Why Calling 811 is the Most Important Step of Your Fence Build
In North Texas, the ground beneath your feet is crowded. Between high-speed fiber optic lines, natural gas mains, and municipal water pipes, digging a fence post hole without knowing what’s underneath is a massive gamble.
At Fence Supply Inc., we’ve seen DIY projects turn into $10,000 repair bills because a single post hole struck a shallow utility line. This guide explains why Texas 811 is not just a safety recommendation—it is the law.
1. It’s the Law (Texas Utilities Code)
Under Texas law, anyone planning to dig deeper than 16 inches must notify a notification center at least 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) before work begins. Since a standard North Texas fence post requires a depth of 24″ to 36″, every fence project in DFW falls under this requirement.
- The Penalty: If you hit a line without a “locate ticket,” you are liable for the full cost of the repair, which can range from a few hundred dollars for a phone line to tens of thousands for a fiber optic backbone.
2. How to Request a Locate
You don’t need to be a professional contractor to use the service. It is 100% free for homeowners and professionals alike.
- Dial 811: Simply call 8-1-1 from any phone.
- Online Portal: Visit Texas811.org to submit a “Homeowner Locate Request” digitally.
- Timeline: You must call at least 2 business days before you plan to dig.
3. Understanding the Color Codes
Once you’ve made the call, utility locators will visit your property and mark the ground with spray paint or small flags. Each color represents a specific type of utility.
| Flag/Paint Color | What is Buried Underneath? |
| RED | Electric Power Lines, Cables, Conduit, and Lighting Cables |
| YELLOW | Gas, Oil, Steam, Petroleum, or Gaseous Materials |
| ORANGE | Communication, Alarm or Signal Lines, Cables or Conduit |
| BLUE | Potable (Drinking) Water |
| GREEN | Sewers and Drain Lines |
| PURPLE | Reclaimed Water, Irrigation, and Slurry Lines |
| WHITE | Proposed Excavation (Where you plan to build the fence) |
4. The “Tolerance Zone”
Once the lines are marked, you aren’t completely in the clear. Texas law defines a Tolerance Zone—typically 18 inches on either side of the outer edge of the utility.
- If your proposed post hole falls within this 18-inch zone, you should hand-dig with extreme caution rather than using a power auger or a “dingo” machine.
Pro-Tip: Mark Your Fence Line in White First
Before the locators arrive, use white spray paint to mark exactly where you plan for the fence to go. This helps the locators focus their efforts on your specific work area, ensuring the most accurate marks exactly where your posts will be.
What 811 Does NOT Mark
It is important to know that 811 locators only mark public utilities. They will not mark “private” lines that you or a previous homeowner installed. These include:
- Sprinkler system lines and valves.
- Electric lines running to a pool pump or outdoor kitchen.
- Sewer laterals (the pipe running from your house to the main).
- Gas lines for a backyard grill or fire pit.
If you have these private lines, you must locate them yourself or hire a private locating service.
Ready to Build Safely?
Once your flags are in the ground and your “all clear” is received, Fence Supply Inc. is ready to deliver your materials. We offer specialized flatbed delivery to ensure your heavy bundles of cedar and steel are dropped exactly where you need them—well away from those utility flags.
