How do I dig around utility lines?

Question

I'm getting ready do dig for a sprinkling system. I had the utilities marked. Now what? What is the right technique for digging? Obviously, I'm hand-digging around the utilities, and only digging 12-inches deep.

Answer 1

You can also either call 811 and the local government will come out  mark them for you, or call a local company who offers Ground Penetrating Radar to help.

http://www.southernradarimaging.com/unde...

Answer 2

where i live the shallowest utilities are electric and they have to be buried 18 in. i can think of nothing that you should hit at 12 in. deep...

Answer 3

Most states have a dig safe phone number that you can call.  They will notify all utilities in your area and will mark the areas where the utilities lie.  This service is free.  In Florida our number is [phone].  Without knowing your location I can't give you your local number.

Even if you are only hand digging you shoud know where the utilities lie.  A shovel still can go through a phone or cable line.