Homeowner

Homeowner Help

Safe digging starts with knowledge. Learn when and how to contact CBYD before beginning any excavation project.

Digging responsibly is the only way to dig. The impact of unsafe or careless digging practices is real and often costly — in terms of personal injury and damage to underground utility lines, property, and the environment. Calling CBYD before you dig is the law in Connecticut.

What is CBYD?

CBYD (Call Before You Dig, Inc.) is a non-stock, non-profit organization comprised of all public utility companies and municipalities within Connecticut. Our free service provides homeowners and professional excavators with a toll-free number (800-922-4455) for locating and marking underground facilities.

CBYD serves as a message-handling and notification service for underground facility owners, taking information about planned excavations and dispatching this information to potentially affected members. Facility owners are responsible for marking or identifying their underground facilities.

  • CBYD neither owns nor locates underground facilities.
  • Voice notifications are recorded for your protection and ours.
  • CBYD does not translate conversations. Notifications must be made in English, and callers must be prepared to answer required questions.

When do I call CBYD?

Anyone planning an outdoor project that requires digging with power or mechanized equipment must notify CBYD before digging. Project depth, size, or location on public or private property are not legal exemptions.

CBYD also strongly encourages notification when using hand tools such as shovels, post-hole diggers, or axes, as these can damage underground utilities and cause serious injury.

Home projects that require notice

Examples of projects that require contacting CBYD include:

  • Decks, fences, trees, shrubs, mailbox posts, swing sets
  • Room additions, patios, gardens, landscaping, fountains
  • Swimming pools, tents, outdoor lighting, satellite dishes

Making the call

The person actually doing the digging is required by law to contact CBYD. The caller must allow at least two full working days (excluding weekends and holidays) before excavation begins.

Customer Service Representatives can assist with processing locate requests. To avoid delays, refrain from calling Monday mornings or just before closing at 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

If you hire a contractor, they are legally responsible for notifying CBYD. Any company that refuses or asks you to call on their behalf should be avoided.

Please be prepared to provide:

  • Your name, address, phone number, and email address
  • The town where excavation will occur
  • Street address and nearest intersecting street, or compass direction and distance if no address exists
  • A specific description of the type of work
  • Clear remarks describing the work area, which must be pre-marked with white paint, flags, or white-tipped stakes
  • The planned start date and time

After the call, you will receive an email confirmation listing notified utilities and ticket details. Review it carefully and contact CBYD immediately if errors are found.

An eleven (11)-digit ticket number will be issued. Keep this number as proof of compliance with state law.

Emergencies

Emergency excavation is permitted when there is danger to life, health, or property, interruption of major industrial operations, or to maintain public utility service.

CBYD will process emergency requests and notify affected utilities; however, the caller must also notify each utility company directly. Emergency requests are taken seriously, and misuse may result in fines up to $30,000.

Poor planning does not qualify as an emergency. Examples include installing swingsets, basketball hoops, outdoor lighting, pools, fences, or landscaping.

After the call

You have 30 calendar days from the notification date to begin work. If the project extends beyond 30 days, you must renew or update your ticket.

CBYD does not mark private facilities such as sprinkler systems, private electric lines, sewer laterals, or security systems.

At the dig site

Once markings are placed and the legal start date has passed, excavation may begin. Power tools may not be used within 18 inches of gas markings.

If an underground facility is exposed or damaged, notify the utility company immediately. Do not attempt repairs yourself.

After completing your project, remove any flags marking underground facilities. If you encounter markings you did not request, leave them in place.