Knowing What Is Below

• Depending on your location, underground utilities range from municipal water and sewer lines to supply lines for gas and electricity. If you live in the country, you also need to consider well and septic system features prior to digging holes for fence posts.
  
  

The Process

• Once you have made the call to *811 or to the individual utility companies, arrangements will be made for representatives to come to your property and mark the utilities. Each underground utility is marked using a different and often universally accepted color of spray paint.
  
  

All Clear to Dig

• You'd be well advised to refrain from making too many plans for your fence prior to all utilities being marked. Once your know what is below and have been given the go-ahead to dig, plan your fence design, purchase your materials and dig with confidence.
  
  

Warning About Permits

• Check to make certain any necessary fence permits are in place prior to beginning fence construction. Permits vary by project and location. Marking of underground utilities is often a prerequisite of the permitting process.