Your Suffolk County property could be sitting on a hidden maze of underground utilities that could cost you thousands in damages—or worse—if you dig without proper preparation
Every year, Suffolk County homeowners face expensive repairs, service outages, and safety hazards from accidentally striking underground utilities during excavation projects. With one of the most extensive, complicated, and congested underground infrastructures in the nation running beneath Long Island properties, understanding safe excavation practices isn’t just recommended—it’s essential for protecting your family and your wallet.
The Hidden Infrastructure Beneath Your Suffolk County Property
Suffolk County’s underground utility network is more complex than most homeowners realize. Buried gas lines, water pipes and electrical wires may be located beneath your yard, with underground electric, gas, communications and water lines everywhere, even on private property. From the coastal areas of Hampton Bays to inland communities like Holtsville, every property in Suffolk County sits above this critical infrastructure.
The consequences of striking these utilities can be severe. Striking a single line can cause serious injuries, as well as service disruption that may result in repair costs, fines, and environmental damage. What might start as a simple landscaping project or pool installation can quickly become a costly emergency situation.
New York 811: Your First Line of Defense
The good news is that Suffolk County homeowners have access to a free service that can prevent these disasters. For Bronx, Kings, New York, Kings, Richmond, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties: New York 811 serves as the official notification center for safe digging.
Homeowners or contractors planning any project that involves digging, even for small projects such as planting a tree or building a deck, are legally required to call 811 first. This isn’t just a recommendation—it’s the law in New York State.
The 811 Process: What Suffolk County Homeowners Need to Know
The process is straightforward but requires proper timing. Homeowners should contact New York 811, by dialing 811, at least 48 hours but no more than 10 working days (excluding weekends and legal holidays) before beginning any digging project.
Here’s what happens when you call:
- You’ll be automatically connected to the New York 811 call center and asked to provide some basic information about your digging project. New York 811 will then provide the information to the utility companies, who will send representatives to mark the locations of underground lines
- Once we notify the appropriate utility companies, they will have two working days (excluding weekends and legal holidays) to mark their lines with colored flags, stakes, or paint
- Once your property is marked, proceed with care, allowing at least an 24-inch “tolerance” zone on either side of the marked utility line
Understanding Utility Markings and Safe Excavation Practices
Professional excavation companies understand the color-coding system used to identify different utilities. One call to New York 811 provides for where gas (yellow), electric (red) and phone (orange) are located. However, homeowners should be aware that UDig NY member utility companies do not locate and mark private facilities on your property.
The tolerance zone is critical for safe digging. The Tolerance Zone is the diameter of the buried facility, plus two feet on either side of the designated center line. If the diameter is unknown, the Tolerance Zone is just two feet on each side of the designated center line. Always dig by hand within two feet of marked lines.
Professional Excavation Services: When to Call the Experts
While calling 811 is mandatory for any digging project, many Suffolk County homeowners benefit from working with professional excavation contractors who understand local conditions and regulations. Companies like Rolling Hills Property Services bring expertise that goes beyond basic safety requirements.
As your trusted grading contractors, Rolling Hills Property Services offers complete solutions for all your land prep needs. Our team has the know-how and the tools to handle projects of all sizes. From residential lawns to sprawling commercial sites, we make sure your land is perfectly graded and ready for its purpose.
Professional excavation contractors understand Suffolk County’s unique challenges. Suffolk County presents many challenges further when it comes to excavation. Those properties that are located closer to the coast more often work with high water tables and shifting sands; inland, you could expect compacted soil or even underground utilities.
When you need reliable Excavation Suffolk County services, working with experienced local contractors ensures your project meets all safety standards and local regulations. We’re familiar with Suffolk County regulations and can assist with obtaining the necessary permits for your project.
Emergency Response: What to Do If You Hit a Utility Line
Despite best efforts, accidents can happen. Knowing how to respond can prevent a bad situation from becoming catastrophic:
- If you suspect that you have damaged an underground facility, stop digging and contact UDig NY by calling 811 as well as the utility company
- If you suspect the release of any gas or liquid as a result of the damage, evacuate the job site and call 911
- Contact the utility company (if known) as well as New York 811 immediately even if there appears to be no damage. (Not all damage can be detected by the naked eye.)
- If a substance starts releasing into the air, such as natural gas, call 9-1-1. For your safety, walk away immediately and take steps to clear the area
2025 Updates and Regulatory Changes
Suffolk County homeowners should be aware that Amendments to the General Business Law Article 36 require certain excavators to be trained. This amendment went into affect on May 4, 2019. This means that professional excavation contractors must meet specific training requirements, making it even more important to work with properly certified companies.
The regulatory landscape continues to evolve, with County government strives to protect the health, safety, and welfare of individuals who live and work in Suffolk County. This Legislature also finds and determines that construction and public works projects frequently require that utility mains be located underground and marked for the safety of on-site workers and the public.
Making Safe Excavation a Priority
Safe excavation in Suffolk County isn’t just about avoiding fines or service disruptions—it’s about protecting your family, your property, and your community. Calling before you dig helps keep your family and community safe.
Whether you’re planning a simple garden project or a major construction endeavor, the process starts with that essential call to 811. The good news is that you can easily avoid these hazards with one free phone call to 811 before you dig.
For larger projects requiring professional expertise, working with established Suffolk County excavation companies ensures your project meets all safety standards while protecting the underground infrastructure that keeps our communities running. We’re all about delivering quality results while sticking to strict safety standards. Our contractors team up with clients to understand their vision and deliver solutions that hit their goals. Our reputation in Suffolk County shows our dedication to doing things right.
Remember: every successful excavation project in Suffolk County starts with proper planning, professional utility location services, and respect for the complex infrastructure beneath our feet. Don’t let your next project become a cautionary tale—make the call, follow the rules, and dig safely.