A commercial backflow preventer is easy to overlook when it is doing its job.
But when it starts leaking, fails its annual test, or suddenly disappears from the property, it can quickly become a much bigger problem.
Backflow preventer theft is something we see at commercial properties in the Phoenix area. Traditional backflow assemblies contain brass and other valuable metals, which makes them attractive to thieves looking for scrap.
The frustrating part is that the thief may get very little for the stolen metal while leaving the property owner with a repair that can cost thousands of dollars.
At Clendaniel Contracting, we’ve seen everything from backflows cut out of the piping and stolen to thieves who were knowledgeable enough to shut off the water meter before removing the assembly. In other cases, they aren’t nearly as careful—and water is spilling everywhere by the time someone discovers the theft.
Fortunately, commercial property owners can take steps to make their backflows less vulnerable and reduce the chances of dealing with the same problem again after a replacement.Why Do Backflow Preventers Get Stolen?
The primary attraction is the metal.
Many traditional commercial backflow preventers contain a substantial amount of brass and other metal that can be sold as scrap. Because backflows are often installed outside and in relatively accessible areas, thieves may see them as an easy target.
But the economics make very little sense from the property owner’s perspective.
A thief might only get a relatively small amount of money for the metal. The business can then be left paying for a new backflow assembly, plumbing repairs, labor, testing, and potentially repairs to the surrounding area.
There may also be the disruption of suddenly having the property’s water shut off.
And unfortunately, installing a brand-new backflow doesn’t necessarily solve the theft problem.
We’ve seen new assemblies become targets very shortly after they’re installed. If an expensive new brass backflow goes right back into the same exposed location without any additional protection, a thief can simply come back and steal the replacement.
That’s why it’s worth thinking about both replacement and prevention.Protecting a Backflow With a Cage
One of the most common ways to make an exposed backflow harder to steal is to install a security cage around it.
A properly installed cage puts an additional barrier between the backflow assembly and anyone trying to remove it. It doesn’t make theft impossible, but it makes accessing the equipment much more difficult and time-consuming.
For new installations, local requirements may also dictate how the assembly needs to be mounted and protected, including requirements involving concrete pads, cages, clearances, or other installation details.
Existing backflows that were installed years ago may not have the same type of protection. In many situations, however, a property owner can add a concrete pad and cage around an existing assembly rather than waiting until it gets stolen.
Because requirements can vary between municipalities and water providers, any new installation or modification should be evaluated based on the rules that apply to that particular property.There Are Newer Backflow Designs With Less Exposed Brass
Another option for certain properties is a newer style of backflow assembly designed with less exposed brass than many traditional models.
It’s important to clarify what that means.
These are not non-metallic backflows, and they aren’t simply plastic plumbing equipment sitting unprotected in the Arizona sun.
Some newer designs use a durable plastic housing with an external steel frame, while the internal components necessary for the backflow assembly remain metal. The result is an assembly with substantially less exposed brass for a thief to target.
There can be another benefit as well: some of these newer assemblies can be easier to access for maintenance and repairs.
That doesn’t automatically make one the right backflow for every commercial property.
If a backflow is located in an area where theft has been a recurring problem, reducing the amount of exposed valuable metal may be an important consideration. At another property with different conditions and a low theft risk, another type of backflow may make more sense.
The right choice depends on the property, existing plumbing, installation requirements, theft risk, cost, and other site-specific factors.
The goal isn’t to choose one type of backflow for every job. It’s to look at the situation and install the assembly that makes the most sense for that property.Why a Direct Replacement Can Save Money
When a stolen or failed backflow needs to be replaced, the cost isn’t determined by the price of the new assembly alone.
The dimensions of the replacement matter, too.
Different makes and models of backflow preventers can have different overall lengths. The piping around the existing backflow was installed to fit a particular assembly, so another model isn’t necessarily going to drop into exactly the same space.
Whenever possible, a direct replacement can make the job considerably simpler.
If the new assembly matches the existing configuration, much of the piping may be able to remain as-is. If a different backflow has to be installed, the surrounding piping may need to be changed to accommodate the dimensions of the new assembly.
That additional repiping means additional labor and materials.
This can become especially important after a theft. If the original backflow is completely gone, identifying what was there and finding the best replacement for the existing configuration can help determine how extensive the repair will be.
It’s one reason we recommend having the existing setup evaluated before simply purchasing a replacement backflow.Theft Isn’t the Only Problem to Watch For
A stolen backflow is hard to miss, especially if water is running everywhere.
Other backflow problems aren’t always as dramatic.
Commercial backflows can develop leaks, internal components can wear out, and an assembly can fail its annual test.
A failed test also doesn’t necessarily mean that the entire backflow needs to be replaced.
Depending on what failed and the condition of the assembly, it may be possible to repair the internal components and retest it. In other cases, the age, condition, damage, availability of parts, or cost of the repair may make replacement the better option.
The important thing is to address a failed or leaking backflow rather than ignoring it.
Backflow prevention assemblies play an important role in protecting potable water systems, and required assemblies in Arizona are subject to regular testing requirements. The appropriate repair or replacement should be determined based on the assembly and the particular installation.What Should You Do If Your Backflow Is Stolen?
If you discover that a commercial backflow preventer has been stolen, take the situation seriously.
Sometimes a thief will simply cut the assembly out of the piping. If the water hasn’t been shut off first, a considerable amount of water can escape before anyone realizes what happened.
Other thieves know exactly what they’re doing.
Tim has encountered thefts where someone shut off the property’s water meter and then used pipe cutters to remove the backflow. That avoids the obvious flood—but it can leave the business without water and may allow the theft to go unnoticed for longer.
If your backflow is missing:
- Address any active water leak or uncontrolled water immediately.
- Have the remaining piping and installation inspected for damage.
- Determine the appropriate replacement assembly before repiping the system.
- Make sure any required testing is completed before the new assembly is placed back into normal service.
- Consider whether additional theft protection should be added before the job is complete.
- Report the theft to the appropriate local authorities.
It’s also worth documenting the make, model, size, and serial number of your backflow assembly before anything happens. That information can be useful when identifying a replacement and when reporting a theft.Don’t Wait for a Theft to Think About Protection
If you own or manage a commercial property, take a look at your backflow the next time you’re outside.
Is it completely exposed?
Is there a cage around it?
Would someone have easy access to it after business hours?
Does the property have a history of theft or vandalism?
Has the backflow been leaking or having trouble passing its annual test?
You don’t necessarily need to wait until an assembly disappears to make improvements.
For some properties, adding a cage to an existing backflow may be the most practical solution. For others, the opportunity to upgrade security may come when an aging or damaged assembly already needs replacement. In areas where metal theft is a particular concern, a newer design with less exposed brass may also be worth considering.
There isn’t one answer that’s right for every property.Commercial Backflow Repair and Replacement in the Phoenix Area
When a commercial backflow is stolen, damaged, leaking, or failing its test, the best solution depends on more than simply finding another assembly with the correct pipe size.
The existing piping, dimensions, condition of the system, location of the backflow, local requirements, theft risk, and long-term serviceability can all affect the right repair.
Clendaniel Contracting works with commercial property owners and managers throughout the Phoenix area to evaluate backflow problems and determine the appropriate repair, replacement, or protection for the situation.
If your backflow has been stolen or damaged—or you’d like to protect an existing assembly before it becomes a target—contact Clendaniel Contracting to have the installation evaluated.