Backflow Insulation: Important Facts And The Best Deals On Backflow Insulation

Unfortunately lots of folks have found out about backflow insulation while standing in a pool of water watching it spray out of their broken backflow device. Hindsight is 20/20 or so they say. Dealing with a frozen backflow preventer is about as much fun as being flogged with a flaming 2” by 4” wrapped in barbed wire. Not something very far up on most peoples “TO DO” lists. And the sad thing is in many cases a frozen backflow device could have been prevented with inexpensive backflow insulation blankets or pouches that are easy to apply.

What do backflow insulation pouches and blankets do?

Well, for one they can save you a lot of cash and frustration by helping prevent backflow pipe freeze in colder months. As you know, water expands when it freezes, and when it expands it breaks things! When these things are yours, and these things are expensive to replace...backflow insulation suddenly becomes a hot topic in many circles where the devices are common in residential areas.

Backflow insulation really serves two major purposes: 1) It provides a thermal barrier of frost protection and 2) It provides impact protection to the backflow device and helps to shield it from the elements and U.V. Damage. Primarily it is for frost protection. Notice how I wrote frost protection and not freeze protection. That's because in some areas where temperatures turn very cold for extended periods of time there is a need for both thermal insulation and electric heat to provide total freeze protection. Electric heaters usually come in the form of heat tape cables that wrap around the backflow preventer. In some cases the heaters can be on a timer to only

kick in during cooler evening hours. Although in many areas in the north they run 24/7. Thermal insulation alone can only provide protection in areas where the temperature remains above freezing throughout the winter months or in areas where the units are winterized before the brutal cold sets in. It's best to check your local codes to determine what kind of backflow insulation protection you need in your area.

There are two types of backflow insulation common today. First is the insulated enclosure. This type consists of a backflow device enclosure – usually metal or hi-impact plastic – that is lined inside with a thermal insulation barrier. This thermal barrier is usually sprayed on as part of the manufacturing process and it does not actually come in contact with the backflow device. This approach will provide limited R-value. Second is the backflow insulation pouch or backflow blanket. These products are actually wrapped around the backflow device and fastened with velcro or tiedowns to insure that they stay firmly in place. These pouches come in direct contact with the backflow preventer, and can provide R-Values all the way up to R-13 in some cases. These are available in a wide variety of sizes and configurations to fit most common rpz and other device formats. Backflow insulation pouches are available in different colors to blend into a variety of landscapes as well.

So what should you look for in a good quality backflow insulation pouch?

First is R-value. Make sure the manufacturer clearly lists the pouches R-value. Chances are if no R-value is listed it's because it's a low number meaning it provides little or no thermal insulation value. R-value is to thermal insulation like gas mileage is to a car. You want the number to be high! Next, look at how the insulation bag is constructed and make sure there are grommets to provide some sort of tie down system. Velcro works but it can get dirty and lose it's ability to stick. Metal grommets sewn or machined into the pouch seem to work the best as it is very easy to fasten the backflow insulation blanket or pouch with inexpensive and easy to snip and remove zip ties.

-------------------------------------- TextAdz --------------------------------------

*** CLICK HERE For the GUARANTEED best prices, best service and free shipping on all models of  Backflow Enclosures, Backflow Insulation and more! ***

-------------------------------------- TextAdz --------------------------------------

You also want to make sure the backflow insulation blanket or pouch can be removed easily for inspection or repair of the actual prevention device. Make your life a little bit easier in choosing a brand that will slip on and off without breaking your back! Even thought they are lightweight, backflow blankets can still be a pain in the rear if they are difficult to put on and take off!

Another important component of backflow insulation is U.V. Resistance. With the sun beating down on them all day these blankets and pouches can deteriorate quickly if they are not specifically manufactured with U.V. Inhibitors formulated into the material. This isn't as crucial if you intend to use one of the backflow enclosures that shield sunlight, but even when totally covered the backflow insulation blanket or pouch will still see its share of U.V. Radiation.