Backflow Devices are Being Stolen at an Alarming Rate!

Recently there have been a rash of commercial irrigation and domestic water back-flow preventers stolen and sold for their scrap metal. While the scrap metal value for the brass and copper contained within these fittings is only about $250, brazen thieves are stealing as many as they can, sometimes twice from the same properties. Back-flow preventers are easily recognized, usually placed above ground along the street frontage for most commercial properties. The "U" shaped pipe acts as a valve to prevent irrigation or other water from "backflowing" into the potable water source for the building. Most jurisdictions in San Diego County have mandated the use of these valves in commercial buildings.

Thieves have posed as city employees wearing orange vests and have cut off the valve to the preventers using a saw. The whole process can take less than two minutes. These thefts have occurred in broad daylight and at prominent and visible locations. If yours is stolen, replacing it is very expensive and can cost as much as $3,000 to $6,000. Their removal will also interrupt water service for your property as well as create possible water damage caused by the water running uncontrolled through the open connection.

Backflow Device with Protective Cage

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  OCR can install concrete pads, custom backflow cages and paint to match your property!

How to Protect Yourself

There is no perfect solution, but the following actions are being recommended by law enforcement, landscapers, and plumbers:

• Enclose your backflow valve(s) with a protective cage (if you haven't already).
• Secure it with a tamper-proof lock (a "break-away" lock is easily opened and not recommended). In case of emergency, your maintenance crew should have a copy of the lock's key.
• The cage should be securely mounted to the ground.
• Have the cage spot welded to the bolts to prevent their removal.
• Stamp, label, or identify the metal with a recognizable code or name of your own.
• Paint the unit(s) with a bright color.
• Post a visible warning sign with something to the effect of "theft and damage to this unit will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law".
• Camouflage the unit by planting screening landscape a foot or so from the back-flow. This will make the unit less visible while still allowing for necessary maintenance access.

The prices of the cages and installation vary according to design and size. For more information please call me at 619-410-3939.