The quick answer is yes, you can. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Mow around them for two weeks then they come out. Manage Settings They can also serve as safety flags to alert passersby to hazardous areas. But keep in mind that removing these flags are a big no-no. The six months minimum time to remove flags applies after the required work is done. Utility flags are placed to avoid any disturbances or accidents in the area while utility work is ongoing. For orange flags, you could try to call your telephone or Cable TV company. So leave it and let it lay its eggs; they cause no harm. one of them has like 10 plugs crammed into the same big hole. Damages to your property resulting from negligence or accidents is inevitable, especially when a utility company digs in your yard. Knowing the different flag colors representation helps you know what plans to make, and the kind of excavation or utility work would be done in your neighborhood. Worse, you could end up in court. Custom metal stamping 2. A shed can add a wonderful charm to your property and provide ample storage space if you are running, Read More Do I Need a Permit to Build a Shed? State law requires contractors, utilities or individuals who plan to dig even a homeowner planting a tree to call 811 to come locate underground utilities in the work area. Digging on a spot without knowing beforehand the location of underground utility lines can be risky. ), Do You Need a Permit to Dig a Pond? You can speak with the operator at 811 and ask for the details about the project in your area. Utility flags can be of several different colors, with each of the flag colors indicating a different utility line or component. Is it Illegal to Remove Utility Flags? But if it happens to you, you should know that it means someone is planning to turn it into an excavation site. Just purchased my first house and I'm shocked at the little things that I just never knew or understood about daily life. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. PEGGY HEINKEL-WOLFE can be reached at 940-566-6881 and via Twitter at @phwolfeDRC. A right of way is a type of easement or agreement that grants a utility the right to use, access or transit a piece of property. This is so given the role they play to mark public utility lines and help protect these lines in that manner. (Do This First), Can I Dig a Well on My Property? Digging works could involve installation, repair,and maintenance of underground lines. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. If you must dig near the marks or use machinery of any kind, visit the "DIG CAREFULLY" section of the contractor page, or contact your state's 811 . You can then speak with this person to see if they have completed the work or if the flags are even needed in your yard. 5. I've had decent luck with plugs in mower tires. You should always consult with an attorney or legal professional before taking any action. The red flag utility marking is probably one of the most important ones that should be tampered with for any reason. The most common reason for utility flags in a yard is to mark the location of underground utility lines. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! You can guess at what company placed what flags based on you local utility providers. Doing so is illegal and you could pay a fine. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. Once you do, find out where and how you can file a complaint. You should always consult with an attorney or legal professional before taking any action. According to the Pennsylvania Underground Utility Line Protection Act (Act 287): Survey Markers. It can be very tempting to play with them or even remove them. But the fact is, utility companies often do just that. Generally, flags should not be taken off. Utility color flags help workers who carry out the digging identify which utility line is running under the marked spots. In general, you should not remove utility flags in your yard. Utility flags are important in the functions they play in informing people of utility lines that are specially placed underground. We've been plugging sidewalls on mowers for years. Staff Writer In cases where you accidentally removed it, its best to call 811 for help. Utility contractors install utility locate flags across any city or state. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. If you push through with this project, you may be forced to destroy the structure. When you see a white utility flag on your yard, prepare and make arrangements for the possible disruptions that would come from an excavation.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'yardpit_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yardpit_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'yardpit_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',109,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yardpit_com-banner-1-0_1'); .banner-1-multi-109{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Utility flags can help prevent damage to expensive underground wires or stop gas leaks before they become possible catastrophes. The hidden costs of underground utility damage. If you have blue flags, you can call the water company, and so on. Marking power lines connecting to a grid can eliminate the risk of a wide power outage or electrocution. Many times, the individuals or companies who call in the Call 811 Ticket request to dig does not have all of the information needed to pin-point the locate technicians to the exact spot of the work. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup. Staff Writer I've read that it's illegal to remove them, and I should call 811 to find out more. (Yes. Although we cant specifically answer your question here, we can help shed some light on a few of the possibilities about what is happening. )Continue, If youre in the mood to spice up your yard, a pond can be a great idea. Had to make a run to get a tube installed in a BRAND NEW TIRE! Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.. Clear skies. You may be so tempted to remove utility color flags from your yard. Can I remove the MISS DIG flags in my yard? Engineers will request to have utilities marked out so that they can design new utility systems around the old ones. