Showing posts with label RocksFast Product News & Information - Feed. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RocksFast Product News & Information - Feed. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Fake Rocks On Pinterest

Pinterest is a great place to get ideas on how to use fake rocks for landscaping, gardening and hiding ugly utilities in your yard. It's always neat seeing how creative people can get in experimenting with different ways to use the DekoRRa rock enclosures.

We've seen some uses that are pretty far fetched. One customer made a turkey hunting blind out of a large size artificial boulder. Unfortunately he was never able to use it because a bear got inside and chewed it to pieces. Sorry but as durable as these artificial rocks are they can't withstand bear attacks!

Dog houses are another popular use. Customers cut arches on one side of the DekoRRa Model 103 and it makes a perfect igloo style dog house. Choose the Pro-R insulated version to keep Fido warm inside.

We even had a Model 104 used as a prop on a parade float for a mermaid to perch on. Creative to say the least!

The next blog post Fake Rocks On Pinterest is republished from: http://www.ROCKSFAST.com/



Monday, April 24, 2017

Big Fake Rocks For Big (Ugly) Electrical Boxes

If you're a home owner there's a good chance you're familiar with the big green ugly electrical utility boxes the power companies place in the yard. For easy access many of these electrical boxes are placed in the front yard out near the road where they are easy to find and easily visible.

Many of these utility boxes are installed on concrete pads to keep them raised off the ground a couple of inches. This can make the footprint at the bottom several inches wider and longer than what's up near the top.

Covering a electrical utility box requires fake rocks that are tall enough and not overly rounded up near the top where extensive interior space is often needed to fully enclose the rectangular shape of the electrical utility box.

It's important you measure the length and width of the electrical box at the bottom and also up at the top. In many cases the length and width will be identical at the top and bottom, but make sure to include the dimensions of the concrete pad at the base if your intention is to have it covered.

Choosing fake rocks to cover these large electrical boxes boils down to 2 DekoRRa Mock Rock Models: The 104 and larger 114. Both offer a squarish or rectangular profile which creates ample interior room for most types of electrical utility boxes.

Should I buy the DekoRRa Model 104 or Model 114 to cover my electrical box?

Usually it's the height of the utility box that determines which DekoRRa Mock Rock is needed. The 104 Model is more or less maxxed out at the 35 inch high mark. If the electrical box extends beyond 35 inches in height it's time to look at the larger and taller Model 114 as your only option.

Sometimes the shorter DekoRRa Model 104 can be "boosted" by building up mulch, stone or soil under the base of the rock cover. Remember, all of these fake rocks have more interior room available closer to the bottom vs up near the top. By making the rock sit higher by placing mulch, soil or rock under its base you'll be creating more useable interior space inside of the enclosure.

It's also important to consider venting when covering an electrical utility box. Air flow is important to prevent the components withing the utility box from over heating and becoming damaged. Vents are easy to add to your fake rock order using the drop down menus next to the add to cart button. The vents will be painted to match the desired rock color and installed prior to packaging the rock for shipment.

The next article Big Fake Rocks For Big (Ugly) Electrical Boxes is courtesy of: ROCKSFAST Fake Rocks



Friday, April 14, 2017

Fake Rocks Q And A

Wondering which fake rocks are best for your lawn or garden project? We've put together a fake rocks questions and answers page to help make things easier for you.

While many customers focus on color selection as the main issue when selecting fake rock covers, the real concern should be sizing. We get very few product returns here at Rocksfast. And 95% of the returns we do get are sizing related issues. It's almost always "This rock is too small and won't cover my septic tank." Or "I need to exchange this for the next size larger rock."

How to use fake rocksIt's imperative you measure the object you intend to cover prior to ordering any mock rock. Careful measurements detailing the exact length and width at the bottom and at the top, in addition to the overall height. If you look at the different mock rock models you'll notice the majority of them become smaller with height. This translates to less and less available interior space inside the rock up near the top vs down low at the base.

In some cases a faux rock cover that is too small can be adjusted to fit. Say you flip a fake rock over your septic tank and it wears it like a baseball cap. There's a 3 or 4 inch gap at the bottom. The rock is too small.

A fast and easy solution is to mound up some stone, soil or mulch around the base of the septic tank to boost the rock up a bit. It's a quick fix that can work wonders when covering septics, wells, irrigation valves, backflows, vents, utility boxes and more.

