What It Means If You See Painted Lines in Your Yard in Texas

If you've recently noticed painted lines or small colored flags in your yard in Texas, you might be wondering what they signify. These markings aren't random; they are actually a vital part of utility and safety protocols, particularly when construction or excavation work is planned nearby. Understanding what these markings mean can help you avoid potential hazards and keep your property safe.

Photo byDPCofTexas

Why Are There Painted Lines in Your Yard?

The painted lines and flags typically indicate the presence of underground utilities such as water, gas, electricity, and communication lines. These markings are part of a nationwide system used to prevent accidental damage to utility infrastructure during digging or construction activities. When a utility company or contractor plans to dig in an area, they are required by law to notify the appropriate authorities, who then send out professionals to mark the locations of underground utilities.

These markings are not just for the benefit of the construction crews; they are also there to alert homeowners and the public to the presence of critical underground infrastructure.

What Do the Different Colors Mean?

The colors used for these markings are standardized across the United States and follow guidelines set by the American Public Works Association (APWA). Each color corresponds to a specific type of utility:

• Red: Electric power lines, cables, conduit, and lighting cables.
• Yellow: Gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or other gaseous materials.
• Orange: Communication, alarm, or signal lines, cables, or conduit.
• Blue: Potable water.
• Green: Sewers and drain lines.
• Purple: Reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines.
• Pink: Temporary survey markings.
• White: Proposed excavation sites.

These color codes help ensure that anyone working on or near the ground knows what types of utilities are present and where they are located. For example, red lines indicate the presence of electric cables, which can be extremely dangerous if struck during digging. Yellow lines, on the other hand, warn of gas lines, which pose a risk of explosion.

What Should You Do If You See These Markings?

If you notice these markings in your yard, it typically means that a digging or construction project is planned in the near future. Here are some steps you should take:

1. Avoid Disturbing the Markings: It's crucial not to move or alter the flags or painted lines. These are carefully placed to indicate the exact locations of underground utilities, and disturbing them could lead to dangerous mistakes during excavation.
2. Contact the Utility Company: If you're concerned about the markings or need more information, contact the utility company or the entity responsible for the markings. They can provide details about the planned work and any potential disruptions to your service.
3. Plan Accordingly: If the markings are in an area where you had planned to do some digging or landscaping, you'll need to adjust your plans. Digging near these lines can be extremely dangerous and may even be illegal without proper authorization.
4. Wait for the All Clear: Once the construction or digging work is completed, the utility companies usually leave the area marked until they are certain the site is safe. After that, the flags and markings can be removed.

Conclusion

Painted lines and flags in your yard are an important safety measure used to identify and protect underground utilities. By understanding what these colors mean and how to respond to them, you can help prevent accidents and ensure that any digging or construction work on your property proceeds safely.

For more detailed information about utility markings and what each color represents, you can visit resources like the Damage Prevention Council of Texas and the 811 One Call system, which provide guidelines and safety tips for homeowners and contractors alike.

Sources:

Why Are There Flags And Paint In My Yard? (terffy.com)

What Do ALL These Colors Mean? - Damage Prevention Council of Texas (dpcoftexas.org)