What Does It Mean When You See Painted Lines in Your South Carolina Yard?

If you've ever walked out into your South Carolina yard and noticed brightly colored lines painted across your grass or driveway, you might have wondered what they mean. These painted lines are not random; they serve a critical purpose and are part of a nationwide system designed to protect you, your property, and essential services.

Photo byBen HersheyonUnsplash

In this article, we'll explore the meaning behind these painted lines, why they're there, and what you should do if you see them in your yard.

The Purpose of Painted Lines

The painted lines you see in your yard are used to mark the location of underground utility lines. These markings are typically placed by utility companies or contractors before any digging or excavation work begins. The goal is to prevent damage to buried infrastructure, which can be both dangerous and costly.

In South Carolina, as in the rest of the United States, these markings follow a standardized color code set by the American Public Works Association (APWA). This color code ensures that everyone involved in excavation—whether it's a large construction company or a homeowner planting a tree—can quickly and easily identify what utilities are present underground.

The Color Code: What Each Color Represents

The APWA color code is universally recognized and applies to all utility markings across the country. Here’s what each color means:

• Red: Marks electric power lines, cables, conduit, and lighting cables. Red is associated with danger because striking an electric line can result in electrocution or other serious hazards.
• Yellow: Indicates the presence of gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or other hazardous materials. Yellow is a cautionary color, signaling that care should be taken to avoid these potentially explosive or flammable lines.
• Orange: Used for communication lines, including telephone, cable TV, and internet. Orange lines indicate where your communication services run, and damaging these lines can disrupt your access to essential services.
• Blue: Represents potable water lines. Blue is universally associated with water, and these lines carry the drinking water to your home.
• Green: Marks sewer and drainage lines. Striking a sewer line can cause significant environmental and health issues, so it's crucial to avoid these areas.
• Purple: Used for reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines. These lines typically carry non-potable water used for agricultural or industrial purposes.
• White: Indicates areas that are planned for excavation. White markings show where future digging or construction will take place.
• Pink: Temporary survey markings that indicate property boundaries or other survey-related data. These are often used by surveyors before any actual digging or construction begins.

Each of these colors plays a vital role in ensuring that any digging or excavation is done safely and without disrupting essential services.

Why These Markings Matter

These color-coded markings are more than just paint on the ground—they are part of a broader system designed to prevent accidents and ensure public safety. Striking a buried utility line can have serious consequences, including:

• Injury or Death: Hitting an electric or gas line can result in explosions, fires, or electrocution.
• Service Disruptions: Damaging communication, water, or sewer lines can leave homes and businesses without essential services.
• Environmental Damage: A broken sewer or petroleum line can lead to significant environmental contamination.
• Costly Repairs: Repairing damaged utilities can be expensive, and in some cases, the responsible party may be liable for the costs.

To avoid these risks, it’s important to understand what the painted lines mean and to always respect them.

What Should You Do If You See Painted Lines?

If you notice painted lines in your yard, it’s likely that utility work is planned, or someone is preparing for an excavation project. Here’s what you should do:

1. Don’t Disturb the Markings: The lines are there for a reason, and disturbing them could lead to accidents or service disruptions.
2. Call 811 Before You Dig: Whether you’re planning a major construction project or simply planting a tree, you should always call 811 before digging. This free service will send utility companies to mark the location of their underground lines, ensuring you don’t accidentally hit one.
3. Ask for Information: If you’re unsure why the lines are there, you can ask the utility company or contractor who marked them. They should be able to tell you what work is planned and what precautions you need to take.

Conclusion

Painted lines in your yard might seem like a minor inconvenience, but they are an essential part of maintaining safety and preventing damage to vital infrastructure. By understanding what these markings mean and respecting them, you can help ensure that your property, and the services you rely on, remain safe and intact.

So, the next time you see those colorful lines, you’ll know that they’re not just paint—they’re a crucial warning to help keep everyone safe.

Sources:

• Tilson Technology​ (Tilson)
• UGI Utilities​ (UGI Utilities)