Heated Backflow Preventer Enclosure Installation in Moorestown, NJ
South Jersey Backflow recently completed a backflow preventer enclosure installation for a homeowner in Moorestown, NJ. Our team installed a heated faux rock enclosure over a Wilkins Zurn 720 backflow preventer, seamlessly blending the unit into the client’s backyard landscaping near their outdoor hot tub. The result was a solution that was both functional and visually clean — the enclosure looks like a natural rock feature while quietly protecting one of the most important pieces of plumbing on the property.
If you have an exposed backflow preventer in your yard, a protective enclosure could be one of the smartest investments you make before winter arrives in South Jersey.
What Is a Backflow Preventer — and Why Does It Need Protection?
If you’re not entirely sure what a backflow preventer does, you’re not alone. In short, it’s a device installed in your plumbing system that stops contaminated water from flowing backward into your clean drinking water supply. Outdoor units — like the Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) on an irrigation or hot tub line — are especially exposed to the elements and require extra care. You can learn more about how backflow preventers work and why they matter on our website.
Because these devices live outside year-round, they face real risks from freezing temperatures, physical damage, and tampering. That’s exactly where a heated enclosure comes in.
What Is a Backflow Preventer Enclosure?
A backflow preventer enclosure is a protective cover — often designed to look like a natural rock or landscaping feature — that surrounds your outdoor backflow preventer. Heated models include built-in heating elements to keep the device and the water inside it from freezing during New Jersey’s cold winters. They’re a popular choice for homeowners who want protection without sacrificing curb appeal or backyard aesthetics.
5 Benefits of a Heated Backflow Preventer Enclosure
1. Freeze Protection for Your Backflow Preventer New Jersey winters can be brutal on outdoor plumbing equipment. When temperatures drop below freezing, the water inside your PVB can freeze and expand, cracking internal components and rendering the device non-functional. A heated enclosure maintains a safe temperature around the unit, preventing that damage before it happens and saving you from an expensive emergency repair call in the middle of January.
2. Extended Equipment Lifespan Repeated exposure to freezing and thawing cycles is one of the leading causes of premature backflow preventer failure. A heated cover shields your device from that stress, helping it last longer and perform reliably year after year. If you’ve already experienced issues with your unit, our backflow preventer repair and rebuilding services can restore it to full working condition before you add a protective enclosure.
3. Lower Energy Costs Heated backflow enclosures are engineered to be energy efficient. Rather than running constantly, they use thermostatic controls to kick in only when temperatures dip to a level that could cause damage. This targeted approach uses far less energy than other heating methods, keeping your utility bills in check without sacrificing protection.
4. Local Code Compliance New Jersey has strict regulations around backflow prevention, and many townships require outdoor devices to be protected from freezing. Failing to comply can result in fines, failed inspections, or even a water service interruption. A properly installed heated enclosure helps ensure your system stays on the right side of local and state requirements. For a deeper look at what’s required in our area, check out our guide to New Jersey’s backflow prevention regulations.
5. Security and Tamper Resistance Outdoor backflow preventers are more vulnerable than most homeowners realize. They can be damaged by lawn equipment, bumped by kids playing in the yard, or in rare cases, tampered with intentionally. Many enclosures are designed to lock securely in place, protecting your equipment from unauthorized access and accidental damage. The durable, weather-resistant materials used in quality enclosures also help guard against UV damage, moisture, and impact — contributing to the unit’s long-term reliability and security.
Don’t Forget Your Annual Backflow Test
Installing an enclosure is a great step, but it doesn’t replace the need for regular maintenance. In New Jersey, annual backflow testing is required by law for all testable devices connected to the public water supply. Our certified technicians handle the testing, reporting, and submission to your local water authority — so you don’t have to worry about paperwork or deadlines.
If your backflow preventer hasn’t been tested this year, now is a great time to get it scheduled, especially before you add an enclosure and button everything up for the season.
Why Moorestown, NJ Homeowners Choose South Jersey Backflow
South Jersey Backflow is a family-owned, licensed, and insured company that has been serving residential and commercial customers across Burlington County and South Jersey since 2004. Whether you need a heated enclosure installed, a backflow preventer tested, or an aging unit repaired or rebuilt, our team has the experience and local knowledge to get it done right.
We proudly serve Moorestown, Westampton, Mount Holly, Cherry Hill, Marlton, Medford, and communities throughout South Jersey.
Ready to protect your backflow preventer this winter?
Call us today at (856) 291-6809 to schedule your backflow enclosure installation in Moorestown, NJ.
Overall, installing a heated backflow preventer cover on an outside PVB can help protect the device from freezing temperatures, extend its lifespan, save energy, and ensure compliance with local regulations.