Bronze bodies are tough, but the plastic canopies, bonnets, rubber discs and O-rings on outdoor devices age faster under strong sun and summer heat. Hard water adds scale that can keep valves from seating fully.
Physical damage is the other big risk. A device near a driveway, sidewalk or lawn edge gets hit by mowers, trimmers, trash bins and car bumpers. And because many assemblies are made of bronze, they are sometimes targeted by metal thieves.
Threats and practical protection
| Threat | What it does | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Sun and heat | Cracks canopies, hardens rubber parts | Light shade or a ventilated cover that keeps access |
| Mowers and trimmers | Cracks bodies and snaps test cocks | A clear zone or edging around the device |
| Vehicles | Bends risers and breaks the assembly | Bollards or relocation, with approval |
| Theft | Removes the assembly entirely, leaving water off or flowing | A lockable enclosure or anchored cage |
| Sprinkler overspray | Constant wetting and mineral buildup | Adjust nearby heads |
| Rare cold snap | Water inside can expand and crack parts | Insulated cover when hard freezes are forecast |
Enclosure or no enclosure
With an enclosure
- Protects against impacts, sun and tampering.
- Can deter theft if lockable and anchored.
- Must be removable or open fully for testing.
- An RP enclosure needs drainage for relief discharge.
Without one
- Easier to see problems like drips or cracks.
- Nothing extra to unlock on test day.
- More exposure to sun and accidental hits.
- Visible bronze may attract theft.
If your device is stolen or smashed
Stop the water
Close the upstream shutoff if it is intact, or the main water shutoff.
Document it
Take photos and, for theft, consider a police report for your records.
Tell the water supplier
The city needs to know a required device is missing or damaged.
Replace and test
Have a licensed contractor install the required type, then get it tested and the report filed.
Ask before adding protection
- Will this cover or enclosure still let the tester reach every test cock?
- Does an RP enclosure have proper drainage?
- Is the enclosure an approved type, if the supplier has rules on it?
- Would relocating the device be safer, and what would that require?
Common questions
Do I need to winterize a backflow device in Fullerton?
Hard freezes are uncommon here, but they can happen. An insulated cover during a forecast cold snap is a reasonable precaution.
Can I paint my backflow device?
Painting the body is sometimes done, but never paint over test cocks, tags or serial numbers, and keep paint off moving parts.
Are plastic covers enough to stop theft?
Soft covers mainly protect against sun. For theft, a sturdy lockable enclosure anchored in place is more effective.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.