When it's all said and done, the fastest and easiest way to select the perfect fake rock for your project is to pin the dirty work on us! Simply enter the dimensions of the object you need to cover in the form on this page and we will email you a list of DekoRRa Mock Rocks guaranteed to fit.

 

 

The next blog post Fake Rocks Q And A is republished from: this website



Wednesday, April 5, 2017

The Best Fake Rock Well Covers For Your Yard

Fake Rock Well EnclosuresPractically anyone living out in the country or in the suburbs who doesn't have city water is going to have a private water well. These modern marvels are bored deep into the earth where fresh water can be pumped up and into a home through a pressurized system that provides fresh water whenever a faucet is turned on.

It's a wonderful thing indeed!

What's not so wonderful, however, is the ugly metal water well riser that sticks up from the ground. Some extend only a few inches while many can rise up several feet above the ground. Tall rusty metal pillars of curb appeal killing ugliness that home owners are forced to look at day in and day out.

Luckily, DekoRRa has introduced some fake rock covers that are specifically designed to fit over a wide variety of water well risers and caps. Here's a quick rundown of the best options currently available.

- DekoRRa Mock Rock Cover Model 101: Designed with a rounded boulder shape, the 101 model is best suited for water well risers under 16 inches tall. While the rounded boulder shape helps it blend in to a wide variety of landscaping variations it also eats up a lot of interior space.

- DekoRRa Mock Rock Cover Model 102: This is probably the most popular option for home owners looking to hide ugly water well risers. The 102 features a nice balance of rounded edges with a taller and slightly smaller footprint than the 101 model. Because the 102 is taller, it can handle water wells up to 24" in height.

- DekoRRa Mock Rock Cover Model 107: The less expensive of the bunch, the 107 is capable of covering water wells up to 18" in height. For penny pinchers looking for a quick fix the 107 can be a great option.

DekoRRa Mock Rock Cover Model 113: With it's monumental stature, the 113 is capable of covering tall wells up to 32" in height. The squared shape isn't the most realistic choice, but it's ideal for mounting an address plaque to.

Regardless of which DekoRRa fake rock cover you decide on you can rest assured that the texture and colors will be extremely realistic. Let's face it, covering a water well with a fake rock that looks like a plastic blob isn't going to win you any curb appeal points. Going the DekoRRa route may cost a bit more, but the end result is a fake rock that not only looks real, but is built to stay that way!

The Best Fake Rock Well Covers For Your Yard is courtesy of: Rocksfast Artificial Rocks



Friday, October 28, 2016

Fake Rocks By DekoRRa

Fake rocks and fake rock covers made by DekoRRa are considered some of the best models currently available for landscaping and residential and commercial applications. DekoRRa designs their fake rocks with particular applications in mind, making them the ideal solution for a wide variety of uses. See the complete line of DekoRRa fake rocks for sale here.

Decorative Fake Rocks For Well Covers

Fake Rock CoversMany home owners are faced with the problem of having an exposed water well riser or well cap in the front or back yard. These utilities are common throughout the U.S., and are infamous for their uncanny ability to distract from front yard landscaping and the natural setting in ones yard or garden areas. Water well risers and caps are permanent, and cannot easily be moved by a home owner to a more desire-able and less visible location without moving the entire water well which is an extremely costly proposition.

DekoRRa's fake rocks for sale best suited for covering exposed water wells are models 101, 102, and 107. These models are available in 4 natural colors with realistic faux rock texturing molded into the side walls. Using them is fast and easy, simply place them over the exposed water well and pin down the edges with the included ground stakes.

Why Are DekoRRa Fake Rocks The Best Choice?

DekoRRa manufacturers their fake rocks using a patented resin molding process called "Real Rock." Each artificial rock is heat molded of a resin material infused with U.V. protection, colorant, and flakes of organic material which combines to produce an incredibly realistic and gritty rock like texture. The "Real-Rock" manufacturing process is ideal because the end product is all one molded piece. Nothing is sprayed or painted on. This zero maintenance design is ultra durable, and will never require any painting or refinishing. From harsh freeze-thaw cycles to baking sun and 100 degree heat, DekoRRa fake rocks are built for long term performance.

Can DekoRRa Fake Rocks Be Used For Landscaping?

