Planning a pool, fence, or new landscaping in Braselton? Before a shovel hits the ground, one simple step can protect you, your property, and your timeline: call 811. Hitting a buried line can cause injuries, service outages, and expensive repairs. In this guide, you will learn how Georgia’s 811 system works, what Atlanta Gas Light marks, the color codes you will see, and a practical checklist to keep your project safe and compliant. Let’s dive in.
Why utility safety matters in Braselton
Braselton and Jackson County have seen steady residential growth, which means more projects like fencing, in‑ground pools, irrigation, decks, and accessory structures. Many of these require digging near underground utilities. Natural gas distribution is common across northeast Georgia, and Atlanta Gas Light operates much of the network that serves local homes.
When you dig without locating utilities, you risk personal injury, service disruptions, costly repairs, and project delays. A quick 811 request helps protect people and property and keeps your project on schedule.
How 811 works in Georgia
What happens when you call 811
Calling 811 or using the state one‑call portal creates a locate ticket. That ticket alerts participating utility owners and operators near your planned excavation. Utility locators then mark the approximate location of their underground facilities with paint, flags, or other markers and share relevant details with you or your contractor.
Timeline and what to expect
State one‑call systems operate on business days and require advance notice. Best practice is to submit your request at least 3 business days before you plan to dig. After your ticket is processed, expect markings at the site. Remember, markings indicate approximate horizontal location. Depth is not guaranteed.
What gets marked vs. what does not
Utilities typically mark public facilities and utility‑owned service lines up to the meter. This includes gas mains and services, electric, communications, potable water, sanitary sewer, reclaimed water, and some fiber.
Utilities often do not mark private lines on your property after the meter. Examples include customer‑owned gas lines to a pool heater, private irrigation lines, underground landscape lighting, private electric to a shed, septic tanks, and septic laterals. These require separate private locating or careful hand exposure before using equipment.
Utility marking colors you will see
The national APWA/Common Ground Alliance color code helps you read marks on site:
- Red: Electric power
- Yellow: Gas, oil, steam, petroleum, gaseous materials
- Orange: Communications, alarm, signal lines
- Blue: Potable water
- Green: Sewers and drain lines
- Purple: Reclaimed water, irrigation
- White: Proposed excavation
- Pink: Temporary survey markings
Use these colors to verify the marks. Gas is always yellow.
Gas locate basics with Atlanta Gas Light
Atlanta Gas Light participates in Georgia’s one‑call system and typically marks AGL‑owned gas mains and service lines up to the meter. You will see yellow paint or flags for gas. These marks show approximate horizontal location and not depth.
Private piping on the customer side of the meter is usually the homeowner’s responsibility and may not be marked by AGL. Plan private locates for any customer‑owned lines.
Safety if you smell gas
Natural gas is odorized with a rotten‑egg smell. If you smell gas, leave the area immediately. From a safe distance, call 911 and the gas company’s emergency number. Do not use phones, switches, or start vehicles inside the affected area. Do not try to fix a gas leak yourself.
Working near meters and risers
Keep the area around gas meters, regulators, and risers clear. Do not stack soil or materials on the equipment, and do not place heavy machinery close to the meter set. If work must occur within standard clearances, coordinate with the gas utility in advance and plan for any service interruptions.
Step‑by‑step checklist before you dig
Pre‑planning
- Confirm permits and setbacks. Check Braselton and Jackson County requirements for pools and major landscaping.
- Call 811 or use the Georgia one‑call portal at least 3 business days before digging.
- Make your ticket specific. Describe the full project area and the type of work, such as pool, fencing, or trenching.
On‑site verification
- Walk the site once marks appear. Confirm marks for every utility and take photos for your records.
- Use the color code to verify each utility. Look for yellow for gas.
- Understand that marks show location only. Do not rely on depth assumptions.
Private facilities
- Arrange private locates for customer‑owned lines, including:
- Gas piping beyond the meter
- Irrigation and landscape lighting
- Invisible dog fences and private electric runs
- Septic tanks and laterals
- If you cannot confirm a private line, hand‑dig or use vacuum excavation to find it before using machinery.
Before excavation
- Hand‑expose or vacuum‑excavate utilities if equipment will operate within a few feet of a mark. This is essential near gas mains and services.
- Keep clear space around meters and regulators. Do not store materials on gas components.
- If your work must cross or run alongside a gas main, contact the gas utility for guidance and to coordinate any required utility work.
Documentation and ticket validity
- Save your locate ticket number and responses. Tickets and marks have a limited validity window. If work is delayed or marks fade, renew the ticket.
- Require contractors to show proof of the 811 ticket and photos of fresh marks before work begins.
Emergency readiness
- If a line is damaged or you suspect a gas leak, evacuate the area. From a safe location, call 911 and the gas company emergency line.
- For non‑emergency nicks or scrapes, stop work and notify the utility and the one‑call center for next steps.
Project examples and tips
In‑ground pools
Pool excavation often crosses utility corridors. Confirm all public and private utilities before digging the shell. Gas piping to a pool heater is usually on the customer side. Verify whether you need a new or upsized gas service and secure necessary permits. Coordinate any meter moves or service changes with the gas utility.
Landscaping and tree planting
Shallow trenching for edging, lighting, or irrigation can still hit service laterals. Place trees with respect to known utility corridors to avoid root conflicts. Always request a locate and hand‑expose near marks.
Fencing, sheds, mailboxes, and irrigation
Post holes and shallow trenches commonly strike private lines and services. Place an 811 ticket, verify marks, and hand‑dig within a couple of feet of any marking.
Avoid common mistakes
- Skipping the 811 ticket or assuming a contractor will handle it without confirmation.
- Assuming depth based on past experience. Depth is not guaranteed.
- Digging when marks are missing, unclear, or faded. Request a remark before proceeding.
- Ignoring private utilities. Plan private locates or hand‑expose to confirm.
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FAQs
What should Braselton homeowners do first before digging?
- Place an 811 locate request at least 3 business days before excavation, then verify marks on site and plan private locates for customer‑owned lines.
Does 811 mark private lines on my property?
- Generally no. Customer‑owned lines after the meter, irrigation, private electric, invisible fences, and septic systems need private locating or careful hand exposure.
How accurate are utility locate marks in Georgia?
- Marks show approximate horizontal location. Depth is not guaranteed. Hand‑expose or vacuum‑excavate when working close to any mark.
What do yellow flags or paint mean in my yard?
- Yellow indicates gas facilities, such as mains or service lines. Treat the area with extra caution and verify exact location before using equipment.
What should I do if I smell natural gas during a project?
- Leave the area immediately. From a safe distance, call 911 and the gas company’s emergency number. Do not use phones or switches near the odor source.
Who is responsible for the 811 ticket, homeowner or contractor?
- Either party can place the ticket, but confirm in your contract who will do it, and keep the ticket number and photos of marks on file.
What if the utility marks fade or my project is delayed?
- Do not proceed with unclear or expired marks. Contact the one‑call center to renew your ticket and request remarking before work resumes.
