How To Hide A Septic Tank With A Fake Rock Cover

Anyone living in rural areas knows how ugly septic tank risers can be. The big round concrete and plastic shapes sticking up from the ground always manage to clash with the landscaping and stick out like a sore thumb.

Many homeowners opt to disguise their septic using fake rocks to hide them. However, with so many different sizes of septic tanks out there, it can be tricky to find the correct size fake rock cover for your particular application.

This image will show you how to measure the septic tank in your yard in 3 easy steps. When measuring it's important to remember the difference between diameter and circumference.

1. - Measure the height of the septic tank from the ground to the top of the cap. 
2. - Measure the diameter of the septic tank itself, and also note the size of the junction box on the side if there is one. 
3. - Select a fake rock cover using the interior dimension charts (or just enter the dimensions in the form on this page and we will suggest rock models that will work for your application).

Circumference is the distance around the edge of the tank, and diameter is a measurement straight across the middle while standing directly over the top.

It's diameter that's important! Also, make sure you accurately measure the height of the septic tank and note if there is a junction box on the side of the tank.

Another important thing to consider when covering a septic with a Mock Rock is venting. It's a good idea to install a vent or two in the rock enclosure in order to allow proper venting. Even if there is no vent visible on the septic cap or riser it's still a good idea to vent the rock cover. Vents may not be clearly visible on your septic tank, so just because you can't see them doesn't mean they aren't there.

Vents can be purchased with any of the DekoRRa Mock Rock covers at RocksFast.com. We offer a free install option as well where the vents will be painted to match the selected rock color and installed prior to shipment. There is additional information on venting and the different sizes of vents available here. For most septic applications one of the 3" or 4" vents will suffice.

Customers often ask if insulation is needed over a septic cap or riser when in cold climates. In almost all circumstances the answer is no. While insulation is important when covering backflow valves, irrigation components, well tanks and other utilities subject to freeze damage, septic tanks do not need to be insulated.

Since most of the fake rocks designed for septic applications are lower to the ground, wind is usually not an issue. But to play it safe DekoRRa includes ground stakes with all of their septic rock enclosures. The stakes are pounded through holes in patented flanges molded into the base of the rock. It's a nice feature because it adds a bit of security by making it more difficult to lift the rock up and expose the septic tank. If you have kids around security is always a bonus!

How To Hide A Septic Tank With A Fake Rock Cover was originally published on: ROCKSFAST LLC

New DekoRRa Model 118 Fake Rocks For Septics

New for 2018, the DekoRRa Model 118 Mock Rock is another great choice for homeowners in the market for fake rocks designed to hide unsightly septic caps, covers, and risers.

The Model 118 is available in four natural colors: Fieldstone, Riverbed, Autumn Bluff and Sandstone. All colors feature DekoRRa's patented "Real-Rock" molding process creating super realistic textures with advanced U.V. protective resins that prevent sun fade. Snow, rain or searing summer heat, these fake rocks are ultra-rugged and can stand the test of time

This particular fake rock is ideal for small to medium sized septic tanks up to 8" high and with up to 30" diameter. As is the case with all Mock Rock models, the amount of interior space decreases with height, making it imperative to consult the sizing charts prior to ordering.

The Model 118 can also be used to disguise septic cleanouts, manhole covers, valve boxes, and any other lawn and garden utilities. Vents can be included with purchase and are painted to match the rock color and installed prior to shipping. Vent sizes range from 1.5" to 4".

DekoRRa includes stakes with each Model 118 Mock Rock to secure the edges to the ground via patented flanges molded along the outside. This is important as it prevents the rocks from blowing away under windy conditions.

New DekoRRa Model 118 Fake Rocks For Septics is republished from: http://www.ROCKSFAST.com

The Top 3 Well Pump House Fake Rock Covers

When it comes to insulating, protecting and providing freeze protection for outdoor well pumps and pressure tanks many home owners are faced with the issue of what kind of enclosure to use. Cost, maintenance, appearance and ease of access are all concerns when choosing a well house cover.

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In many cases it’s not only protecting and insulating the well and pressure tanks that’s important, but also aesthetics and curb appeal are on top of the list as many large outdoor water well pumps can be quite unsightly.

Luckily, DekoRRa has designed 3 fake rock covers which function extremely well as well pump house applications. All of the models listed below can be purchased with vents installed and with two different varieties of insulation. Get for more info on these 3 best selling well pump house covers here.

DekoRRa Model 103 Fake Rock Cover – This model is a great option for small to medium size water well pressure tank and pump configurations. The rounded dome shape of the DekoRRa Model 103 provides a very realistic boulder like appearance, and there is enough height inside the rock for a variety of well and pressure tank configurations. If you’re in need of a well pump house for a small to medium size pressure tank and pump with a compact footprint, the DekoRRa Model 103 could be perfect.

For large outdoor water pumps and pressure tanks the DekoRRa Model 104 may be a better choice.  The square boulder shape is taller and wider than the Model 103 and features more interior height, width and length both at the base and up near the top. Large outdoor well tanks can stand quite tall, and the DekoRRa Model 104 makes a great well pump house for these larger pressure tanks and pump layouts on concrete slabs with wide footprints down near the base.

