Call 811 Before You Dig | Atmos Energy
Graphic of shovel digging in shallow dirt surrounded by yellow and red flags indicating buried utility lines.

Call 811 Before You Dig

Be Safe When Digging

Watch Gus' video to learn why calling 811 before you start a project that involves digging is the smart thing to do.

 

Before You Get Started

Call 811 at least three business days before you want to dig. You’ll reach an 811 call center, which will coordinate with Atmos Energy, your electric company and other utilities to mark all the utility-owned underground pipes and cables. Here's how it works: 

  • Call 811 to locate utility-owned pipelines and cables.
  • Utility lines are located and marked with color-coded flags.
  • Respect the flags by not digging close to them.
  • It’s free. It’s safe. And it’s required by law.

A call to 811 does not mark customer-owned lines or those inside buildings, except in Kansas. To identify those, contact a licensed plumber or qualified contractor. 

Damaged Natural Gas Pipelines

The most common cause of outside natural gas leaks is digging or construction that disturbs natural gas pipelines. If you nick, scrape or dent a natural gas pipeline, call 911, then call Atmos Energy’s emergency number at 866-322-8667 so we can inspect the pipeline and make any needed repairs. Even minor damage can weaken a pipeline and lead to a future leak.

For more information about safe digging practices, read our Damage Prevention Awareness / Descargue la guía del excavador para excavar con seguridad brochure.

Learn How to Detect a Gas Leak

Rosie the Skunk can teach you how to detect a natural gas leak and know what to do if you suspect a leak.