Yes, while the hollow design is ideal for covering and hiding utilities in the yard or garden, the DekoRRa fake rock covers can be used for any application where natural and realistic faux rocks and boulders are desired. The light weight design makes them extremely easy to use, and one person can easily lift the rocks to move them.

Will DekoRRa Artificial Rocks Cover Septics?

Yes, the DekoRRa Model 103, 111, and 112 are ideal for use as decorative septic covers. Home owners with concrete septic risers and the newer green plastic septic and sewer caps can use DekoRRa faux rocks to cover and hide the exposed septic tanks quickly and easily. It's important to consider venting the rocks when used for septic applications.

Will The Wind Blow Them Away?

No, DekoRRa's unique flanging system provides protection from the wind. Flanges are molded in to the bottom edges of each fake landscaping rock. Included ground stakes are pounded through holes in the flanges to pin the rock down to the ground and provide protection from the wind and from tampering. Concrete anchors can be used instead of the ground stakes in applications where the rock cover is being fastened to a concrete pad or hard surface.

Can These Fake Rocks Be Used As Props?

Yes, the realistic texture and rock like colors make these ideal for use as stage props, on production sets, and other applications. The light weight design makes them easy to move around as prop rocks, and the durable finish keeps the prop rocks looking great even if they are bashed around in storage.

 

Fake Rocks By DekoRRa was first seen on: http://Rocksfast.com/



Friday, September 30, 2016

Insulated Outdoor Decorative Well Covers For Large Pumps & Tanks

Many people looking to buy outdoor decorative well covers for large well pumps and well pressure tanks find it challenging because their isn't much of a selection, and what is available can be quite expensive.

As a first step when looking to buy outdoor decorative well covers it's important to consider what type of insulation is needed in order to provide adequate frost and freeze protection. Depending on where the outdoor well is located, insulating and or heating the well pump and pressure tank may be necessary.

Are Insulated Decorative Well Covers Necessary For Large Pumps & Tanks?

If you live in an area where the temperatures dip below the freezing mark for an extended period of time, then an insulated decorative well cover may be a wise choice. Decorative well covers for large pumps and tanks can be purchased with the insulation incorporated into the hard walls of the enclosure, or as a separate insulation bag or blanket.

Using a well insulation bag usually provides better R-value because it forms a tighter seal around the well head or well pressure tank. Many insulation bags for large outdoor well pumps and pressure tanks are manufactured with grommets positioned at the end near the opening. This way if the insulation bag is placed over a large outdoor well pressure tank it can be fastened to the bottom of the tank to pin it down and prevent the wind from uncovering it.

Large outdoor well pressure tanks will require large size insulation bags, but keep in mind that the insulation need not extend all the way to the ground.  At the base of the well pressure tank is a pedestal, and this pedestal does not need to be covered.

In order to save money, many home owners elect to insulate large outdoor well pressure tanks using just an insulation bag or blanket, leaving the hard cover out of the equation. While this can save money, it's not usually considered an ideal route.

For one, when left out in the elements the large pressure tank insulation bag is prone to U.V. damage, damage from rodents, tampering, and other factors. If it's a temporary scenario when an insulation bag is placed over a well pressure tank for a couple days during a cold spell, or at night when the temperature drops then it's usually viable. But throwing an insulation bag over a large outdoor well pressure tank and leaving it out there year round and 24/7 is never a good idea.

Insulated decorative well covers for large outdoor wells & pressure tanks are better if they include a hard shell in addition to the insulation material. The hard shell enclosure is important for 3 reasons:

  • It provides protection from the wind and helps retain heat;
  • It provides security and protection from theft and tampering;
  • It helps keep critters out and prevents U.V. damage;

While going with a standalone outdoor well insulation bag is going to save money right out of the gates, chances are it's going to end up costing more in the long run if the pump or tank is damaged from freezing weather or frost. This is the main reason we suggested hard covers insulated decorative well covers for large outdoor wells and pressure tanks.

 

The post Insulated Outdoor Decorative Well Covers For Large Pumps & Tanks is available on: ROCKSFAST Fake Rocks



Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Water Worker Outdoor Well Pressure Tank Insulation Covers

Water Worker outdoor well pressure tank insulation covers and enclosures can be important for preventing frost and freeze damage in colder winter months and during spring and fall freezes. Water Worker manufactures a variety of different outdoor well pressure tank sizes for a variety of different applications.

