Making the right decision about backflow protection means considering all the factors before you order a backflow cage. This includes protecting public water systems, reducing liability and ensuring long-term operational success.
Cages may seem like a quick fix, but above-ground aluminum enclosures outperform cages in every way that matters. From security and freeze protection to aesthetics and code compliance, we’ll walk through the critical differences so you can make an informed choice.
Backflow prevention devices are made from high-value metals like bronze, copper, cast iron and stainless steel, which are prime targets for theft. A metal cage may delay a thief by a few seconds, but it doesn't hide the target. In fact, it advertises it. Municipalities and police have been dealing with this for decades.
“It makes no sense to put a $500 valve in an expensive cage protected by a $1.50 lock,” said Officer Mark Ortega of the Surprise, Ariz. Police Department. Cities across the U.S., like Scottsdale and Denver, also have reported widespread thefts from caged assemblies.
These headlines are common, but solutions rarely go beyond bandage fixes. You might have seen a backflow cage with a steel bar around it. This ancillary product shouldn’t be needed in the first place. Bars aren’t a failsafe like multi-factor authentication. They’re overkill and overcompensation — a tacit confession that the first countermeasure fundamentally is not good enough.
Some anti-theft cage recommendations include painting the exterior of the valve because painted parts are less valuable at the scrap yard. This is not a good idea, because painting the valve can clog test cocks and prevent check covers from opening, both of which hinder the maintenance process and void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Instead, above-ground aluminum backflow enclosures offer real protection. They’re enclosed, tamper-resistant and completely obscure what’s inside, reducing temptation and opportunity for theft.
Many municipalities assume they don’t need freeze protection — until they do. Just ask the cities that experienced unprecedented cold snaps in recent years. These weren’t minor events: thousands of backflow preventers froze, cracked and had to be replaced.
Orlando and Miami, Fla. (2010)
Orlando had a major protracted freeze which damaged thousands of backflow preventers and pressure vacuum breakers, most of which had to be completely replaced. Miami’s temperatures reached as low as 21℉ and also caused major valve damage, most of which had to be replaced at owners’ expense.
El Paso, Tex. (2011) experienced a major freeze event, which resulted in widespread replacement of valves in the city, as well as over 1,200 backflow preventers replaced on the base at Ft. Bliss. This was 2011, over a decade prior to Texas’ Big Freeze that caused even more catastrophic damage and death.
Phoenix and Tucson (2015) experienced a hard freeze event, resulting in frozen and damaged backflow preventers that had to be replaced at owners’ expense.
Even traditional Sun Belt states and warm weather cities have freezing conditions on a regular basis. Metal cages will not protect your backflow preventers and you will have to repair and replace them in the event of freeze-related damage. In contrast, Class I ASSE 1060-certified enclosures are built for freeze protection, offering thermal insulation and heaters to meet local conditions and code requirements.
Rigid backflow cages present two indirectly related problems. First, if the backflow preventer cage neatly surrounds the backflow and is properly secured to a concrete slab, it restricts a person’s ability to service it. However, if the backflow preventer cage is oversized to accommodate maintenance, it’s more vulnerable to tampering and theft.
Some jurisdictions require adequate working clearances as part of their building codes. A cage that restricts access could put you out of compliance.
Modular aluminum enclosures are engineered with maintenance in mind. Panels can be removed or doors opened for full 360° access with no awkward maneuvering and no disassembly.
Even powder-coated steel cages will rust, fade or corrode over time. Their lifespan tops out around 15–20 years, and that's with ideal maintenance conditions.
Compare that to marine-grade aluminum backflow enclosures, which often last over 30 years. They’re corrosion-resistant, low maintenance and designed to stand up to harsh outdoor environments. And they’re offered at roughly the same upfront cost.
When you’re planning long-term infrastructure, why settle for short-term protection?
Cities and states across the country are setting new standards, many of which make cages effectively obsolete. Municipalities like Las Vegas, Nev. and Arlington, Tex. have already published city-approved standard details to transition away from vaults and cages entirely. Other cities have done similar:
Lynchburg, Va.: Requires ASSE 1060 heated enclosures since 2008.
Flagstaff: Mandates heated enclosures due to freezing risk.
Charlotte, NC: Specifies insulated above-ground covers, drainage to meet city requirements and permanent enclosures must match vault specifications; no low-profile pump houses allowed.
Portland, Ore.: Only allows prefabricated insulated outdoor enclosures.
New York State: Recommends above-ground enclosures for gravity drainage and access.
No state has fully banned the use of backflow enclosure cages, but municipalities throughout the country are taking action that would effectively make cages a difficult choice to live with.
These are just a few examples of a clear trend: jurisdictions across the country are moving toward a more secure, safer approach to upholding cross connection standards. Check with your local governing body for any updates to ordinances or statutes related to backflow assembly installation.
One of the most persistent myths about backflow covers is that cages are cheaper. That may have been true decades ago, but not anymore. Due to manufacturing efficiencies, ASSE 1060 enclosures are now cost-competitive — and often cheaper — than steel cages, especially when you account for:
Additional insulated bags or wraps required with cages
Extra security measures to compensate for theft risks
Shorter product lifespan
Higher maintenance costs
The next time you install backflow prevention assemblies and need to protect them, call your local supply house and compare the cost of a see-through cage and an ASSE-rated enclosure. You may be pleasantly surprised at the quality you can upgrade to at virtually the same price.
Let’s face it: No one wants a shiny aluminum box front and center on their property. But today’s enclosures can be made to camouflage the equipment and enclosure. Plus, compact sizing with N-type backflow preventers can reduce an enclosure footprint by up to 70%.
With a little foresight, above-ground enclosures can be as discreet as electrical transformers or dumpster areas and far safer than cages. Aesthetic options include:
Colors like green, gray and tan help the enclosure blend with its surroundings.
Landscaping can conceal enclosures entirely.
If your equipment is next to a building or an entrance, graphic vinyl wraps allow you to turn a box into a branded design feature.
If you’ve been asking yourself, “What benefits do cages have?” you now know the answer is: none. Backflow cages represent an outdated compromise. They offer neither true protection nor lasting value.
Instead, opt for a durable aluminum backflow enclosure. The only enclosures that truly protect valves from vandals, thieves and varying harsh weather conditions and are ASSE 1060 approved. This guarantees the enclosure meets industry standards for freeze protection, structural design, drainage performance, testing and maintenance access, and security.
In short, above-ground aluminum enclosures:
Deter theft
Prevent freeze damage
Allow easy access for maintenance
Offer reliable protection
Meet code and compliance requirements
Blend into their surroundings
Come in custom sizes
Last for decades
We’ve created a free guide to help municipalities and engineers make the switch from cages with confidence. Inside, you’ll get:
5 editable CAD templates
ASSE 1060 compliance checklists
Real-world municipal examples
Installation tips to save time and reduce risk
Download your free guide and start designing smarter enclosure solutions today.