Digging safety for homeowners

Before you start a project in your yard—from planting perennials to building a deck—you must click or call BC 1 Call. You’ll find out where underground gas and other utility lines are buried on your property. We have tips for safe digging to help avoid damages, hazards and costly repair to utility lines.

How to dig safely

  1. Request location information. Click BC 1 Call or call 1-800-474-6886 at least three business days before disturbing the ground in any way. There is no cost for this service.

    BC 1 Call

  2. Plan where it’s safe to dig. You’ll receive a map and directions of where the gas line is buried on your property. You’ll get this information within three days. Learn how to read your service map below.
  3. Find the line. Mark the location of the gas line on your property. If where you plan to dig is within one metre in any direction of where the line is shown on the map, carefully hand dig with a shovel to expose the line.

    Note: the gas lines indicated on the map are to be used as an estimate. Always exercise caution when digging around underground utilities.

Important: don’t use any power equipment within one metre in any direction of the gas line.

How do you read your service map?

After you’ve contacted BC 1 Call, you’ll receive a package of maps that show the location of gas lines on your property. Use our interactive service map guide or call us at 1-888-822-6555 for help understanding the maps and directions provided.

How deep are utility lines buried?

Some lines are buried less than 12 inches from the surface. Never assume utility lines are always buried several feet underground. Why aren’t they deeper? Many of them have been buried for decades. Things like erosion, landscaping and floods can remove soil from above the lines.

Ground disturbance of any kind (planting small shrubs, digging fence post holes and even tent stakes) could lead to damaging a line.

Watch our video to learn more


What if you still damage a gas line or smell gas?

  1. Stop what you’re doing immediately.
  2. Shut off any power tools or machinery.
  3. Call the FortisBC Emergency Line at 1-800-663-9911 (24 hours) or 911.