Fence installation means digging. In Wisconsin, that means Diggers Hotline / 811 should be part of the plan before the first hole is dug.
A fence line may cross gas, electric, communication, water, sewer, irrigation, or private lines. Hitting one can be dangerous, expensive, and disruptive.
What is Diggers Hotline?
Diggers Hotline is Wisconsin’s one-call system for underground utility locating. Before excavation, a locate request helps utility owners mark the approximate location of buried public utility lines.
For fence projects, this is critical because posts are installed repeatedly along a property line. One missed line can turn a simple project into an emergency.
Who needs to call?
Anyone planning to dig should take utility locating seriously. That includes homeowners and contractors. Hand digging does not automatically remove the need to request locates.
Fence posts, mailbox posts, trees, patios, drainage, and similar projects can all involve underground lines.
What gets marked?
Public utility lines may be marked with flags or paint. Common mark colors can indicate electric, gas, communication, water, sewer, proposed excavation, and other utilities.
The markings show approximate locations. They do not mean you can dig carelessly.
Private lines may not be marked
This is a major point homeowners miss. Diggers Hotline generally helps with public utilities, but private lines may be the property owner’s responsibility.
Private lines can include:
- ✓Sprinkler systems.
- ✓Invisible dog fence wires.
- ✓Electric lines to a detached garage or shed.
- ✓Private gas lines after a meter.
- ✓Landscape lighting.
- ✓Pool equipment lines.
- ✓Drain tile or yard drainage.
Tell your contractor about any private lines you know about.
Why timing matters
Utility locates require lead time. Waiting until install day can delay the project. Build locate timing into the schedule so the crew is not ready to work before the yard is marked.
Respect the marks
Once utilities are marked, the job is not done. The marks need to be respected. Digging near utilities requires care, and mechanical equipment may be restricted near marked facilities.
If marks are unclear, missing, or disturbed, stop and get clarification before digging.
What homeowners should do before installation
Before your fence project begins:
- ✓Confirm the planned fence line.
- ✓Identify private lines you know about.
- ✓Move obstacles from the work area.
- ✓Keep pets and kids away from flags and paint.
- ✓Avoid mowing or disturbing marks before installation.
- ✓Tell the contractor if any marks seem wrong.
Bottom line
Calling before you dig is not just a formality. It protects people, property, utilities, and the project schedule.
Kodiak Built includes utility-locate planning as part of a responsible fence installation process because a strong fence starts with safe digging.
Quick answers
Do I need to call Diggers Hotline before installing a fence in Wisconsin?
Yes. Diggers Hotline is Wisconsin's one-call system for locating underground utilities, and anyone planning to dig — homeowner or contractor — should request locates before fence posts go in. Hand digging does not automatically remove the need to request locates.
Does 811 mark private lines like sprinklers and invisible dog fences?
Generally, no. Diggers Hotline helps with public utilities, while private lines — sprinkler systems, invisible dog fence wires, electric to a detached garage or shed, landscape lighting, pool equipment lines, or drain tile — may be the property owner's responsibility, so tell your contractor about any you know of.
When should utility locates happen in a fence project?
Before any digging starts, with lead time built into the schedule — locates are not instant, and waiting until install day can delay the project. The goal is to have the yard marked before the crew is ready to work.
