Why You Should NOT Install Your Backflow Preventer Indoors

There are many misconceptions concerning the ideal placement for backflow prevention equipment. Unfortunately, these simple confusions can cost you lots of money and potentially even your well-being. Read on and learn why you should NOT install your backflow preventer indoors.

Personal Safety Concerns

Most notably, backflow preventers located indoors are potentially hazardous to the surrounding structure and the occupants nearby. A faulty backflow preventer is more likely to flood and release harmful contaminants. If this occurs in a basement-style structure, the resulting onslaught of dirty water can weaken the building’s structure and pose health complications for exposed individuals. And while rare, ruptures originating from prevention equipment are powerful and capable of destroying buildings and injuring humans. All these factors considered, it’s quite clear why these devices are best for outdoor applications.

Maintenance Worker Concerns

Backflow preventers require regular maintenance to ensure proper performance and water supply safety. As such, plumbers and professional repair people must have easy and safe access to your backflow prevention equipment.

Unfortunately, preventers inside larger structures are often more challenging to access, diagnose, and repair. Additionally, the enclosed space can prevent repair people from identifying potential safety hazards before entering and conducting services. Overall, indoor backflow prevention equipment puts the well-being of professionals on the line just as much as yours.

Other Placement Considerations

Aside from avoiding installing a backflow preventer indoors, there are other placement consultations you must factor in. For example, you should never install backflow prevention equipment underground in subterranean vaults. This specific placement increases the risks of cross-connection damages and, consequently, underground flooding.

Ultimately, underground flooding threatens your foundation's structural integrity while harming other plumbing infrastructure. Ditch an underground vault configuration in favor of an outdoor, above-ground enclosure that prevents the environment from interfering with your preventer. Additionally, these enclosures keep equipment safe from people and animals without sacrificing proper drainage.

Understanding why you should NOT install your backflow preventer indoors ensures a safer and more effective prevention experience. Along with outdoor installations, you should invest in quality prevention equipment for superior durability and performance. Check out our wide selection of Deringer backflow preventers for sale here at Backflow Direct.