Why you should call 811 before starting on your outdoor projects

SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Summer can bring about outdoor projects, however, before you start getting to work on home improvement make a call to 811.

811 is the national “Call Before You Dig” phone number. When you call the number a representative will help with the process of finding which utility lines are under your property. According to Heath Ward, executive director of Springdale Water Utilities, many people believe 811 is only for major construction projects. However, he says that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“So, a lot of people don’t realize, when they are doing something as simple as a fence or digging a small trench, they could possibly hit a gas line, water line or electric line. Gas is probably, besides electric, the most volatile,” said Ward.

Ward answers some other questions about the importance of calling before you dig in the video above. Check it out before you grab your shovel.