Marking Flags

Blue utility flags should be used to mark sprinkler heads because blue represents potable (drinking) water lines, which include irrigation systems. This will help prevent accidental damage to your sprinklers during any landscaping or construction projects.

While you can use any flag color to denote parts of your backyard or lawn, it’s important to stick to the American Public Works Association guide of color-coded flags, especially if you are working with professional contractors. Use red flags to denote power lines or wires, yellow for gas or oil lines, orange for communication or cable lines, blue for irrigation, and green for sewage and drainage.

For weekend projects, we recommend a water-based marking paint because it wears away faster, reducing your cleanup efforts. Use a solvent-based marking paint for long-term projects to help you spot crucial lines or areas weeks or months after the start of your project.

Yes. Most marking flags are designed for outdoor use and can withstand normal exposure to rain and sunlight. However, they are generally intended for temporary marking rather than permanent outdoor identification. For longer projects, choose UV-resistant flags and inspect them periodically for visibility.

Leave utility marking flags in place until the landscaping work is completely finished. The flags help identify underground sprinkler lines, so removing them too early can create a safety risk. After the work is complete and the markings are no longer needed, the flags can usually be removed.

You’ll generally want to place one lawn marking flag at each sprinkler head to clearly mark its location. Aside from that, the frequency of marking flags will depend on the system's complexity and terrain. You can usually get away with placing lawn marking flags every 10–20 feet along the main water line.