Some of the most popular Water Worker well pressure tank sizes are: 20 gal, 32 gal, 44 gal, 62 gal, 86 gal, 119 gal.

Outdoor Well Pressure Tank Insulation Covers For Water Worker Pressure Tanks

The size of Water Worker pressure tank you have will determine the size of the outdoor well pressure tank insulation covers that are needed in order to provide adequate frost protection and freeze protection.

Placing a well pressure tank insulation blanket or bag over a Water Worker pressure tank that does not fully enclose the entire tank can leave it susceptible to frost or freeze damage. It's also important to determine the extent of protection that is needed for your particular application. This can depend on a variety of factors including where the tank is located geographically, wind exposure, severity of temperature fluctuations and other factors.

insualte-water-worker-well-tankThe DekoRRa brand outdoor well pressure tank insulation covers we sell work well over a wide variety of Water Worker well pressure tank sizes. The first step in determining what size outdoor well pressure tank insulation blanket or bag is needed is to carefully measure the total height of the tank from the ground to the top in addition to the diameter which is a diagonal measurement across the top center of the tank.

Once the well tank is measured you can view our selection of outdoor well pressure tank insulation covers to determine which model will best suit your application and tank size. It's important to realize that wind is probably the biggest culprit when it comes to outdoor pressure tank frost and freeze damage. By preventing exposure to the wind, you can reduce the risk of cold weather damage. While outdoor well pressure tank insulation covers and blankets do help to provide wind protection for Water Worker well tanks, often times it is best to use a hard sided enclosure in addition to the insulation underneath.

Regardless of the size of Water Works pressure tank you own, it's going to be better protected from frost and freeze with outdoor well pressure tank insulation covers used in tandem with hard enclosures like these large fake rock covers to provide additional protection from the heat robbing wind.

 

 

The blog post Water Worker Outdoor Well Pressure Tank Insulation Covers was first seen on: Rocksfast Service Blog



Monday, September 12, 2016

Fiberglass Backflow Enclosures Have Met Their Match

Fiberglass backflow enclosures have been around for several years as one of the few choices for backflow protection and backflow insulation.

While fiberglass backflow enclosures look nice new out of the box, it doesn't take long for them to show their age when left outside and exposed to the elements and the rigors of every day use like mowing and string trimming.

Fiberglass becomes brittle from U.V. exposure and can crack easily. It's heavy, fades quickly, and is prone to impact damage.

What's Better Than Fiberglass Backflow Enclosures?

fiberglass hotbox backflow coverThe high-density polyethylene used in manufacturing DekoRRa's USA made backflow enclosures offer many advantages over the old fashioned fiberglass designs.  For one, they are lighter weight and easier to use, making placement over backflow prevention devices much easier and user friendly.

DekoRRa also mixes an advanced U.V. inhibitor into the polyethylene polymers. This creates a wall of ultraviolet light protection throughout the entire thickness and totally eliminates sun fade and weakening of the enclosure over time.

The thickly molded polyethylene design is highly impact resistant, and not brittle like fiberglass backflow enclosures are. Strike a DekoRRa polyethylene backflow cover with a baseball bat and it will give and flex to help absorb the shock. A fiberglass backflow enclosure on the the other hand, will crack easily and in many cases fail completely.

Because DekoRRa backflow enclosures are made of this superior material, they are virtually maintenance free. All of the colorant and texture material is molded into the enclosure. Nothing is sprayed or painted on, so one need not worry about chipping, flaking, and having to sand and re-paint.

Curb appeal is another great feature. While most fiberglass backflow enclosures are square, rectangular and boxy, the DekoRRa brand features a smoothly rounded shape that blends into the landscape with a much more pleasing appearance.

And the polyethylene design doesn't sacrifice security. Like many fiberglass backflow enclosures, the DekoRRa brand features dual locking hasps for fast and easy padlock access. And removing the cover is easy once the locks have been removed. Simply lift the top of the cover off the base.

Each of the DekoRRa backflow enclosures is available in 3 ASSE classifications with options for both insulated and insulated and heated backflow enclosures.

Fiberglass Backflow Enclosures Have Met Their Match is courtesy of: ROCKSFAST LLC



Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Hide That Ugly Septic Tank Fast And Easy

Using a decorative fake rock septic cover to hide those ugly septic tanks and septic risers is a great way to get it done quickly and help blend it in with the surrounding landscaping.

