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HOMEOWNER FAQs
The list below is some of our most frequently asked questions. If you would like further explanation please feel free to call us at 1-800-362-2764, email us your question to iteam@ohioonecall.org or refer to the Ohio Revised Code.
- Does the 10 days begin from the day I call in or after I wait the 48 hours?
The 10 days begin on the date the ticket is called in and not the date you start digging. This does not include weekends or legal holidays.
- Do I need to call if I only need private lines marked?
Yes, it is the law to call before digging even if you need to call for private markings also.
- How far in advance can I call?
You should call at least 48 hours but no more than 10 working days, excluding weekends and legal holidays before commencing excavation.
- If my contractor is doing the work, do I call or do they?
The law states that the excavator, contractor or other person who will be physically excavating shall notify the protection service of the location of the excavation site and the date on which the excavation is planned to commence.
- Is there a fee to have my lines marked?
There is no fee for the utility companies to mark their lines. However, if you have privately owned lines and the utility company does not mark them, then it would be your responsibility to have those lines marked and you would need to contract a locating service to do so. The charges for locating services differ.
- I gave my 48-hour notice and my lines were not marked, can I dig?
If a utility company does not mark its underground utility facilities or contact the excavator within 48-hours of receiving the notice under section 3781.28 of the Ohio Revised Code, the utility is deemed to have given notice that it does not have any facilities at the excavation site.
- Why did the utility company tell me O.U.P.S. marks the lines?
O.U.P.S. itself does not locate or mark underground facilities. Locating and marking of facilities is the responsibility of the utility owners.
- Why do I have to call back to get remarking after 10 days, are the lines going to move?
According to state law, it is not necessary to update tickets unless markings are no longer visible and you need remarking. Ticket numbers remain active until remarking is needed and if the crew has started within 10 days and has not left the site.
- Why won't the utilities mark all service lines?
Utilities are only responsible for marking the underground facilities that they own and maintain. They may not mark service lines that were privately installed. It would be the property owner's responisibilty to have these lines located.
- Why can't the utilities give depth of lines?
There is no set required depth of underground lines in the state of Ohio. Lines may originally be buried at a particular depth, but due to erosion, and/or grading they may be more shallow or deep than the original placement. You can request the depth of the lines be put on your location and the utilities may give you an "approximate" depth.
- How deep do I have to be digging in order to call in?
You should always call before any digging, regardless of depth. The law states that excavation means the use of tools, power equipment, or explosives to move earth, rock or other materials in order to penetrate or bore or drill into the earth, or to demolish any structure whether or not it is intended that the demolition will disturb the earth.
- Why is it important to know if I am digging more than 200 feet off the road?
We ask this question to ensure that all the correct utility companies are notified. Many underground utilities, in addition to residences and businesses, are not located along a roadway. Expanding beyond 200 feet increases the normal search by the O.U.P.S. database into areas which may affect different underground utilities.
- Do I need to be there when they mark?
There is no need for you to be present during the markings unless you have a specific question for the locator or if you need to grant them access to your property. It is always best if you use white flags for pre-construction to assist the locators of your intended digging.
- Will they leave me anything to let me know they have been there?
In addition to seeing flags or paint marking the lines, some utility companies leave an "O.U.P.S. CARD" in your yard, informing you that they have been there. They may also contact you if they have any questions.
- Who marks the lines?
Many utility companies mark their own lines. However, some contract locating services to locate the lines for them.
- I was never told that there is a buffer zone; I can't dig within 18 inches?
The tolerance zone, or approximate location, according to the ORC, is "the site of the underground utility facility including the width of the underground utility facility plus eighteen inches (0.5m) on each side of the facility". Any excavation within the tolerance zone should be performed with hand tools in a careful and prudent manner until the marked facility is exposed.
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Things to note
• O.U.P.S. Experiences Unusually High Call Volumes
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