How far past the end of the main should a facility be marked?

Marking a facility 3-5 feet past the end of the main is essential for several reasons. First, this distance allows enough visibility for utility personnel to identify the location of the facilities accurately and to ensure that any excavation or construction work is planned safely. By providing this buffer, it helps to prevent accidental damage to underground utilities, which can lead to costly repairs or hazards.

Additionally, this distance aligns with industry standards and best practices, which emphasize the importance of clearly demarcating the area surrounding utility infrastructure. This practice aids in coordination among contractors and utility companies, as it minimizes confusion and potential conflicts in underground work sites.

The specified range of 3-5 feet ensures that there is a clear indication of where utilities lie in relation to the main, which can assist in planning excavation boundaries and preventing unintended encounters with the utilities buried beneath the surface.