811Know what's below
The law, and the way we work
In Texas, calling 811 before you dig is required by law. It is also just how a careful contractor operates. Two working days before we break ground, the locate goes in.
Before the first cut
How a Pro-Tech dig starts
Every job begins the same way. We file the one-call ticket, wait the required time for the utilities to mark their lines, and then hand-expose anything critical so we can see it before a machine gets near it.
- File the Texas 811 one-call ticket two working days ahead
- Wait for the utilities to mark the right-of-way
- Pothole and daylight critical crossings by hand or vacuum
- Locate private lines that 811 does not cover
- Respect the marks and keep clearance from marked utilities
- Install tracer wire and warning tape so the next crew is warned
Located, then openedReference
The utility locate color code
When you see paint and flags before a job, this is what the colors mean.
Electric power lines and conduit
Gas, oil, steam, petroleum
Communications and fiber
Potable water
Sewer and drain lines
Reclaimed water and slurry
Temporary survey markings
Proposed excavation
Crew & public safetyOn the job
Keeping the crew and the public safe
Underground work happens next to traffic, near energized lines, and in open trenches. We plan for all three.
- Traffic control and signage around the work zone
- Trench protection and safe access on deeper cuts
- Clearance and coordination near energized lines
- Backfill and plating so the site is safe overnight