PROTECTING DOUBLE-CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLIES

DOUBLE-CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY

A double-check valve assembly is working properly anytime the pressure on the property side exceeds the pressure on the city side and the two redundant check valves close. This prevents backward water flow.

But because it is a closed system, there are two problems with the double-check backflow preventer:

It has no method of revealing whether the internal check valves are functioning properly.
There’s no way to detect the presence of debris that is impeding full closure of the checks.

That’s why double-check (DC) valve assemblies in many jurisdictions are acceptable for low-hazard conditions only. But is this really an acceptable situation?

Typically, the water purveyor determines what constitutes low-hazard conditions. But what complicates the decision is the differences between every jurisdiction.

Here's what you need to know about choosing an enclosure.

It is important to make sure your enclosure manufacturer complies with the ASSE 1060 standard. This will ensure the enclosures are strong and rugged, have a locking mechanism and drainage, and will maintain the proper temperature for your climate. Safe-T-Cover’s entire production line of backflow covers carry the seal of compliance for the ASSE 1060 standard. You can read more about ASSE 1060 here. There are three classes of ASSE 1060 approved enclosures, and they provide different levels of protection from the elements. Make sure you get a class 1 enclosure with the proper heater if you need freeze protection. All our standard aluminum enclosures shipped with our recommended heat comply with the class 1 standards because of our patented slab-mounted heater. Different manufacturers offer different types of heaters including wall-mounted, slab-mounted, and heat cables that wrap around your equipment.

You should also consider details such as color and size. Most manufacturers offer their enclosures in different colors. For example, Safe-T-Cover enclosures come in four standard colors at no extra charge including a green and tan for most landscaping environments. Other colors are available for an additional fee. Click each color below to see an example.


Brushed Aluminum	Hartford Green	Sierra Tan	Slate Grey

There are other ways to ensure your aluminum enclosure is aesthetically pleasing. Considering landscaping and where your device will be located will help keep it from becoming an eyesore. We've written a sort of how-to guide to aesthetics here.

There are different materials available and you should choose the one that will perform best for your needs. The most common types of backflow enclosures are aluminum, fiberglass enclosures, and backflow cages. You may also see brick and block enclosures in the market. Read about each of these to find the right material for your job. Each has it's own strengths.

We've chosen to manufacture aluminum enclosures and use 5052-H32 aluminum. It's marine grade aluminum and the material is so durable, it is known to sometimes outlast the equipment it's protecting. Some of our enclosures have been in the field for three decades. Safe-T-Cover uses panels to make enclosures in varying sizes without needing to change the style or machine special parts for different uses. Currently, we offer more than 50 standard models. Click here to see our line of backflow enclosures in a table. Our modular design also makes the enclosures easy to assemble. Watch the video below to see two of our staff putting one together in real time.

A Safe-T-Cover aluminum enclosure will cover any backflow preventer and most valves and pump systems. You'll find more details about other types of equipment enclosures here.

If you need to protect a backflow preventer but aren't sure what size enclosure you need, head to our sizing guide.

Choose which backflow device you have & we'll figure it out for you.