How can I start Using Exactix Pro?
You must complete a simple training on Exactix Pro to get started. More information is available on the Exactix Training Page.
Does Exactix Support Phones/Tablets?
Yes. To set up your mobile device for Exactix, please see our Mobile Access Instructions.
I’M NOT USING HEAVY MACHINERY. DO I NEED TO CONTACT 811?
Yes! You must contact Indiana 811 for all digging projects, such as installing mailboxes, fences or landscaping.
IS THERE A FEE TO HAVE UTILITY LINES MARKED ON MY JOB SITE?
No. Using Indiana 811’s services are always free.
Do I need to notify 811 even if I am digging in an area that has previously been marked?
Yes, you need to submit a new ticket each time you want to dig. Factors like erosion and plant growth can alter the location of buried facility lines. It is also possible that utility companies have added new utility lines since a site was last marked.
How far in advance should I contact Indiana 811?
You must contact 811 at least two full working days prior to excavation to give the member utilities enough time to mark the approximate location of their underground utilities on your property. “Working day” means every day except Saturday, Sunday, and state and national legal holidays. If tickets are submitted after 7am ET on a working day, that day will not be counted in the notice given to our Member Utilities. All times are in ET.
What do the marks/flags mean?
Each different color of paint and /or flag represents a specific underground utility. The APWA Color Code Guide can tell you which colors indicate which type of utility.
What is positive response?
Per the Common Ground Alliance, “Positive Response” is a term used to describe the two types of action taken by a facility owner/operator after it receives notification of intent to excavate. The facility owner/operator must:
1) mark its underground facilities with stakes, paint, or flags; or
2) notify the excavator that the facility owner/operator has no underground facilities in the area of excavation.
“Indiana 811’s Positive Response System” means the status is communicated to Indiana 811 instead of directly to the excavator.
How do I check positive response through the one call system?
- To check Indiana 811’s Positive Response system:
- If you have an Exactix Pro account, log in to see the status of your requests from the Responses tab from within the ticket (see screenshot below).
- If you do not have an Exactix Pro account but want to see the status of a request, enter the ticket number and phone number using this tool then click on the Responses tab from within the ticket (see screenshot below).
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- Some members may not communicate with Indiana 811 the status of the locate request, they may use their own system to offer updates on the marking status.
- Pipeline Operators are required to respond using Indiana 811’s Positive Response System per the IURC (Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission) Rulemaking #22-03.
- A list of the Positive Response codes used can be found here.
- Call Indiana 811 at 811, or 800-382-5544, if you have any questions about utility response.
I have private facilities on my property. What do I do?
Some underground utilities on your property will NOT be marked by Indiana 811 Members because they are not owned by Indiana 811 Members. Examples of private facilities include electric or water lines to your pool, lines to septic tanks, electric lines to sheds or landscape lighting, lawn sprinkler systems, invisible pet fencing, and more.
A good general rule of thumb is if the utility runs from the street to the meter, it will be marked. If the utility is installed from the meter to another location on your property, it will not be marked.
Since Member utilities are not responsible for marking private facilities, it is the property owner’s responsibility to contact a private locating company. Visit https://indiana811.org/myutilities/ for more information regarding private facilities and companies that will locate them for you for a fee.
MY PROPER NOTICE START DATE AND TIME HAVE PASSED, BUT NOT ALL UTILITIES HAVE RESPONDED. WHAT DO I DO NOW?
If the Member Utilities have not marked their facilities or notified you that the proposed excavation area is clear by the end of the two full working days, call Indiana 811 (811 or 800-382-5544) to request an Additional Notice. Provide your ticket number and the name of the member(s) that did not respond.
What is the tolerance zone?
Now that the utility lines are marked, or you’ve been notified that they aren’t in conflict, you can begin digging with care. Regulations mandate a two-foot tolerance zone on either side of the marks which means all outer limits of the underground facility, including above, below, and in a full radius surrounding the underground facility. In the tolerance zone, only certain types of excavation are allowed, such as only being permitted to dig with hand tools. The size of the tolerance zone will depend on the size of the underground facility, which is sometimes noted by the utility locating technicians.
For example, if a water line is marked as six inches wide, the tolerance zone on all sides of the line is two feet three inches from the mark. You will only want to use mechanical equipment outside of the zone after you have exposed the line(s) by safely digging with hand tools. Learn more by reading the Indiana Dig Law and IURC Rulemaking.
What is the difference between an Extension and Remark?
An Extension is submitted when the markings from the previous ticket are still visible in the dig area, but the digging will not be completed by the 20-day expiration date/time. The prior locate request remains valid until expired.
A Remark is submitted if the markings have been disturbed, damaged, or are no longer visible. Excavation or demolition may not continue until each affected member provides an updated response for the proposed location. Click here to access the below graphic.
I think I hit a utility line. What should I do?
Stop digging immediately. Step away from the area and call 911 if the damage results in the escape of flammable, toxic or corrosive gas or liquid, or if danger is present, and step away from the area. After calling 911, notify the utility directly by using the contact information provided to you on your ticket. Lastly, inform Indiana 811 of the incident.