And for applications requiring even larger well house covers or for layouts requiring a well pump house cover over a very tall standing well pressure tank, the DekoRRa Model 114 is the biggest of the bunch. The tiered design was specifically engineered to cover and insulate very large outdoor pump and pressure tank configurations.

Why use a fake rock cover instead of a traditional well pump house cover to protect and insulate an exterior well pump and pressure tank? One reason is ease of use. The DekoRRa fake rocks are made of a ultra durable and highly UV resistant resin material that will not chip, flake or crack (it’s much better than fiberglass pump covers). The pre-molded design is easily set over the entire outdoor pump and pressure tank to provide protection and insulation. Flanges at the base of each model make securing the edges of the rock to the ground or to a concrete pad fast and easy.

Curb appeal is another big plus. The realistic texture and color is all molded into the walls of the fake rocks. They look great and blend in well to almost any landscape. It’s a zero maintenance design offering easy install, security, with the option to add insulation and an electric heat source all in one ready to use package.

The next post The Top 3 Well Pump House Fake Rock Covers was first published to: http://Rocksfast.com/

Hunting For Deer Protection? Try Fake Rocks!

Our customers are great! And we get a lot of positive feed back and ideas from them all the time. One interesting use for fake rocks that came up recently was using them as shields for protection against hungry deer who want to use the landscaping around their homes as food plots!

In most cases the landscaping around a home features a variety of different flowers, plants, shrubs and bushes. Deer always seem to single out a few species as their favorite main course for a little pre-rut snack. As fruits and vegetables taste different to us all, and we all have our favorites, deer are the same way about plants, shrubs and bushes. Some are good to eat in the dead of winter when food is scarce and the deer are weary from being hunted all fall, while other varieties are so tasty they are sought out any time of year.

It’s these super tasty types that you might consider protecting, especially at night. If you discover damage or missing leaves on a particular plant, using a fake rock to cover it at night can be a great way to close the freezer door on that deer and let it know your landscaping is not a food plot! Unlike rabbits, who tend to nibble and strip the bark off the main stem, deer tend to bite the entire branch off and munch it down whole. Plants will appear pruned down to the stem. And if there’s one thing deer are good at remembering, it’s where on the land they can find good food fast and easy. So once they find a type of plant or shrub they like the taste of, you can count on it that they’ll be back for more.

Flipping a fake rock over a plant or bush offers total protection from hungry whitetail, rabbits and other critters. The edges can be staked down to prevent the rock from being tipped off the plant, and the light weight design makes them easy to use. Just don’t forget to remove the rock in the morning! It would be a shame to suffocate your favorite plant by mistake.

In most cases a hungry deer will hunt for different land to feed on once his favorite table fare is taken off the menu by a fake rock cover. Hitting the area with anti-deer spray can also help. And if nothing else, you can always wait until hunting season and put that deer on your dinner menu!

The following article Hunting For Deer Protection? Try Fake Rocks! is republished from: this website

Backflow Covers: How To Choose The Correct Backflow Cover

Backflow covers are used to protect backflow valves and help with freeze protection when the valves are left out in conditions where the temperature may dip below freezing. Many home owners find out the hard way, when a backflow prevention valve freezes, it doesn’t take long for it to break.

Buy Backflow Covers For Less At RocksFast.com – Click Here

The delicate springs and rubber gaskets inside don’t hold up well to icy water. And replacing a valve can be quite expensive.

The type of backflow covers required depends greatly on the climate of the area you live in, and also the type of valve you have. Potable water valves tend to be more active all year long, with water flowing through them day and night. Moving water does not freeze as easily in these vs irrigation types which may sit dormant for weeks or months with stagnant water in them that is prime for freeze.

ASSE Class 1, 2, 3 Backflow Covers (American Society Of Safety Engineers)

Backflow enclosures are available in 3 different primary ASSE classes, each providing a different level of protection against freeze:

ASSE Class 3 – this level offers impact damage and wind protection. Some of these enclosures are also lockable to prevent theft and tampering. ASSE Classe 3 is not insulated or heated. These primarily consist of the hard fiberglass or plastic outer shell with vents for drainage near the bottom.

ASSE Class 2 – this class features an impact resistant outer shell that is lockable, water drainage venting, plus added insulation for additional freeze protection. The Class 2 backflow covers are probably the most popular format in today’s irrigation market.

ASSE Class 1 – In addition to the hard shell, drainage venting and insulation, this class incorporates an electric heat system. In most cases the heat is provided via a heat tape which is wrapped around the piping and the valve body. The heat tape is plugged into an outlet and the generated heat is conducted through the metal pipes to prevent the water from becoming too cold and freezing.

