Underground service laterals buried 18 inches or more below grade must have their location marked with what?

Underground service laterals that are buried 18 inches or more below grade require their location to be marked with a warning ribbon. The use of warning ribbon serves an important safety purpose by providing a visible indication of the presence of buried utilities to prevent accidental damage during excavations. The ribbon is typically made of a durable, brightly colored material that is easy to see from a distance, making it an effective tool for alerting anyone digging in the area about the potential presence of utility lines.

This practice is essential for ensuring compliance with various safety standards and regulations, as it helps prevent accidents that can occur when excavating near buried services. While warning signs, colored paint, and plastic flagging are used in various contexts for marking utilities, the specific requirement for underground service laterals buried 18 inches or more is to utilize warning ribbons, as they are intended to remain in place and provide continuous visual indication of the location of the buried lines.