But the problem many home owners have is choosing the right fake rock septic covers to fit over the existing cover or riser. Septics come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. While some may only protrude from the ground a couple inches, others have a foot or more of exposure, requiring larger fake rocks.

Measuring the septic tank then trying to decipher the dimensions of the fake rocks interior can be a challenge since the amount of interior space varies inside of the rock due to the shape of the rock and the texture.

Here's How To Find Decorative Fake Rock Septic Covers The Easy Way

At RocksFast we like to make things easy for our customers, and we've taken all the dirty work out of finding the right decorative fake rock septic covers for your home landscaping. Simply:

  1. Measure the diameter of the septic tank cover. Remember, diameter is a diagonal measurement across the middle of the top of the tank cover.
  2. Measure the height of the septic tank riser from the ground up to the top.
  3.  Enter the measurements into the form on this page. You can include a photo of the tank as well.

Three simple steps is all it takes!  We'll look at the dimensions of your septic tank and email you back with a list of all the different DekoRRa fake rocks for septics that will work for your application. It's super fast, super easy, and a huge time saver!

But What If The Septic Tank In My Yard Sticks Up Very High?

Not to worry!  In many cases one can simply add mulch or soil around the base of the septic tank. When the decorative septic cover rock is placed over the riser, it rests on the mounded soil or mulch to boost its height. We'll be sure to let you know if certain DekoRRa fake rocks for septics will require mulch or soil be added in order to cover your tank.

I heard I Can't Use Decorative Fake Rock Septic Covers Because My Tank Is Vented

No problem! When you order from RocksFast.com you can add vents to the fake rock septic cover. The vents are painted to match the rock color, and are installed prior to shipment.

Can I Use Decorative Fake Rock Septic Covers If There's A Junction Box On The Riser?

For sure!  Just be sure to note that the septic tank has a junction box on the side and include its dimensions when you submit the form. The junction box is a small rectangular box on the side of some septic tanks which house electrical components. Not all tanks have them.

So, it doesn't get any easier than this to hide that ugly septic tank with a decorative fake rock septic cover! Take some quick measurements, enter them here, and we'll do all the dirty work to help hook you up with the perfect fake rocks!

 

The article Hide That Ugly Septic Tank Fast And Easy was first published on: http://rocksfast.com



Thursday, September 1, 2016

New DekoRRa Model 117 Fake Rock Cover A Great Backflow Enclosure

If you're in the market for a fake rock cover that works well as a backflow enclosure for backflow protection, the new DekoRRa Model 117 may be a great choice. With a design inspired by the Model 110, a fake rock cover specifically designed for backflow protection, the 117 Model brings an even more realistic texture and shape to the table.

Protecting and insulating backflow valves can be tricky because of their awkward shape when installed. A typical install has two water pipes leading up from the ground and then turning towards each other at 90 degree angles and meeting at the backflow prevention valve in the middle.

Model 117 Backflow Enclosure Fake Rock CoverfDepending on the type of backflow valve, it's size, and local codes regulating height and other factors many homeowners find themselves tasked with covering an protecting over 30 inches of pipe in this awkward layout.

The DekoRRa Model 117 fake rock cover features a slightly rectangular shape about twice as long as it is wide. In many cases this shape can make a perfect fake rock backflow cover, depending on how high and long a particular installation is.

While the DekoRRa Model 110 fake rock cover features more of a pyramid shape, the 117 has a flatter top which to some appears more natural. Although the flatter top does restrict it's use in some cases where the backflow valve has been installed higher than 19 inches.

Like any good backflow enclosures, the Model 117 fake rock cover is designed with flanges at its base through which stakes are driven to pin the edges to the ground. If inspection is required, or the unit is in need of backflow parts or backflow repair kits, the fake rock cover can be easily removed. It is possible to use concrete anchors as well should the backflow enclosure require to be bolted or locked to a concrete pad for security or code approval.

It's also important to consider the amount of space any backflow insulation will require underneath the fake rock cover. If the backflow valve alone is right on the edge of being too large for the DekoRRa Model 117 fake rocks to fully enclose, plus you intend to add additional insulation for added backflow protection, it's important to know exactly how much space that added insulation will need.

