If you have ever experienced an extended loss of utility service gas, electric, telephone or water, due to accidental damage, you will understand the importance of these paint markings, stakes and flags that service providers use to mark out their underground pipes and wires. Mark-outs can be a minor inconvenience. The alternative however, can be very serious. Excavation work performed without clear mark-outs can damage under underground facilities. Loss of certain utility services drastically affects your way of life.
Accidents can be very dangerous.
To be in compliance with the law, contractors must obtain mark-outs, and once they have been established, excavation must commence within 10 business days. After that the flags may be removed. Considering the potential problems, you will understand that mark-outs must be clearly visible. And while we understand that such visible markings can be a bit unsightly, it's important that anyone whose property is marked cooperate with the procedure. The paint that isn't eventually removed by the actual excavation will wear away faster that you'd imagine, or will grow out on a lawn and disappear with mowing.