Homeowner guide · Digging safely
Call 811 before digging a sewer or water line in Tredyffrin
In Pennsylvania, homeowners and contractors must call 811 three business days before digging, so buried utility lines can be marked. That applies to sewer lateral and water line repairs in Tredyffrin. Here is how the process works and what it does not cover.
Key takeaways
The short version
- Homeowners and contractors must call 811 before digging, the PA PUC says.
- Call at least three business days before the digging starts.
- You can also submit a request online through PA One Call.
- Utility owners mark their buried lines after they are notified.
- Tredyffrin’s sewer page lists Pennsylvania One Call at 1-800-242-1776.
The rule
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission says homeowners and contractors must call 8-1-1 three business days before starting any digging or excavation project (PA PUC). Underground power lines, communication cables, gas lines, water lines and other utilities may be buried on your property, and their owners mark them once notified.
Tredyffrin’s sanitary sewer page lists Pennsylvania One Call at 1-800-242-1776 (Tredyffrin Public Works).
Plumbing jobs that usually involve digging
Sewer lateral repair
Replacing a cracked or root-filled section of the pipe between your house and the public sewer.
Water service line
Repairing or replacing the line from the curb to your house.
New sewer connection
Connecting a property to public sewer, which Tredyffrin handles through its Director of Authority Operations.
Exterior cleanouts
Adding or raising a cleanout so it sits at least 6 inches above ground, as the Township asks.
How to request a locate
- Dial 811, or submit a request online through PA One Call, which the PUC links to.
- Make the request at least three business days before digging.
- Wait for the utility owners to mark their lines before work begins.
- Keep the marks visible until the job is done.
Source: PA PUC. The PUC page does not define every situation that counts as excavation, so when in doubt, call.
What the marks may not show
The PUC page says facility owners mark their buried lines. It does not say whether privately owned lines are marked, such as your own sewer lateral or a line you added to a detached garage. Plan as if your private lines will not be marked, and tell your plumber where you think they run.
Work that reaches the street
If a repair reaches into the street, Tredyffrin lists a Road Occupancy Permit Application and road restoration requirements on its sewer page (Tredyffrin Public Works). Ask Public Works at 610-408-3620 which apply before you schedule the dig.
When to call
Need a sewer or water line dug up?
We schedule the 811 locate and the repair for homes in Wayne, Strafford, Paoli, Chesterbrook, Berwyn and Devon. Call (610) 788-0042.
Frequently asked questions
811 questions
Answers by John, Tredyffrin Easttown Plumber.
Do homeowners in Pennsylvania have to call 811?
Yes. The PA Public Utility Commission says homeowners and contractors must call 811 before digging.
How far ahead do I call 811 in Pennsylvania?
Three business days before digging or excavation begins, according to the PA PUC.
Can I request a locate online?
Yes. The PA PUC says you can submit a request online through PA One Call.
What is the PA One Call phone number?
Dial 811. Tredyffrin’s sewer page also lists Pennsylvania One Call at 1-800-242-1776.
Will 811 mark my private sewer lateral?
Not found. The PA PUC page says facility owners mark their buried lines but does not say whether privately owned lines are marked.
What are the penalties for not calling 811?
Not found. The PA PUC’s PA One Call page does not list penalties.
Sources
Where these facts come from
Every figure and rule in this guide comes from the public sources below. Rules and fees can change, so confirm with the source before you act.
Keep reading
Related services and guides
Sewer laterals in Tredyffrin
What you own and who to call.
Connecting to sewer
Tapping fee and steps.
Water line plumbing
Service line repairs.
Drain and sewer
Lateral repair.
Our service area
Plumbing across Tredyffrin Township, PA
Tredyffrin Easttown Plumber serves every neighborhood in Tredyffrin Township, including Wayne, Strafford, Chesterbrook, Paoli, Berwyn, Devon, Daylesford, and Howellville, plus neighboring Easttown Township. Our office is at 217 Conestoga Rd, Suite 10, Wayne, PA 19087.
