When You Should Use Backflow Theft Prevention Cages

backflow_cages_offer_little_protectionWhen you search for backflow cages online, you may notice a trend. Most websites that sell cages are advertising them loudly and proudly as theft protection. We've talked pretty extensively about how backflow cages aren't the most effective choice when it comes to theft protection. Since thieves can see through them, and easily cut through them with the same tool they'd use to cut the backflow off, we strongly suggest using a backflow enclosure instead. But enough about that, you're here to find out when a cage is enough. There are a few factors that when added together, it makes complete sense to install a cage instead of an enclosure. While each factor alone would make a cage feasible, it takes all of them together to make a backflow cage the best solution.

The Backflow Valve is Seasonally Removed

While we don't recommend using a cage when the backflow device needs to be present year round - whether you live in an area that frequently freezes or not - you can get away with it if the line is shut down for the winter and the device gets removed. This is really only an option for irrigation lines. Here is an outline of how this is done from SprinklerWarehouse: Turn off the Water, Shut Down the Controller, Drain the Water. There are a couple different ways of draining the water from the lines, sprinklers, and backflow device itself. Most likely you'll need to hire an irrigation specialist to do this for you.

backflow-preventer-cage at a schoolThe Backflow Preventer is 2" or Smaller

In terms of theft protection, the bigger the device, the bigger the temptation. Installing a large device in a see through cage may be much more tempting to thieves and vandals than a small device. Additionally, you're much more likely to find cages for smaller devices. If you look at the cages available on supply websites, you'll see very few that would work for a 3" or larger backflow device. Some companies do offer "extra large" cages that are up to 4 feet long and 2.5 feet tall. You can possibly find even larger sizes, but it seems that manufacturers consider them a custom product.

Your Device is in Your Backyard

Backflow preventer enclosures are typically the best solution for commercial and industrial applications. However, if your municipality requires backflow preventers on residential irrigation lines, and you're responsible for purchasing and maintaining that valve yourself, a cage probably makes a lot of sense. Cages are just as easy to disguise with landscaping as a colored enclosure. Most are available in green or tan so should fit right in with your yard's landscaping. This is really the only situation where you're more likely to appreciate your cage more than an aluminum enclosure. Actually, if this is the case, your backflow device is probably for 2" or smaller and you only use it seasonally meaning that a cage is probably the best solution for you.

Unless your backflow device is installed at your home, and therefore hits all the points mentioned above, you will most likely be better off going with a heated enclosure for protection. Aluminum enclosures offer superior theft protection as the enclosure completely hides the device as well as protects it with a locking mechanism. In addition to this protection, it provides frost protection due to insulation or freeze protection via a heater. Better protection also leads to a longer lifespan for your backflow preventer, as it isn't being subjected to the elements.

backflow enclosure

Related Posts

Low Price, High Cost: Fiberglass Enclosures Are Built to Fail

Beyond Aluminum Enclosures: Our Commitment to Corporate Responsibility

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

IoT Takes Backflow Prevention To Another Level

Protection from Sound and Fury: Safe-T-Cover Enclosures and Noise Dampening

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

Aluminum Pump Enclosures vs. Pump Packages

DC VS RPZ - WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

From the Field – National Backflow Prevention Day

Standing out by blending in: Safe-T-Cover enclosures made to order

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

What is a Backflow Enclosure?

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

New Safe-T-Cover LES Models

Backflow Covers: Smaller Footprint Saves Space

The Right Way to Improve Backflow Cover Aesthetics — Use Landscaping

Selecting the Right Heater for a Backflow Cover

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

3 Tips for Securing Equipment and Accessories to Interior Enclosure Walls

The Drawbacks to Using a Backflow Cage

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?

Chicago Backflow Incident of 1933

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

A Backflow Cage May Not Be Enough 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

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.