This is How You Cut Backflow Preventer Installation Costs

Backflow preventer installation costs are always a hot topic. I meet with water authority officials from across the country on a regular basis.  Regardless of which region of the United States I happen to be in, the questions concerning backflow preventer installations are remarkably the same.  One question I would like to address is asked virtually everywhere I go: Does it cost more to install backflow preventers above ground?

Utility Vaults Are Unsafe 

Our general message at Safe-T-Cover is to get all backflow preventers out of below-ground vaults and outside of buildings.  The safety benefits alone fully justify the best practice of installing backflow preventers above ground and in an ASSE 1060-certified enclosure.  But another perk to enclosure installations is the enormous savings in cost.  

Backflow Enclosures Save Money

We estimate that an RPZ backflow preventer installed above ground in an ASSE 1060 enclosure will save you anywhere from 10%-15% in total installation costs over a DCDA installed in a below-ground vault.  Obviously, there are huge cost variables across the country with labor costs, equipment, property, contractors, etc. But if you average those variables out, and drill down apples to apples, the RPZ above-ground in an enclosure model will conservatively save you 10%-15% anywhere in the U.S.

Additional Backflow Preventer Installation Costs Tied to Vaults

In addition to the installation cost savings, there are also cost savings in routine maintenance.  Since a below-ground vault is considered a confined space by OSHA, just entering a vault incurs huge costs on a regular basis.  

To enter a confined space, at a minimum you must account for gas detection, fall protection, ventilation, and communication.  All of these safety precautions have huge routine costs that should be considered when deciding where to install your backflow preventer.  Furthermore, some backflow testers charge higher costs for testing inside vaults because of the increased safety precautions required to enter confined spaces. In a nutshell, maintenance and repairs cost more when your backflow preventer is in an underground utility vault. 

Best Practices in Backflow Prevention & Protection

Above-ground aluminum enclosures are also very good at protecting backflow prevention assemblies. When they’re ASSE 1060-certified, they offer protection from the elements, freeze protections (with a slab-mounted heater), and can hold thousands of pounds (just in case it snows—a lot).

An above-ground backflow enclosure won’t flood, like a utility vault.  A cross-connection control investigator in a large midwestern city told us something very scary. He says he’s opened thousands of vaults during his 30-year career and only one out of 100 is dry. And when the vault floods, the backflow prevention device is often submerged in water.

This not only adds expense but also another danger. Experts at the University of Southern California write about the dangers of flooded utility vaults in their publication, Cross Talk.  They recommend that all backflow prevention assemblies be installed above-grade. 

When comparing the costs of installing your backflow preventer above ground or below ground, there really is no comparison.  The above-ground model will save you money on initial installation, routine maintenance, and long-term life of your project.

Stay Up To Date

When engineers design water systems, it’s important that they keep up with the latest regulations regarding backflow preventers. Their contributions help provide long-term safe drinking water for client communities.

Water districts must stay up to date on regulations and enforce them. That includes annual testing of backflow preventers and working closely with plumbers and engineers. This combined effort between water districts and staff, as well as the local government, will ensure everyone is doing what they can to keep our drinking water safe.

If you’d like more information before designing your next backflow preventer installation, check out our design guide.  It contains a wide range of enclosure options and considerations that are available.

aluminum enclosures

Related Posts

One Step Ahead: A Look at High-Hazard Cross-Connections and Compliance

IoT Takes Backflow Prevention To Another Level

3 Reasons Why a Backflow Cover Must Have Heat

From the Field: Tips for Safe-T-Cover Enclosures and Protective PVC Coating

Why RPZ Valves Are Required and How to Install One

DC VS RPZ - WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

From the Field – National Backflow Prevention Day

Forward thinking in Arlington, Texas: Leading the way with public health and backflow preventers

The Drawbacks to Using a Backflow Cage

Quintessential List of Backflow Preventer Enclosure FAILS

Chicago Backflow Incident of 1933

Three Reasons Why You Should Choose an N-Type Device

The Right Backflow Insulation Cover & Heater For You | Backflow Cover

How Does a Backflow Preventer Work?

This is How A Backflow Preventer Installation Should Be Done

Above-Ground-Backflow Assemblies Are a Big Winner in Las Vegas

A Backflow Preventer in a Utility Vault Can Be Deadly

How to Find the Perfect Enclosure for Backflow Prevention

How to Decide If You Should Repair or Replace Your Backflow Preventer

VIDEO: Safe-T-Cover Hopes To Change The Way You Think About Backflow

What You Need to Know About Backflow Prevention and Flood Risks

What is a Cross Connection Control and Backflow Preventer?

CONTAINMENT VS ISOLATION: THE COMMERCIAL BACKFLOW PREVENTER INSTALLATION BATTLE

Fields Presents a "Smart" Future for Backflow Preventers

When You Should Use Backflow Theft Prevention Cages

Still Spec'ing the Watts 909? 3 Reasons to Switch to a 957 Assembly

Never Put Your Backflow Preventer Installation In The Basement

Roswell, GA Updates Standard Details For RPZ Backflow Preventers

Which Do You Need - A Cage or Enclosure?

Let's Get Back to the Basics of Backflow Preventers in Utility Vaults

Let the Civil Engineer Handle It: RPZ Backflow Preventers

Keep Backflow Prevention Outside To Reduce Risk for M/P Engineers

This is The One Place You Should Never Install A Backflow Preventer

Risks Associated with Installing RPZ Backflow Preventers Inside

Why Your High Pressure Sprinkler System Needs An RPZ VALVE

Backflow Preventer Installation Survey Results From 1,200 Engineers

Backflow Enclosures and Why You Should Choose an N-Type Device

The Complete Guide to Backflow Preventer Installation Trends

Case Study: RPZ Valve Inside Gets Moved - Who Pays for This Change?

7 Voices; 1 Solution - Backflow Preventer Installation Trends

Ultimate List of Backflow Preventer Enclosure Fails

7 Backflow Installation Considerations for Property owners

How to design & Buy a Pump Enclosure

Get the free, editable checklist.

download-cta
DOWNLOAD NOW

CONTACT US

Have a question about a backflow preventer enclosure?
Click the contact us button below and one of our experts will be able to help with your specific enclosure needs.