When this matters
French drains, buried downspout lines, catch-basin connections, trenching, and some grading work can all disturb soil near buried utilities.
Cape Coral drainage education
Call 811 Before Drainage Digging in Florida
Drainage work can involve trenching, pipe routes, catch basins, downspout lines, or grading near buried utilities. Sunshine 811 is the Florida utility-notification path to understand before digging.
What to prepare
Know the property address, work area, type of digging, approximate route, start timing, and whether the work is homeowner-only or contractor-performed.
What 811 does not decide
A utility locate is not the same as a drainage design, permit approval, floodplain review, or confirmation that water can discharge to a chosen outlet.
Ask the provider
Before work starts, ask who is responsible for utility marking, private utility conflicts, irrigation lines, low-voltage lighting, and any permit or right-of-way questions.
Questions
Drainage FAQs
Should I think about 811 for a French drain?
Yes. If trenching or digging is involved, ask how utility locating will be handled before work starts.
Does 811 mark every underground item?
No. Ask separately about private utilities, irrigation, landscape lighting, septic components, and other site-specific underground items that may not be covered by standard public utility marking.
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