August 11 marks National 811 Day, a reminder for homeowners and contractors to call 811 before starting any digging project to prevent damaging underground utility lines. In the first half of 2025, nearly 300 incidents of line strikes occurred in the Bay Area, with 42 in Contra Costa County alone. Statewide within PG&E’s service area, 471 utility lines were damaged, and in more than half of those cases, 811 was never called. For homeowners, that figure jumps to 90%. Striking an underground line can cost an average of $3,500 in repairs, and damaged lines can disrupt essential gas, electric, water, sewer, and telecommunications services. Calling 811 at least two business days before digging ensures that utility crews can mark underground lines free of charge, reducing the risk of costly accidents and keeping communities safe.
I never used to think this was that important. But in digging in our little flower bed in front of the house, by hand with a shovel I hit a gas line! I didn’t even seem to dig that deep! So I now fully believe in this you never know what the people in your house before you did or where a line is buried.
Had them come out for fence replace and move out towards street.
Found out how far Natural Gas pipeline was from back fence.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hr0eh28ZvAk
When job gets expensive,
https://tinyurl.com/mrshs78t