What To Do If You Find Pink Survey Markings On Your Driveway

Most folks are used to only seeing survey markings like colorful flags or spray painted arrows around construction sites or in the form of orange paint on a random tree, so it can be quite off-putting to find survey markings on your own driveway. The fact that there are so many different types of survey markings only makes things more confusing, since each has its own meaning and potential repercussions. Pink markings, in particular, can be used to show boundary lines, underground structures, or other miscellaneous indications needed in surveying and construction. Unfortunately for homeowners, there isn't much immediate action to take if you find these survey markings on your driveway.

It varies across the country, but many states have laws against removing or destroying survey markers. Doing so could cost you a fine or even legal trouble. Typically, these markers are placed by professional surveyors working for utility companies or government entities. These surveyors are able to enter and mark private property using a legal right known as an easement. Pink survey markers on your driveway are likely a sign that someone is doing work on a sewer or electrical line underneath or near your property.

If you want to be certain that the pink survey markings on your driveway were placed by a licensed professional, ask your local city public works department about any projects occurring in your neighborhood. Even if they can't tell you exactly who is responsible for the survey markings, they can tell you if your property is part of an easement, in which case you can try contacting local utilities services to see if they've done any work in the area. If your leads come up short, ask your neighbors if they've seen anything; hopefully it's just a miscommunication and not the beginning of a boundary dispute. In the latter case, be sure to take photos of any survey markings added to your property that weren't sanctioned by a government body, and think twice before moving any of your neighbor's stuff off of your yard.

Once you're confident that the pink survey markings are no longer needed, you may want to clean up any remaining spray paint on your driveway. The paint the surveyors used should wash away after a few rainfalls, but if you're anxious to get your front yard back to its pristine former glory, a quick spray with a pressure washer or a scrub with a strong paint remover gel should do the trick. While you're cleaning, don't forget this everyday essential that will make your driveway sparkle.