging trenches for sprinklers

It may feel like overkill for small jobs, but buried lines are often just inches below the surface. One wrong shovel hit could take out your internet or worse, a gas line.

Dig-Safe for Contractors

For contractors, excavation safety is even more critical. Failing to follow 811 rules can expose you to:

• OSHA violations

• Project delays

• Insurance claims and liability lawsuits

• Loss of business reputation

That’s why professional excavation contractors in Utah integrate dig-safe compliance into every project. It’s part of doing the job right and keeping crews, clients, and communities safe.

Penalties for Not Following Utah’s 811 Law

Utah takes dig safety seriously. Contractors and property owners who fail to notify 811 before digging may face:

• Civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation

• Repair costs for damaged utilities

• Legal liability if someone is injured

In some cases, damages from a single incident can total tens of thousands of dollars.

Dig-Safe Best Practices in Utah

Beyond calling 811, here are a few tips to keep your excavation project safe and efficient:

• Submit your request well in advance, especially during peak construction season.

• Use white paint or stakes to clearly mark your intended dig area before locators arrive.

• Keep communication open with utility representatives if there are questions about markings.

• Re-confirm utility locations if your project lasts more than 14 days (marks may expire).

• Train crews and homeowners alike on what the markings mean.

Conclusion: Dig Safe, Stay Safe

Excavation is the foundation of any project, but it must be done responsibly. By following Utah’s dig-safe laws, calling 811, and respecting underground utilities, you can prevent accidents, avoid costly fines, and keep your project on track.

At Team MTX, we make safety our top priority. Every excavation project we take on, from residential site prep to commercial trenching, follows Utah’s 811 dig-safe process. With experienced crews, modern equipment, and a commitment to doing things right, we deliver excavation services you can trust.

Contact us today to schedule your excavation project and see why homeowners and contractors across Utah choose us for safe, reliable site work.