Find helpful resources and information concerning New York 811 and safe excavations practices.

Attention Plumbers
Trenchless Utility Construction & Blocked Sewer Lines

A blocked sewer line may be the result of another utility line which was accidentally “cross bored” through a sewer line during the trenchless construction process.

When this happens it may take the sewer line a long time to become blocked and the excavator who caused the damage may be unaware of what has happened. If a sewer blockage is then cleared with mechanical clearing tools, there is a risk of cutting through the utility line which is causing the blockage.

This in turn could result in a loss of utility service, or if it is a gas or electric line causing the blockage, may result in serious injury or property damage.

When engaged in trenchless construction operations, limit the risk of a cross bore situation from occurring and reduce the risk of serious injury or property damage.

Contact 811 and other nonmember utility members in the area. It is very important to ascertain the location of sewer mains and laterals within the work area. If underground utilities exist in the area of the proposed bore path, pothole to ensure their exact location and depth and to verify that a cross bore does not occur. Before conducting a trenchless operation to install any type of facility, first contact 811 and non-member companies.

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Here are some useful resources for excavators and contractors

Excavator Handbook: NY811 Excavator Manual

Spanish Excavator Handbook: Coming soon

Promotional Items

New York 811 offers several safe digging promotional items for excavator and contractor use. For more information, contact one of our damage prevention liaisons.

Utility Color Codes

When utility company representatives mark a location, they use colored flags and/or paint to identify the type of underground service:

Color Example	Color	Definition
	Red	Electric power lines, cables, conduit and lighting cables
	Yellow	Gas, oil, steam, petroleum or gaseous materials
	Orange	Communication, alarm or signal lines, cables or conduit
	Blue	Potable water
	Purple	Reclaimed water, irrigation and slurry lines
	Green	Sewers and drain lines
	Pink	Temporary survey markings
	White	Proposed excavating