811 Dig

Aaron’s Errands complies with Washington State 811 Dig Law.

Effective 4/24/17 Aaron’s Errands works in compliance with Washington State 811 Dig. Per this law, our company must contact 811 Dig Before You Dig prior to installing posts. This allows local utility companies to provide visual verification of underground utilities so we can dig safely.

Broker Options

Option 1:

Mark the property yourself and then let us contact 811 Dig

• Broker marks the property with a white flag or spray paint
  
• Broker emails Aaron’s Errands with listing/install information – address, live date, any special instructions. (For best results, mark the property and let Aaron’s Errands know about your listing two weeks in advance.)
• Aaron’s Errands calls 811 Dig
• Utility companies mark underground lines
• Aaron’s Errands installs signage on go live date and sends conformation email confirming job is complete

Please Note: With this option the broker agrees to take responsibility if the utilities show up and there is no marking. This could result in a penalty of $1,000 and no signage allowed at the property for 45 days.

Option 2:

Have Aaron’s Errands take care of the entire 811 dig process for $40

• Broker emails Aaron’s Errands with listing/install information – address, live date, any special instructions. (For best results, mark the property and let Aaron’s Errands know about your listing two weeks in advance.)
• Aaron’s Errands flags the property and contacts 811 Dig
• Utility companies mark underground lines
• Aaron’s Errands installs signage on go live date and sends conformation email confirming job is complete

FAQ

How does 811 Dig compliance affect when my signage will be installed?

There is little to no impact to install dates if 811 Dig is called prior to the listing date. Best practice is to give yourself 1-2 weeks lead time on all listings.

If I call 811 Dig on Monday when can my post go up?

Remember to mark the property prior to calling 811 Dig! The utility companies have two full business days starting the day after the ticket is submitted. Once the properties are marked the signage will go up!

The table above assumes no holidays, inclement weather or high volume of calls. Both Aaron’s Errands and the utilities do their best to complete these tasks in a timely manner.

How early can Aaron’s Errands call 811 Dig?

811 Dig can be called up to 45 days before signage is installed. After 45 days, another ticket will need to be opened.

What if the property is not marked and 811 Dig is called?

When local utility department arrives at property with no marking the ticket is canceled and the process cannot be restarted for 45 days and a possible $1,000 fine is assessed (Please don’t let this happen)

How do I read the markings? What do they mean?

Each utility is assigned a color and the markings are placed above the buried utility line.

Why does Option 1 take three days?

Day 0: Broker marks property and sends install details to Aaron’s Errands.  Aaron’s Errands calls 811 Dig.

Days 1 & 2: Utilities mark the property

Day 3: Signage is installed 

Why does Option 2 take five days?

Day 0: Broker emails Aaron’s Errands

Days 1 &2: Aaron’s Errands marks property with flag or spray paint and contacts 811 Dig

Days 3 & 4: Utilities mark the property

Day 5: Signage is installed

What if I don’t know when my property will go live?

Call 811 Dig up to 45 days before and they will mark your property so signage can be installed when the listing is active.

Does calling 811 Dig cost money?

No, 811 Dig is a free service of the local utility companies.

Can Aaron’s Errands mark the property for me?

Yes! Aaron’s Errands will mark the property and coordinate the 811 Dig for a fee. We recommend that you call Aaron’s Errands one week prior to the listing go-live to insure timely installation.

What tools do I need to mark the property?

A white flag or white spray paint is acceptable to mark the property where you would like to the signage to go. Irrigation flags which can be purchased at Home Depot and Lowes are perfect for marking properties. Aaron’s Errands can provide a supply for you and your office at cost.

What if I work outside of Longview/Kelso area?

Aaron’s Errands will coordinate the 811 Dig for you. The five day lead time applies and includes marking the property and submitting the ticket for an additional service changes.

Will Aaron’s Errands complete this service for me?

Aaron’s Errands will coordinate the 811 Dig for you. The five day lead time applies and includes marking the property and submitting the ticket for an additional service changes.

What will the property look like after the markings are complete?

There are five utilities that will leave colored markings near the area marked for the signage.