SC811 is the starting point for public utility locating
SC811 tells South Carolina homeowners to submit a locate request before projects involving digging. Its homeowner guidance says to submit the request at least three business days before work begins, excluding the day the ticket is filed, weekends and holidays.
Utility marks show horizontal location, not guaranteed depth
SC811 explains that facility owners mark the horizontal location of covered facilities because actual depth can vary with installation, grading, erosion and other conditions. A painted or flagged line should never be treated as a statement that the utility is safely below the grinder.
Private lines may need separate attention
Not every buried line on a property is necessarily owned by a public utility. Irrigation, landscape lighting, private electrical runs, pool equipment and similar private facilities can require separate locating or owner-provided information. Tell the provider what you know about the property.
What to photograph before the quote
- Utility markings or flags near the stump
- Irrigation heads and valve boxes
- Landscape-lighting routes you know about
- Fences and gate access
- Driveways, sidewalks and foundations close to the stump
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I contact 811 before stump grinding?
SC811 instructs homeowners to contact 811 before digging projects. Because stump grinding disturbs soil below grade, utility locating should be addressed before work starts.
Does 811 tell me how deep a utility is?
No. SC811 states that members mark horizontal location; facility depth can vary.
Is SC811 free for homeowners?
Yes. SC811 describes its locate service as free.
Helpful Sources
For equipment specifications, utility-locate guidance and local rules, these primary sources are useful starting points: