The underground facility can be damaged by any piece of equipment used for digging. Something as simple as a shovel can gouge, scrape, dent or crease the casing that surrounds a buried utility line. While this type of damage usually does not cause immediate harm, it may lead to a future break or leak as the protective coating erodes. If this should happen to you, don’t cover up the line with dirt. Stop digging. Then contact the utility owner so they can repair the damage. It could prevent future service interruptions and personal injury.
If the damage creates a situation that threatens life or property, or there are escaping fumes or gas, call 911 immediately.