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Seeing colorful flags in your yard can be surprising and maybe at times, frustrating, especially if you like to maintain a beautiful, pristine yard. Staff Writer Short story taking place on a toroidal planet or moon involving flying, Recovering from a blunder I made while emailing a professor, Calculating probabilities from d6 dice pool (Degenesis rules for botches and triggers). She often shares practical tips and friendly expert advice on everything relating to home and yard on this blog. In most states, it is illegal to tamper with any underground utility markings that were placed in accordance with your states Call 811 dig laws. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. However tempting it may be, one should not remove those flags. 4. You may have removed it before realizing its purpose. At least 3 business days before you plan to dig, make your locate request online with the Utility Notification Center of Colorado (Colorado 811). Besides owning and operating a landscaping company, I work for the local power company in NJ. I mow a storage facility that's on a main state road with city roads on 3 sides. Do not work off someone else's marks or ticket. When I can remove them? Flags protect you and your community. The excavation could be for anything, maybe the fire hydrant across the street is being repaired, or your next door neighbors are installing a new mailbox or clothes line. Image Credit: Rick Beauregard, Shutterstock. Call the Utility Notification Center of Colorado at 1-800-922-1987. ; Green Sewer and drain lines. . A surveyor places survey markers to label major points on the land's surface. Having a decent security system like aRing Video DoorbellorOutdoor Security Cameras(both on Amazon) is a smart thing to do in this situation so that you can prove your case. Am I allowed to mow my yard? (Do This Before Digging), utility companies do have the right to come onto your property, even without permission, the utility company is going to start digging up your yard. 1. At the same time, you have to know where you should stand and when to comply to avoid embarrassing situations, such as calling the police for no valid reason. (Yes. Sometimes calls come in for landscaping and these flags need to be placed, or sometimes it's a year long project that needs a long time to plan. First, we can help answer they Why part of the equation. If you have a kids who love to dig, the centers offer child . Plastic Antioxidants We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Its expected of a property owner to be bothered by the sight of colorful flags in their yard. This purpose should be explained clearly on the easement. If your lawn is marked and you didn't know about it, then either your neighbors are planning . (And Wind Chimes). I've got 2 properties that are peppered with these flags. In NJ, that is 10 days. The yellow flag marking indicates oil, gas, steam, petroleum, and gaseous materials utility lines. Staff Writer We work with local utility companies to identify gas, electric, and water lines that are already in your yard. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. The operator should be able to provide the name of the company or individual who requested the dig and their contact information. Call Now (888) 792-5353, Let's Discuss Your Project.Call Now (888) 792-5353. Allowing others to use a portion of your, Read More How To Remove An Easement From Your Property The Right WayContinue, A street light shining into your yard can be maddeningespecially if its hindering your attempts to observe the night, Read More Can You Get Street Lights Turned Off? Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. If they are damaged, they can lead to substantial effects on the community. Stay up to date with all of the sports news coming out of Denton-area high schools. Owner Rights Ok rant off "Every step we take towards making the State the Caretaker of our lives, Eh, I've tried to plug mower tires before most of the time they don't take too soft of rubber. In general, you should not remove utility flags in your yard. Having a decent security system like a Ring Video Doorbell or Outdoor Security Cameras (both on Amazon) is a smart thing to do. (Answer Inside), Does Windex or Fabuloso Kill Roaches? A: Yes, and it doesn't matter how deep you are digging. That way, contractors will not dig it up. They were here today.They marked with both spraypaint and flags. I had 811 mark my utility lines. There are a few important reasons why there are flags on your lawn. Utility flags can help prevent damage to expensive underground wires or stop gas leaks before they become possible catastrophes. Cannot fix sidewall punctures, its either a new tire or a tube. This repair in such situations involves sections of the utility line that pass through your yard. For the quickest answers, call you local Call 811 center by dialing 811 from any land line or cell phone. Does Counterspell prevent from any further spells being cast on a given turn? Once flags are moved out of the way, mow over area where flags were. Give the utility flag company a call first to inquire about their presence, and whether or not it's safe to remove them. nitrosomonas converts In the sections below, were going to provide you with tips on what you can do as a homeowner. custom marker flags They mark these existing utilities with painted lines and flags to help our crew determine where they'll bury the new cable. If the utility flags are not in place, workers can just dig and end up damaging underground lines. The operator should be able to provide the name of the company or individual who requested the dig and their contact information. But this authority only takes place after the initial need for the flags is completed. The start time is typically three working days after your locate request was placed. To know the exact kind of utility work and what the work may entail, you would find out from the kind of utility flags put in your yard; the flags are differentiated with varying colors. The flags wont be there for long. This year they pulled into the drive and drove their trucks and equipment across the lawn at a angle to get to the NW corner.