Don't Say "Oops!", Call OUPS BEFORE Digging!

Don't Say "Oops!", Call OUPS BEFORE Digging!

Dear BLiz,
How do I find out where the utility lines are on that new house you helped us buy?
Signed,
Dig Dug

Dear DD,
That's a valid concern!  Where are the gas, water & electric lines? Bigtime safety issue if you start slicing into these!

How about that TV cable line?  You want to make your family mad?  Sever that line that provides their lifeline to the TV and Internet!  And do you think you'll get the cable company out there the same day to fix it?  HA!!!

But did you know getting these lines located is actually pretty easy, and FREE (restrictions apply!).  And actually, if you're planning any digging projects (footers for your new deck for instance), it's Ohio LAW to notify the utility companies and have them come out and mark the lines so you know where it's safe to dig. 

So how to you get this FREE marking service?  It's just a phone call away.  Call 811 or 1-800-362-2764.  Per Ohio Law, you're required to contact OUPS (Ohio Utilities Protection Service) at least 48 hours prior to digging and no more than 10 working days prior to your project start.  Once you file the request, OUPS notifies the applicable utility companies and someone  will be out to mark the lines.  You DON'T have to be home for the service.

When they're done you'll have some painted lines and marker flags in place to identify your utility lines (we've had this done ourselves a couple of times over the years before planting shrubs).

Now they don't tell you how deep the lines are, just WHERE they are.  For instance, we know our TV cable line is barely covered in dirt in some places because we watched the line replacement some years ago.  The water and electric lines are much deeper!

What WON'T they mark?  Any non-publicly provided services.  For instance that private septic system, the line from your propane tank to the house, or privately installed extras (for instance do you have water & power out to the barn?).  For those items you'll have to hire your own marking service if your digging project is going to bring you anywhere near them.

For more information, visit www.OUPS.org.  Note that is a DOT ORG site, NOT DOT COM.  If you want to shop in German, go to the DOT COM site!

We hope this helps you avoid any digging accidents!  Hitting a gas or electric line with a shovel or excavator won't end well!

Serving Warren County's residential real estate needs,
Liz and Bill aka BLiz