Greening Milwaukee

Why Call Diggers Hotline?

Aside from the fact that you could put yourself in serious danger if you don’t do so… it's the law!

Wisconsin Statute 182.0175 requires all excavators including homeowners and construction contractors to notify owners and operators of buried facilities of their intent to dig at least three business days prior to beginning their work. Calling Diggers Hotline is the quickest and easiest way to comply with the law.

Protect Yourself.

If you don't call before you dig, you are putting yourself and your neighbors in danger. A shovel could easily cut through a buried underground electric line, and a damaged gas pipeline would put your entire neighborhood in jeopardy.

Dig Now, Pay Later.

If you dig without calling Diggers Hotline and you damage underground facilities, not only will you be financially responsible for the damage, but you could also be subject to a fine of up to $2,000.

Did You Know...?

Diggers Hotline does not locate underground facilities. Instead, we take calls from excavators, both homeowners and professionals, and then relay that information to the owners of underground facilities in that area. It is the responsibility of the underground facility owners to mark any buried lines they may have in your area.

Contacting Diggers Hotline
Toll Free: (800) 242-8511
In Milwaukee: (414) 259-1181
TDD: (800) 542-2289
www.DiggersHotline.com
24 Hours a Day 365 Days a Year

A trained operator will answer your call and ask several questions about the nature of the work. Some of the questions may not apply to you, but all questions need to be asked of all callers. All calls coming into the Diggers Hotline call center are recorded and kept on file for six years.

After The Call

Remember to keep the ticket number the Diggers Hotline operator gives you at the end of your call. It is your legal proof that you have called Diggers Hotline and complied with the state law.

You have 10 calendar days from your project's start date and time (which you receive from Diggers Hotline) to begin your work. The markings remain valid if you continue to work on your project without interruptions of more than 10 calendar days. If there is inactivity on your project for more than 10 calendar days, you'll have to call Diggers Hotline to get a new three working day start date and time.

Also, be aware of underground facilities that you may own. The electric line to a detached garage or lamp, underground sprinkler systems, security systems, sewer or water laterals and walkway lights connected by underground cables are all private facilities, and therefore owned by you. Be aware of your private facilities before you dig. The owners of these private facilities are responsible to mark any facilities within the locate request area.

At the Dig Site

After the utility markings have been placed, state law does not permit excavation with power tools or machines within 18 inches on either side of the markings. If you need to dig within 18 inches of the markings, hand tools, such as shovels, may be used with caution.

f you expose an underground facility, it is your responsibility to inspect it before backfilling. If damage of any kind is discovered or suspected, it is your responsibility to notify the affected utility immediately. If the markings are destroyed or tampered with, just call Diggers Hotline and you can get facilities relocated within 24 hours. After you are done with your project, it is your responsibility to remove any flags that have marked underground facilities. If you find paint marks or flags on your property and you did not call Diggers Hotline, leave the marks or flags in place, as they are for a professional excavation in your area. Keep the marks intact; they will be removed in a timely fashion.

About Diggers Hotline

Diggers Hotline was established in 1976 and has helped thousands of people obtain information on the location of underground facilities and safe working clearances from overhead lines all for absolutely no cost to the caller.

Diggers Hotline was created to increase worker and public safety, prevent damage to underground and overhead facilities, protect the environment and to help ensure continuity of utility and communication services.

Anyone planning on or actually digging or excavating, no matter how big or small the job, is required by law to contact Diggers Hotline at least three working days before digging.

Diggers Hotline, Wisconsin's one-call notification center, coordinates activities between excavators and owners of underground facilities, such as buried phone, cable, gas, water or electric lines. Calling Diggers Hotline provides an easy way for anyone involved with excavation to comply with Wisconsin State Statute 182.0175.

Information on this page was provided by Diggers Hotline