When it comes to residential or commercial plumbing projects, especially those involving underground work, safety and compliance must come first. For plumbers in Germantown TN, one of the most important—and legally mandated—steps before starting any digging project is calling 811, the national “Call Before You Dig” service.
Whether you’re replacing a sewer line, installing a new water main, or performing a backyard excavation, calling 811 isn’t just a recommendation—it’s the law. Failing to do so can result in severe penalties, service disruptions, and even life-threatening situations.
Understanding the 811 Call System and Tennessee Law
What Is 811?
The 811 system is a federally designated, toll-free number that connects excavators, homeowners, and contractors to local utility marking services. In Tennessee, this service is administered through Tennessee 811, a nonprofit that notifies utility owners to locate and mark underground utility lines on your property before any excavation work begins.
When you dial 811 or submit an online request at tn811.com, local utility companies are notified and have up to three business days to send technicians to mark the locations of gas, water, electric, telecommunications, and sewer lines with paint or flags.
Legal Framework: The Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act
In Tennessee, the requirement to call 811 before digging is mandated by the Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act, enforced by the Tennessee Public Utility Commission (TPUC). This legislation requires anyone digging deeper than 12 inches to request a utility locate—whether for a plumbing installation, landscaping, fencing, or any excavation.
Violators can face:
- Civil penalties up to $2,500 per violation
- Legal liability for damages and repairs
- Injury liability if underground utility damage leads to explosions, leaks, or outages
PHMSA.gov (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) also emphasizes that dig-ins are one of the leading causes of pipeline-related fatalities—making prevention critical.
Why It Matters for Plumbing Work
Protecting Lives and Property
Plumbing contractors often work near underground gas lines, sewer laterals, and water mains. Even a minor miscalculation can cause:
- Gas leaks and explosions
- Water main breaks
- Sewer overflows
- Electrocution from buried power lines
According to the Common Ground Alliance, nearly 40% of damage incidents nationwide are caused by someone failing to contact 811 before digging. For plumbing companies, this risk is avoidable—and so are the lawsuits and injuries that come with it.
Preserving Public Services
Digging without proper marking can disrupt:
- Internet and phone service
- Electricity to neighborhoods
- Water service to homes or businesses
- Emergency response communications
When these services go offline, plumbers can be held liable for the resulting damages and downtime—especially in high-density areas like Germantown, TN, where underground utilities are tightly packed and critical to daily operations.
What Plumbers and Homeowners Need to Know
When to Call 811
You must call 811 at least three business days before beginning any digging work that exceeds 12 inches in depth. This applies to:
- Sewer or water line replacement
- French drain installation
- Irrigation system installation
- Septic tank work
- Excavation for new construction
- Driveway or patio expansions
What Happens Next
Once a request is made:
- Utility companies are notified
- Professional locators visit the site and mark underground lines with color-coded flags and paint
- You receive a ticket number and clearance to dig after all utilities respond
The Role of Licensed Plumbing Professionals
Calling 811 is just the first step. Knowing how to interpret utility markings and safely excavate around them requires professional training. That’s why it’s essential to hire licensed plumbers with excavation experience and a strong track record of compliance.
According to a 2023 report by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), over 535,000 underground utility damages were reported in the U.S. in one year alone—costing more than $30 billion in direct and indirect costs. The CGA found that proper use of 811 can reduce utility damage incidents by 70%, showing how simple steps like a phone call can protect lives, infrastructure, and professional reputations.
Don’t Dig Blind in Germantown—Call 811 and Magnolia Plumbing
Whether you’re tackling a plumbing repair or planning a full property upgrade, digging without calling 811 is dangerous, expensive, and illegal. Protect yourself, your property, and your neighbors by following the law and trusting licensed professionals who know the local terrain.
At Magnolia Plumbing Company, we ensure every underground project meets Tennessee state law, prioritizes safety, and avoids costly setbacks. Our trained technicians understand local codes, soil conditions, and utility layouts across Germantown, Memphis, and the greater Shelby County area.
Contact Magnolia Plumbing Company today to schedule expert plumbing services in Germantown and surrounding areas.
