What is a Backflow Enclosure?

In many cities across the United States, there is a growing popularity to install the RPZ backflow preventer outside the building and above ground. Backflow preventers have historically been installed in below-grade vaults or inside the building. Neither of these installation locations is the best practice due to safety and flood risks. Installing the backflow preventer outside the building, above ground and in a backflow cover is the right thing to do. In this blog, we’ll review the three most important things backflow enclosures provide: protection from vandalism, protection from freezing, and an improvement of the aesthetics.

Backflow Cover: Protection from Vandalism


cage with stolen backflowTheft is a common occurrence. A thief will steal when they can see and take something that requires little effort. There are stories told of truckloads of small diameter backflow preventers showing up at scrap yards. A backflow preventer needs a backflow cover so that the thief will not know what’s inside. As a comparison, backflow cages and/or the absence of a cover make it much easier for the thief to steal it because they can see it and see inside it.


Backflow Cover: Protection from Freezing

northeastern AZA backflow cover provides insulation and heat to prevent the backflow preventer from freezing during cold weather. During the winter of 2021, many southern states experienced a prolonged period of cold weather.  The backflow preventers that were installed without an enclosure or those that were installed inside a cage froze. When this happens, the building does not have water and the backflow preventer is damaged, which results in an expensive replacement. Getting a contractor to repair this also takes time.  Most businesses need water to be open. A frozen backflow can have a negative impact on the success of the business. Failing to install a backflow cover with heat in the south is a penny-wise and pound-foolish decision. 

Backflow Cover: Improves Aesthetics

aesthetics-1In many southern states, backflow preventers are installed outside the building and above ground. This is the best practice location. In addition to the freezing risk mentioned previously, without an enclosure to cover the backflow preventer, the aesthetics are very poor. Nice-looking buildings with an exposed backflow preventer... The electrical transformer and dumpster get consideration for aesthetics and so should the backflow preventer. Adding a backflow cover to the backflow assembly creates a more pleasing view aesthetically. This view can also be further improved with placement, color, wraps or landscaping. Check out this guide for suggestions on improving the view.

A backflow cover is essential when the backflow preventer is installed outside the building and above ground. The cover provides protection against vandalism, protection from freezing, and enhances aesthetics.

Best Practices in Backflow Prevention & Protection

Topics: Enclosures

Related Posts

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

How To Design A Pump Enclosure

From the Field – National Backflow Prevention Day

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

Enclosure Checklist: Summertime is the right time to think about winter

Enclosures for Control Valves

From the Field: June 2022

Introducing the MUNI-LOK from Safe-T-Cover

Customizing your aluminum enclosure for pipe penetration

Keep Pump Equipment Cool During Summer Heat

Aluminum Enclosure Spring Maintenance Checklist

3 Reasons to Use Above-Ground Backflow Enclosures and Meters — from Water Contamination to Injury

Heated Backflow Enclosure — Comparing Names, Products & Vendors

Installing Fire Dept Connection & Backflow Prevention Valve for Safety

Should I Cover My Well Pump? (Well Pump Cover Ideas)

New Safe-T-Cover LES Models

Backflow Covers: Smaller Footprint Saves Space

The Right Way to Improve Backflow Cover Aesthetics — Use Landscaping

How to Quickly and Safely Remove a Safe-T-Cover Roof

3 Tips for Securing Equipment and Accessories to Interior Enclosure Walls

Top 6 Questions About Covering a Pressure Reducing Valve Station

Virtual Trade Shows Aren't Perfect, But They are Effective

5 Ways Panel Design Equipment Covers Offer Superior Flexibility

The Best Way to Landscape Around a Backflow Enclosure

CASE STUDY - TRIPLEX WATER BOOSTER PUMP COVER

Quintessential List of Backflow Preventer Enclosure FAILS

Case Study - Water Corrosion Control System Enclosure

Project Engineer vs. Maintenance - A Valve & Pump Covers Tug-of-War

How are Backflow Covers Made?

Three Reasons Why You Should Choose an N-Type Device

Comparing The Costs Of Backflow Enclosures and Buildings

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

Backflow Theft Prevention Cages Fail To Protect Your Backflow Preventer

Find The Right Backflow Cover For You

What Does It Mean To Think Outside The Vault?

How We Construct Our Backflow Enclosures and Pump Covers

This Is How Vinyl Wraps Disguise Backflow Enclosures

How Do You Hide A Backflow Enclosure?

Keep Your Backflow Enclosure Away From The Street

Backflow Enclosure Aesthetics: What Should Matter Most?

What Makes Outdoor Backflow Enclosures More Cost-Effective

This is What Makes Above-Ground Backflow Enclosures So Safe

How to Find the Perfect Enclosure for Backflow Prevention

What You Need to Know About Backflow Prevention and Flood Risks

What You Need to Know About OSHA Confined Spaces & Backflow

The Push For More Above-Ground Backflow Enclosures Is Already On

How Backflow Enclosures Save Money and Eliminate Risk

The Last Backflow Enclosure Aesthetics Guide You'll Ever Need

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.