 You must always call 8-1-1 before any digging project. 8-1-1 is our national one-call number, alerting your local utility companies to come out and mark any lines they have near your dig site. You must call 8-1-1 at least two to three business days before any digging project so you can avoid hitting our essential buried utilities. This includes natural gas and petroleum pipelines, electric, communication cables, and water and sewer lines.