Backflow prevention systems are one of the most important parts of our public works infrastructure. These systems prevent polluted water from entering our clean drinking water but due to the value of their materials, are often susceptible to vandalism and theft. Keeping these systems protected and intact is imperative to maintain public safety and avoid costly repairs.
Backflow Prevention Systems
Backflow preventer devices are installed on public water lines to allow water to flow into homes and businesses while preventing it from flowing back into public pipes. This stops any rust and bacteria that may be in a building’s pipes from contaminating the public water supply.
How Backflow Happens
When water enters a building, it should only flow in one direction. However, there are situations that can disrupt this.
Pressure Imbalance
Pressure Imbalances are the most common cause of backflow, this is also referred to as back-siphonage. This can be due to various reasons including water main breaks or heavy water withdrawal from the fire hydrant during firefighting activities.
Equipment Malfunctions
Backflow prevention devices should be maintained and tested regularly to ensure proper function. Many states and municipalities have specific policies around how often backflow testing should be conducted as well as how the inspection certificate should be displayed or submitted.
Business and Residential Disruptions
When a backflow system breaks down and polluted water enters the clean flowing water, it can lead to significant business and residential disruptions and potentially have legal implications.
Health Concerns
The contamination that enters the water can range from soap from sinks and dishwashers to human and animal waste. When any of these containments enter the water systems it can lead to major health risks. The water can become toxic which can cause chemical burns, fires, poisoning and even death.
Operational Delays
Contaminated water disrupts daily operations for businesses, especially those that rely heavily on water such as restaurants and hotels. Residential members can potentially be re-located if the toxic level of the water becomes unsafe.
Cost Implications
Backflow systems can require extensive repairs or replacements depending on the complexity of the systems. There is also the potential cost of medical treatment for affected individuals.
Backflow Prevention Devices
There are specialized devices designed to prevent reversal of water flow. These systems automatically shut off the water if flow reversal is detected. Depending on the application and potential hazard level, backflow prevention devices can save hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages. Choosing the right device is critical to maintaining clean water.
Reduced Pressure Zone Device (RPZD)
An RPZD is used when there is a significant hazard application where the consequences of backflow into the water supply would cause extreme harm. This device contains two independent check valves with a pressure monitor chamber between them. If either valve fails, the pressure chamber with release the water, ensuring no backflow occurs.
Air Gaps
Air gaps are legally required by water health and safety regulations in many countries. It is one of the simplest forms of backflow devices. Air gaps prevent debris from entering the potable water stream by creating a gap of air between the outlet and flood water. Dual inlet air gaps connect two hoses to separate them from ever encountering each other.
Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA)
DCVA systems are used when moderate risk of contamination may result if there is backflow. It consists of two spring-loaded check valves that work independently of each other. This dual system ensures that if one valve fails the other can still prevent backflow. These are best used in fire prevention and landscaping water systems.
Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)
These systems rely on air pressure and gravity to prevent backflow. The pipe contains a poppet valve that is held up by the water pressure in the system. If the pressure is reduced to atmospheric pressure levels, the valve drops stopping the siphon of backflow. These devices must be installed at least six inches above the ground and cannot be used underground. These are best used at point-of-use applications like a hose bib, where only back siphonage is concerned.
Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)
This spring-loaded check valve will close if pressure drops, and an air relief valve will open to break the siphon. These are typically installed near the water source and above the highest point in the system. They are most used in irrigation systems or other non-potable water sources.
Spill-Resistant Vacuum Breaker
This device is similar to the pressure vacuum breaker but has a spill resistant feature that closes the vent before the check valve opens. This prevents spillage that can occur when the PVB system starts up. These are often used indoors and often installed in chemical dispensers above the outlets.
Protective Enclosures for Backflow Systems
As valuable as backflow prevention devices are for public water, they are often subjected to vandalism and theft due to the scrap value of the metal pipes. Especially in locations where backflow prevention devices are above ground, a protective enclosure is vital to keep these important systems in place.
Benefits of Backflow Enclosures
Enhanced Durability
Backflow and pump enclosures protect exposed pipes from inclement weather, vandalism and even accidental impacts. When choosing a backflow enclosure, it’s important to consider the environment it will be in and the hazards it will need to protect against. Made from quality, corrosion-resistant materials, StrongBox backflow enclosures stand strong against salt-water and wide temperature fluctuations, making them ideal for any climate. In addition, StrongBox’s unique design and secure locking system makes them nearly impenetrable to vandals.
Vandal Resistance
With increased prices of copper and brass, backflow systems and piping are a highly valuable target for theft. A secure enclosure helps to deter vandalism and keep these valuable systems intact.
Aesthetic
Backflow enclosures and cages conceal unsightly piping and provide a clean look to blend into the landscape. Strongbox offers multiple enclosure options and finishes to match the look of the environment and meet local regulations.
StrongBox Backflow Enclosures and Cages
Made of corrosion-resistant marine grade aluminum, this solid construction enclosure provides maximum protection and concealment of any backflow prevention system. StrongBox’s unique enclosure design creates a perfectly smooth exterior to provide a clean look and deter any vandalism attempts.
Aluminum enclosures also provide ample protection from the elements and temperature fluctuations. Equipped with punched louvers on either side to promote cross flow ventilation, standard aluminum enclosures are ideal for warm, sunny climates due to their ability to dissipate heat. For colder climates, StrongBox also offers insulated aluminum enclosures. Insulated enclosures do not have punched louvers but instead include a rubber skirt to block wind from entering the enclosure. A Polar Bearier® insulating cover is also included to prevent freeze damage to the pipes.
Smooth Touch™ backflow cages have a beautifully curved, tube and wire construction that protects against handling injury and blends seamlessly into the environment. Available in stainless steel or cold-rolled steel, these cages can be powdercoated in a wide range of RAL colors to blend into the environment or abide by local regulations. The wire mesh face deters graffiti attempts and provides an unobtrusive quality to more natural landscaping environments. In addition, StrongBox’s patented locking system conceals the padlock provisions to further enhance the security of the system.
Designed for more mild applications, our cold rolled, formed steel frame provides strength and stability. Powered coated with a polyester TGIC coating for added protection and longevity.
Request a Quote for a Backflow Enclosure
If you are looking for a long lasting and reliable enclosure to protect your backflow system, StrongBox enclosures are the ideal solution. Our decades of experience and extensive range of stock options ensures a perfect-fit solution for any backflow or outdoor pump system.
Accessories
We provide a variety of accessories to enhance the functionality of your protective enclosure.
The robust QuickPadTM mounting system is designed for easy installation of any StrongBox enclosure or cage. Whether installing a brand new system or replacing an existing enclosure, the quickpad™ system cuts down on labor and materials with no concrete required. Simply place the support base underground, securing it with dirt or stone. The heavy-duty base and accompanying pad are fastened together and to the enclosure with concealed, stainless steel hardware. This creates one solid system that is completely secure, corrosion and vandal resistant.
Polar Bearier Insulating Cover
Polar Bearier covers can be paired with any backflow enclosure to prevent freeze damage to pipes. Faster and more cost effective than wrapping pipes individually, the Polar Bearier cover slips over the entire backflow system to offer complete protection from wind and moisture.
To learn more about our products or to request a quote, don’t hesitate to contact us online or call 800-729-1314 to speak to our dedicated customer service team.