 You get the idea. So how do you avoid this? It's as easy as three numbers, 8-1-1. This is the national call before you dig number. Once you call the service, they contact all the utilities in your area and have them mark their lines with color-coded paint. Once everything is marked, it's your job to be sure you don't dig too closely to the utilities. So before grabbing the shovel, grab the phone and call before you dig. I'm Danny Lipford with tips for today's homeowner.