If you are planning a home improvement project, whether it is installing a new fence, planting trees, building a deck, or even adding a swimming pool, there is one crucial step you should never skip—calling MISS DIG before you start digging. Many homeowners are surprised to learn how much critical infrastructure lies just beneath the surface of their yards. Gas lines, water pipes, cable wires, and electric lines are all hidden underground, and damaging them can cause costly repairs, serious injuries, or even life-threatening accidents. Calling MISS DIG is a free and essential service that protects both you and your community.
MISS DIG is Michigan’s underground utility locating service, but similar “call before you dig” programs exist in other states across the U.S. The service acts as a communication link between homeowners, excavators, and utility companies. When you call 811 or place a request online, MISS DIG notifies utility providers in your area about your planned project. Those providers then send crews to mark the location of underground lines with flags or paint. Please do not remove the flags until the construction is completed or after 21 days from placement. This allows you to see exactly where it is safe to dig and where you need to avoid.
Flag Color Key:
White- Area of Proposed Excavation
Pink- Temporary Survey Markings
Red- Electric
Yellow- Gas, Oil, Steam, Propane
Orange- Phone and Cable
Blue- Water
Purple- Reclaimed water, irrigation
Green- Sewer
Gray- Used to Erase Marks
The consequences of digging without knowing what’s below can be severe. Accidentally striking a gas line, for example, could cause a dangerous leak, an explosion, or injuries to you and your neighbors. Cutting into a water pipe, electrical or telecommunications cable could lead to costly repairs, service outages, or property damage. Even something as small as driving a fence post or planting a shrub can hit underground utilities if you do not know where they are. Beyond the safety risks, homeowners may also be held financially responsible for the damage if they failed to call MISS DIG before starting work.
It’s not just homeowners who rely on MISS DIG—your local Internet service provider, like D & P Communications for example, depends on it as well. When providers install or upgrade broadband lines in a neighborhood, they must first request MISS DIG to mark existing utility lines. This prevents them from accidentally damaging other services and ensures that new Internet cables are placed safely underground. By using MISS DIG, Internet providers can expand and maintain reliable service in your community without disrupting gas, electric, or water lines. In many cases, this same process helps keep your connection strong when new infrastructure or repairs are needed in your area.
Calling MISS DIG is about more than just protecting your own property—it safeguards your entire community. A single damaged line could disrupt gas, electricity, Internet, or water service for your neighbors. It could also tie up emergency crews and utility workers who need to respond to the accident. By making the call before you dig, you are helping keep your community safe and ensuring essential services remain available without interruption.
Some homeowners hesitate because they think the process will be time-consuming, but contacting MISS DIG is simple and free. In most cases, utility companies respond within a few days to mark the lines on your property. Planning ahead by calling at least three business days before you begin digging will ensure your project stays on schedule and avoids unnecessary risks.
Every successful home improvement project starts with careful preparation and calling MISS DIG should be at the top of your checklist. It only takes a few minutes to make the call, but it could prevent thousands of dollars in damages, protect your family’s safety, and keep your community running smoothly. Whether you are taking on a small landscaping job or a major construction project, remember—always call MISS DIG before you dig.
