When you’re a homeowner, there are many projects you eventually find yourself taking on that you never thought you would have to. There might a be a major storm that rolls through and forces you to learn how to patch your roof, or you may have to learn how to use a power washer so you can clean the stains off your concrete driveway.
Something many homeowners experience at one point or another is having to dig in your own yard. You might be installing a water feature like a pond or putting in a pool, but everyone should show caution before getting out the shovel. There are certain dangers to be aware of when deciding if you should tackle a project or get a professional to do it. Check out some of the most common ones to learn why it’s always better to call a professional to get their opinion.
1. How a Project Needs to Be Done
There’s a difference between knowing what project you want to do and knowing how that project should be done. You might think you know all the steps when you don’t, which you’ll only realize once it’s too late to correct your mistake. Do lots of research on whatever the reason is that you want to dig in your yard, and if you find yourself questioning how to do any of the steps, get someone else involved who’s done it before.
2. Moving Dirt Is Harder Than It Looks
Shoveling dirt isn’t as easy as you might think it will be. There’s the increasingly difficult manual labor as the project goes on, and then you have to move the extra loose soil when you’re done. That’s the biggest struggle for homeowners attempting to dig in their own yard, since a single cubic yard of dirt can weigh as much as a car. That kind of weight is nearly impossible for one person to move, which is why a professional would come in handy, since they’d have the right equipment to move that dirt.
3. Cave-Ins Are Possible
When you’re digging a deeper trench in your yard to lay drainage or build a pool, you’re at risk of being a victim of a cave-in. These can happen even when there’s no earth above your head. Dirt can slide off a pile and into the hole where you’re digging, burying you almost instantly. Get informed by reading about the forces and effects of a cave-in. Even if you end up attempting a project alone, your safety should be the top priority.
4. Hazardous Gases Could Exist
You don’t have to worry about hitting only pipelines if you’re digging in your own yard. There could be hazardous gases waiting underneath the soil as well. Sewer gases can build up and leak if struck with digging machinery, impacting the health of anyone near it. A professional will have shields to block them if they exist, so the project environment is safe for all involved.
5. One Call Could Help
Maybe you’re thinking about calling a professional but you’re not sure where to start. If that’s the case, try calling 811. It’s the number designated by the FCC for people to call before beginning a dig. Every call is free and will connect you with a representative for your state so you learn about any digging laws you need to be aware of.
Digging in your own yard seems like something you could do on your own, but it’s much more complicated than most homeowners think. There’s not only utility lines to think about, but also hazardous gases and the logistics of moving the dirt when you’re done.
Don’t risk ruining your project or hurting your health. Call 811 to learn about how your state guides digging projects and then contact a local professional who can make the whole experience easy for everyone involved.
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