Don’t Hit a Gas Line: How to Avoid Utility Damage During Demolition
You’ve got the tools, you’re ready to tear down that shed, patio, or concrete slab — but wait. Do you know what’s hiding underneath? Across Los Angeles, underground utility lines like gas, water, sewer, electric, and cable are everywhere. Damaging even one of them during demolition can lead to disaster.
What’s Really Hiding Beneath Your Property?
Many structures — especially carports, outbuildings, or pool decks — are built over or near utility lines. These include:
- Gas lines: Breakage can cause fire or explosion
- Electrical lines: Can cause fatal shocks or building-wide outages
- Water and sewer pipes: May flood your yard or home, requiring costly cleanup
- Communication cables: Cutting fiber optics can affect your entire neighborhood
And the worst part? Many of these lines are less than 18 inches underground.
How to Protect Your Property (and Yourself)
Before starting any demolition — even a small one — you must check for hidden utilities. Fortunately, it’s free and easy.
- **Call 811 before you dig** — it’s the national safe digging hotline
- Request a **utility location service** — someone will mark your lines with paint or flags
- Wait for confirmation before starting work
In California, calling 811 is required by law for any work involving ground disturbance. Skipping it can make you liable for thousands in damages — and it’s incredibly dangerous.
How EcoLogic Demolition Handles Underground Safety
We never take chances. Our demolition process includes:
- Calling 811 and verifying utility locations before we touch anything
- Carefully exposing suspected areas with hand tools when needed
- Using equipment that minimizes ground disturbance near marked lines
- Working with licensed electricians and plumbers for proper disconnections
When you hire EcoLogic Demolition, you don’t just get manpower — you get peace of mind. We protect your property, your family, and your budget from surprise utility disasters.
Need to Check Utilities Now?
You can contact **811 California** to schedule a free inspection:
- Website: www.california811.org
- Phone: 811 (from any phone in the U.S.)
- Hours: 24/7 — available every day
