Call Before You Dig: Sprinkler Systems, Too

Outdoor Projects Can Break Your Irrigation System: We’re Here to Help

Before starting any outdoor project that requires digging, it’s important to Call Before You Dig by calling 8-1-1. The Ohio Utilities Protection Service will make sure critical public utilities are marked with spray paint on your property, such as:

Electrical
Gas
Water
Sewer
Telecom
Cable
Fiber Optic

This is a free service, and homeowners are required to give notice of at least 48 hours before the project start. On its website, Ohio811 gives a good overview of the Safe Digging Process. Kentucky also has an 8-1-1 line, with a helpful website, and so does Indiana.

What Call Before You Dig DOESN’T Mark

Any private utilities or underground improvements on your property are not covered by Call Before You Dig. These include:

Private lines on your property after the meter or point of service
Invisible fence wire
Septic systems
Irrigation systems

TriState Water Works is happy to schedule an appointment with homeowners to mark their irrigation systems before digging projects. We are the Tristate’s prompt and proven sprinkler service professionals, and we understand the urgency needed in marking a system.

Why Is It Important to Mark Your Sprinkler System?

A sprinkler system is fairly complex, with both plumbing and electrical elements. Check out our video “Sprinkler System Repair: Untangling the Underground” for a peek below the surface. Here’s what we flag when we mark your irrigation system:

Sprinkler heads
Valve box locations
Main line
Underground wiring

With our electrical contact tracing equipment, it’s also possible for us to mark other items, like landscape lighting wire, electrical out to yard lights or an invisible dog fence.

When you hire a contractor for a larger project, they will typically handle the 8-1-1 call for you. But it’s rare that they will consider your irrigation system. Prevent costly repairs by having TriState Water Works mark the sprinklers beforehand.

Examples of Projects that Require Call Before You Dig

Sometimes, it can be easy to forget to Call Before You Dig, especially if a project doesn’t seem that major. But any digging project can interrupt underground utilities or your sprinkler system. Here are a few examples:

Landscaping projects like planting new trees or shrubs
Expanding electrical service for a hot tub installation
Installing a fence
Building a deck or paver patio
Installing a new mailbox
Installing new dirt and/or sod
Staking outdoor party tents
Any excavation work, like for driveways, retaining walls, foundations, pool, etc.
Removing tree roots
Adding a new irrigation zone or irrigation repair work

What If I’m Having Sprinkler System Repair Work Done?

When TriState Water Works is digging on your property, we handle the 8-1-1 call for you. We do ask that you mention all other services that might be buried, and we can usually trace those ourselves. We want to make it easy for you to get your irrigation system in tip-top shape. Watch Sean’s video to learn more.