Kentucky 811 and Utility Disconnects Before Demolition in Louisville

Underground and overhead utilities are among the biggest safety and schedule risks on a demolition job. Two separate steps are involved: locating buried lines before anyone digs, and having each utility disconnect and cap its service to the building. They are not the same thing, and doing one does not complete the other.

Kentucky 811: the locate

Kentucky 811, the Before You Dig service, can be reached by dialing 811 or 1-800-752-6007. Excavators are generally required to request locates before digging, usually allowing about two working days for utilities to mark their lines. Confirm current rules and timing when you call. Marks cover only member utilities, and private lines such as a lateral to a detached garage or an old irrigation line may not be marked.

Disconnects: who to call

• LG&E: electric and natural gas service to the building are typically disconnected and the gas capped at the main or street. Allow lead time, since the utility schedules this.
• Louisville Water Company: water service is shut off and the line capped, usually at or near the main.
• MSD: sanitary sewer laterals need to be capped according to Metropolitan Sewer District requirements, and MSD may also have say over stormwater and erosion control.
• Telecom and cable: overhead drops and buried lines must be released by the providers.

Why it slows jobs

Each utility works on its own schedule. A wrecking permit commonly depends on proof that service is disconnected, so late requests can hold up everything else. Start them as soon as you know you are demolishing.

Old buildings, unknown connections

Vacant or long-neglected structures can have forgotten or still-live services. Never assume a boarded-up building is dead. Louisville Demolition Co helps coordinate the process, call (714) 333-0178.