By measuring carefully and using the interior dimension charts it's easy to determine if the DekoRRa Model 117 fake rock cover is the right backflow enclosure for a particular application. Remember, if height is an issue mulch or soil can be added under the fake rock cover in order to boost the height a bit. This can be very helpful and can also help the fake rock cover blend into the surrounding landscape.

That's one of the positives of using a fake rock cover like the DekoRRa Model 117 as a backflow enclosure. If it's placed correctly and mulched to match your home landscaping it can actually enhance your yard or garden area. The color and texture of the DekoRRa fake rocks are so realistic that they appear real even up close.

 

New DekoRRa Model 117 Fake Rock Cover A Great Backflow Enclosure was originally seen on: http://rocksfast.com



Monday, August 29, 2016

Buy The Best Insulated Backflow Covers And Enclosures

With cold weather and fall right around the corner, many home owners are looking for the best insulated backflow covers and enclosures to provide freeze and frost protection. As more and more building codes are changed to require water backflow prevention valves be installed in residential neighborhoods, the need for dependable, low cost options has risen significantly over the past few years.

How To Choose The Best Insulated Backflow Covers And Enclosures

The first step is to verify how much insulation protection, or R-value, will be necessary to provide frost and freeze protection. At the minimum, most use at least R4 r-value, with 10 and 13 more popular. When it comes to choosing insulated backflow covers and enclosures it's best to go with more R-value vs less. Simply because it's more or less impossible to have too much insulation when it comes to insulating a backflow prevention valve.

In situations where a water well pump is exposed above ground and is being covered and insulated, then one must be wary of using too much insulation which could limit ventilation and cause the well pump motor to overheat and fail.

Insulated Backflow ProtectionHowever, in the case of backflow valve freeze protection, one need not worry about over insulating because there is no electric pump within these types of valve installations.

One of the most important steps in choosing the right insulated backflow covers and enclosures is to carefully measure the height, width and length of the actual backflow preventer installation. Include the piping as part of the measurement. Everything that is going to be covered needs to be included.

It's  important to consider how much space the insulation is going to take up inside of the hard backflow cover. The last thing you want is too much insulation preventing the cover from closing and latching.

The DekoRRa brand insulated backflow covers and enclosures we sell are nice because the R-13 insulation included with the cover is appropriately sized to fit within the actual backflow enclosure. This type of package deal is easy to install and fool-proof as it takes a lot of the sizing guesswork right out of the equation.

Avoid Fiberglass Backflow Covers And Enclosures

Insulated backflow covers and enclosures made of fiberglass should be avoided if at all possible. Fiberglass is heavy, prone to U.V. damage and doesn't have any give to prevent cracking from impact damage. Units made from polymer resin are usually stronger and can withstand more damage.

It's also a good idea to focus on models with a means of locking the cover down. While practically any type can be broken into given the right tools and enough time, having a locking system is a great way to deter thieves and vandals who will hopefully see the lock and wander off to find an easier target instead.

Just remember that the cover is going to need to be removed on occasion if the backflow valve should require testing, inspecting or maintenance of any kind. So a locking system that is manageable and easy to unlock is key.

Fake rock covers are also becoming popular as insulated backflow covers and enclosures. What's nice about going the fake rock route is how well they can blend into the surrounding landscaping. Being able to totally disguise that ugly metal backflow valve under a realistic fake rock is a real bonus to many home owners looking for the best insulated backflow covers and enclosures.

Buy The Best Insulated Backflow Covers And Enclosures was originally published on: http://Rocksfast.com/



Monday, August 22, 2016

Heated Backflow Covers And Enclosures

Heated backflow covers and enclosures are often necessary in cases where an irrigation backflow valve or drinking water rpz is going to be left outdoors during cold winters in areas of the united states experiencing below freezing weather for extended periods of time.

Heated Backflow HotBox CoverWhile most areas require only backflow insulation for freeze protection, certain installations require an additional heat source to keep water from freezing within the valve gate, expanding as it freezes and causing serious damage to the sensitive o-rings, gaskets and valve parts within. Once a backflow valve has been damaged it will require testing, repair or replacement, all of which is expensive and best if avoided.

Many municipalities in cold areas require heated backflow covers and enclosures to be installed to protect city water systems. If a backflow is damaged by freezing water the damage may cause obvious leaking, or most of the damage can be internal. Even if the unit appears to be functioning properly, it may allow water to flow backwards through it in a low pressure scenario, and this can cause contamination.

