Installing a fence requires digging post holes, which can put buried gas, electric, water, and communication lines at risk. In Washington State, homeowners and contractors should request a utility locate before excavation.
Calling 811 is free in most situations, helps prevent injuries and outages, and is required by Washington’s Dig Law for covered excavation.
Do You Need to Call 811 Before Installing a Fence?
Yes. Fence installation normally involves holes deeper than 12 inches, so a utility locate should be requested before digging. Washington law applies to homeowners as well as contractors.
Do not rely on old utility marks, memory, a neighbor’s information, or assumptions about where lines should be. Line depth and routing can vary, and some lines may be closer to the surface than expected.
When Should You Contact Washington 811?
Submit the locate request no less than two full business days and no more than 10 full business days before the planned start of digging. Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays are excluded.
You can:
- Dial 811 or 1-800-424-5555.
- Submit a request online at CallBeforeYouDig.org.
What to Do Before Requesting a Locate
Outline the planned excavation area with white paint, chalk, or white flags. Mark the complete fence route and any gate-post locations so utility owners know exactly where markings are needed.
Have the project address, description of the fence work, planned dig area, and expected start date ready. Keep the ticket or tracking number you receive.
Washington 811 Fence Installation Checklist
- Mark the proposed fence line and post-hole area in white.
- Contact 811 two to 10 full business days before digging.
- Wait for every affected facility operator to provide a positive response and mark or otherwise account for its lines.
- Check the ticket status before work begins.
- Protect and maintain all paint and flags during the project.
- Near marked utilities, use careful, non-invasive methods such as hand digging to expose the line.
- If the project extends beyond the valid locate period, request a new locate before continuing.
What Does 811 Mark?
Utility owners generally mark the underground facilities they own or operate. Private lines beyond a meter or service entrance may not be included. Examples can include power to a detached building, pool equipment, septic components, propane lines, irrigation, satellite cables, and invisible pet fences.
If the planned fence route may cross private facilities, hire a private utility locator before digging.
Can Digging Start After Two Business Days?
Do not start only because two business days have passed. Under Washington’s current rules, the excavator must receive a positive response from all facility operators identified on the ticket. Review the ticket status and make sure each utility has marked its facilities or confirmed that the area is clear.
How Close Can You Dig to Utility Marks?
When digging within two feet of a marked facility, Washington’s guidance calls for small hand tools and careful methods to expose the utility. Paint and flags show an approximate location, not the exact depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is calling 811 free in Washington?
Yes, the locate service is free to the excavator in most situations. A private locator may charge for locating customer-owned lines that public utilities do not mark.
Does 811 apply to homeowners?
Yes. Washington’s Dig Law applies to homeowners. There is a limited exemption for certain excavation under 12 inches on private noncommercial property, but fence post holes are normally deeper, so request a locate.
How long are locate marks valid?
Washington’s current guidance says marks must be maintained for up to 45 days; if work continues beyond that period, request a new locate.
What if utility markings are late or incomplete?
Contact the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission Consumer Help Line at 1-888-333-9882 for a late, inaccurate, or incomplete locate. Do not begin digging until all required responses are complete.
Plan Your Fence Project Safely
A utility locate is one part of preparing for a fence. Property boundaries, permits, access, materials, and the written estimate should also be confirmed before installation.
Golden Fence plans fence installations with Washington requirements and site conditions in mind. Contact us for a free fence estimate.