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| Everyone’s resources have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. You can help prevent locate delays by pre-marking your proposed dig area in white and notifying MISS DIG 811 of your planned excavation with as much lead time as possible: up to 14 calendar days in Michigan. To learn more about Consumers Energy's response to COVID-19, click here. |
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| Like many utilities, Consumers Energy installs underground natural gas pipelines and power lines using horizontal directional drilling, a trenchless technique that avoids damage to streets, sidewalks and landscapes. On rare occasions, sewer laterals serving homes or businesses may not be detected when new utility lines are installed in this manner. As a result, a utility line may be bored directly through a sewer lateral in what is known as a “cross bore.” |
Order our complimentary worker safety training kit on the Consumers Energy's
Work Safe website. |
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| Know the Dangers |
| A cross bore through a sewer lateral will impede the flow of sewage and eventually lead to a blockage. If you attempt to remove the blockage with mechanical equipment, you risk cutting a live natural gas or electric utility line, threatening lives and property with fire, explosion or serious electric shock. |
| Take These Steps to Work Safely |
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Before clearing any blocked sewer lateral, visit missdig811.org or call 811 and make an emergency staking request due to a sewer blockage. These requests are accepted 24/7. Utilities that might cross the sewer line will be located and marked. |
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If markings cross the path of a sewer line, a cross bore may be causing the blockage. Use an inline camera to inspect the blockage. If the camera view is obstructed due to the clog, vacuum it out first. |
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If a camera is not available, run a hydro-jetter through the line to clear it. Do not use a cutting tool. If you sense resistance that does not resemble a tree root or other common obstruction, do not force it. Stop immediately and call Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050. |
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If you have used a cutting tool, look for colored plastic on the blades when you withdraw it, and watch for gas bubbles escaping. If you suspect a gas leak, warn all inhabitants and evacuate immediately. Do not use anything electrical, even a phone or light switch, as any spark could ignite the leaking gas. From a safe location, call 911 immediately and then Consumers Energy.
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If you hit an electric line, warn others and leave the area immediately. Abandon tools and equipment. Anything in contact with the power line poses a serious shock hazard. Call 911 immediately and then Consumers Energy. |
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| If You Work for a Public Sewer Agency |
| Be alert for cross bores in sewer mains, and follow these precautions before attempting to clear any blockage. |
| Would You Like to Know More? |
| Additional utility safety tips, case studies, instructional videos and training tools can all be found, at no charge to you, at Consumers Energy's website: ConsumersEnergy.com/worksafe. |
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