Types Of Heated Backflow Covers And Enclosures

Depending on how cold it gets, wind velocity and valve type there are different ways to use a heated backflow cover or enclosure. In some instances a light bulb placed under the backflow enclosure can radiate enough heat to help prevent freeze or frost damage. This technique is a bit of a shot in the dark, however, since one really doesn't know how many watts the bulb needs to be and how well insulated the enclosure needs to be in order to retain the limited amount of heat radiating from the bulb.

And there's always the chance that light bulbs will burn out and cease to produce heat which could result in pipes freezing or valve gate damage. Too much wattage may pose a problem if the bulb comes in contact with any insulation material or plastic inside heated backflow enclosures & covers, causing the material to melt or possibly even burn and creating a fire.

A much more dependable and easy to use method for creating heated backflow covers and enclosures for freeze protection is to use electric heat tape. Wrapping the heat tape around the backflow piping and the valve body itself will help protect the entire unit from the ground up. This process heats the actual metal to prevent water inside from freezing, expanding and causing damage to the pipes or valve gate. Heat tape works well on backlow devices manufactured by Febco, Watts, Wilkins, Zurn, Conbraco and other popular brands of residential and commercial backflow prevention valves.

The DekoRRa Model 301 and 302 boxes are both available as ASSE Class 1 heated backflow covers and enclosures which include easy to use heating tape, an r-13 insulation pouch, and the hard resin enclosure. DekoRRa designed this system to work efficiently in order to retain the most heat. The heat tape is wrapped around the valve and piping then plugged in to any 110v outlet. The backflow insulation bag is placed over the entire unit, followed by the locking resin enclosure.

This backflow freeze protection system is ideal because the insulation is right up against the heat source to help retain maximum R-value. And the tightly sealed backflo insulation bag and hard resin enclosure provides excellent protection from the wind, which can be a major culprit for robbing heat from backflow valves and causing them to freeze.

Heated Backflow Covers And Enclosures is republished from: DekoRRa



Friday, August 19, 2016

Large Outdoor Well Pressure Tank Insulation

Large outdoor well pressure tank insulation can be important for home owners with large outdoor well pumps on their property. Whether or not well tank insulation is necessary depends primarily on the region of the U.S. you reside in and how cold it gets during winter months.

Pressure vessel insulation usually appears in the form of an insulated bag, pouch, blanket, or parka which is slid over or wrapped around the tank to provide R-value and prevent frost and or freeze damage.

It's important to choose a means of insulation that is highly weatherproof and U.V. resistant. When insulation material becomes damp or wet, it can degrade and lose its ability to retain warmth. If the outer shell of the pressure tank insulation blanket is damaged by U.V. rays it can become weak and brittle, allowing moisture inside where the insulation material is. Because of this, it is a good idea to choose a brand of polar parka that is highly U.V. resistant.

Large Outdoor Well Pressure Tank Insulation By DekoRRa

The DekoRRa brand we sell provides an R-value of 13 which is highly suitable for most large outdoor water well applications. The outer shell material is highly U.V. resistant and will not become brittle and crack when exposed to the sun. The exterior insulation is heat sealed into the waterproof bag material to encapsulate it and ensure it remains dry regardless of the exterior weather conditions.

Unlike sewn or stitched well pressure tank insulation bags which can become weak at the seams and rely on the thread to hold the edges together, the heat sealed design offered with the DekoRRa brand is much more efficient and can withstand U.V. rays and weather much more effectively.

Outdoor Well Tabk Polar Parka BlanketIt's important to carefully measure both the height and the diameter of the well pressure tank. Many large outdoor well tanks are mounted along side an electric well pump on a concrete slab to provide a solid and even foundation. When measuring the height of the tank, consider the metal or plastic stand that the tank is sitting on.

In most applications it is not necessary to insulate all the way down to the ground because the stand is not usually considered part of the tank. Although insulating all the way to the ground including the tank stand isn't going to lead to any problems as long as the insulation bag, parka, or blanket is not covering the electric pump itself.

It's important to remember the electric pump motor requires air flow and ventilation in order to prevent it from overheating and becoming damaged. While these well pumps can be enclosed in a vented hard cover to provide protection, one does not want to cover them with part of the large outdoor well pressure tank insulation because damage to the well pump motor can result.

Large Outdoor Well Pressure Tank Insulation was originally published to: http://Rocksfast.com/