Underground Pipe Problems: Call OUPS to Avoid a Utility Oops

Underground utility contractors can't just start digging. With high-powered construction equipment, we could easily hit an underground utility line and cause a serious problem. Since some utilities include gas lines, something could actually blow up. 

That’s why contractors use OUPS (the Ohio Utilities Protection Service) to assess project sites. Contractors are required to call at least 48 hours ahead of excavation.

Property owners can also use this service to scope out DIY digging projects and contracted underground utility projects. As a property owner, here's what OUPS can do for you.

What Exactly Does OUPS Do?

The Ohio Utilities Protection Service is a not-for-profit public safety organization. Their scope includes the following:

• Inspecting contractor job sites upon request
• Mapping out underground utilities with universal marking standards
• Advising the safest way to address underground utilities when excavating
• Preventing damage to underground utilities through communication and education

Here are some other ways OUPS can assist property owners:

Underground Utility Resources & Guidelines for Ohio

OUPS provides a list of laws, related organizations, best practices, and more for all of your utilities concerns. This includes:

• Ohio's Universal Marking Standards
• Large Project Process
• Sewer Line Safety
• Damage Prevention Journal
• And more.

You can also get information on upcoming events and programs. 

Check a Positive Response

When you or your contractor sends in an excavation request, OUPS needs to check the status of the utilities with the facility owners. Facility owners will then provide one of ten feedback options:

1. 001 – NO CONFLICT
2. 002 – MARKED (UP TO PRIVATELY OWNED UTILITY)
3. 003 – TICKET CANCELLED
4. 004 – EXCAVATION REQUEST COULD NOT BE COMPLETED - FACILITY OWNER/LOCATOR WILL CONTACT THE EXCAVATOR DIRECTLY
5. 005 – EXCAVATION REQUEST COULD NOT BE COMPLETED – BAD ADDRESS OR INCORRECT STREET INFORMATION, A NEW TICKET IS REQUESTED
6. 006 – HIGH PROFILE FACILITY – FACILITY/OWNER REQUESTS TO BE PRESENT FOR EXCAVATION
7. 007 – JOINT MEET/LARGE PROJECT – WILL COORDINATE WITH THE EXCAVATOR
8. 008 – DESIGN TICKET – CONTRACTOR WAS NOTIFIED BY THE FACILITY OWNER
9. 009 – WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED UPON ARRIVAL
10. 999 - NO RESPONSE WAS GIVEN WITHIN THE 48 HOURS

A Positive Response means that the status of all utilities has been communicated back to you or your contractor. OUPS lets you check for updates online as long as you have your OHIO811 ticket number. 

Free Excavation Site Inspections

Careless oversights happen all the time by less-than-reputable contractors and unsuspecting property owners.

OUPS will come out to inspect your site for free. That safety advisement is invaluable. Heed their warnings at all times. 

Call OUPS to Avoid Further Underground Utility Problems

OUPS should be your go-to resource for any utility concerns.

If you have a larger excavation project, your contractor should be following OUPS guidelines at every step. If they aren't, that should be a major red flag. Poorly handled excavation and utility projects can harm people, infrastructure, and the environment. 

ALWAYS call OUPS before digging!