In most cases, if you reside in an area where the temperature dips below freezing for a couple hours at night, then remains above freezing during the day a ASSE Class 2 option will suffice. Going with an ASSE Class 3 could be risky depending on how long the temps dip below the freezing mark and how windy it is. Remember, the wind robs heat very quickly. If you live in a windy area it’s best to error on the side of caution and go the insulated route vs just the Class 3 which does not provide any additional R-value or heat to help fight freezing pipes and valves.

Sizing is also important. Always carefully measure the height, length and width of the entire unit and compare those dimensions with the available interior space of the enclosure you are considering. Plumbers are often required to keep the valves up aways off the ground when the units are installed, so some of these can be quite high and awkwardly shaped depending on what the building codes are like in your municipality.

The next article Backflow Covers: How To Choose The Correct Backflow Cover was first published to: Rocksfast Blog

Backflow Enclosures For 3/4″ Valves

Backflow enclosures are designed to provide theft prevention, security, insulation, heat and freeze protection for sensitive valve assemblies in both commercial and residential settings. Depending on the type of unit, and it’s designated purpose, the size of the configuration and installation footprint can vary greatly.

Buy 3/4″ Backflow Valve Enclosures From RocksFast Here

While most residential installations do not rise very far from the ground and only run a foot or two left to right, commercial installations can be very high and several yards long.

The Right Backflow Enclosures For Your Home

The 3/4″ size is popular in many residential settings, and as a result many home owners find themselves tasked with protecting the delicate valve assemblies with a cover or cage. Theft can be a real problem in cities and suburbs alike, with thieves stealing the units and attached copper piping to trade for cash at local scrap and metal salvage yards. Replacing a stolen unit is quite pricey, and is something best avoided if at all possible.

Fortunately, the 3/4″ valve size usually lends itself to a rather small installation footprint. Concrete slabs are sometimes used when installing the 3/4″ valve gates, but the pads are often times low enough to the ground to make covering the concrete optional. If one does intend to cover an entire concrete slab, in addition to the actual piping and valve, keep in mind that cost is going to run considerably higher because a larger sized backflow enclosure will be necessary in order to hide the entire concrete base underneath it.

You may also have the option of removing the actual backflo valve during cold winter months to protect it from freeze. This could negate the need for additional insulation or an electric heat source. First you’ll need to carefully measure the height of the 3/4″ backflow preventer. It matters not what brand it is: FEBCO, WATTS, CONBRACO, WILKINS, etc. the steps for choosing correctly sized backflow enclosures are going to be identical.

After measuring the height, carefully measure the length from left to right. So here you’ll be placing the tape measure on the far left edge of the left side pipe across to the far right edge of the right side pipe. Finally, stand over the top of the valve and measure the width or depth. This is usually only a couple inches depending on where the valve levers are placed and which direction they happen to be facing.

When shopping backflow enclosures for the 3/4″ valves, you can usually start at the less expensive end of the spectrum, meaning the smaller cases. There are several models of fake rock covers by DekoRRa which will fit over most 3/4″ valve assemblies, but keep in mind the rocks can not easily be locked for security without fashioning some sort of custom locking device.

DekoRRa also makes a super affordable locking variety which can be padlocked on both ends. The DekoRRa Model 301 Backflow Cover is available in all 3 ASSE classes and is lightweight and very easy to use. It’s not made of fiberglass which is a huge plus, and it’s designed to not only function well and provide protection, but also blend into the landscape extremely well.

Regardless of the type of cover you choose, always be mindful of the temperature in your neck of the woods. You want to avoid a frozen backflow prevention valve at all costs!

Backflow Enclosures For 3/4″ Valves was originally seen on: this website

Backflow Insulation Bags For Freeze Protection

Backflow insulation bags and pouches can be a great option for protecting backflow prevention valves from freezing during the cold spring, fall and winter months.

See Our Backflow Insulation Bags For Sale Here

These polar parkas are slid over the backflow valve and attached piping to produce a blanket of warmth.

Does A Backflow Insulation Blanket Or Bag Offer Enough Protection?

It really depends on a number of factors. Temperature is of course a big one. It’s important to consider how cold it gets at night, and for how long the temperature moves below the freezing point. Wind is another major factor. Wind robs heat, so the windier the area the more protection will be needed.

The type of backflow device is also a factor. Many irrigation valves sit dormant for days or weeks on end without any water moving through them. Stagnant water will freeze much faster than moving water in a potable water device, for example. Sometimes leaving the water valve on just a bit to create a trickle of water can keep the water moving enough to prevent freeze during really cold spells.

Backflow insulation bags and blankets are best used in conjunction with a hard sided backflow enclosure in most scenarios. What’s nice about the hard sided fiberglass or resin backflow enclosures is that they cut the amount of wind reaching the valve body and piping way down. Without the wind, it’s much easier keeping things warm and the backflow insulation bags can work more effectively. The hard cover will also protect the insulation from U.V. damage.

If you plan to use a backflow insulation pouch or blanket alone without a cover, consider an installation method which allows you to remove it easily so it can be brought indoors during the day when it is warmer outside. This way the insulation material will not be baking out in the sun all day. U.V. damage can break down the insulating materials and lessen the R-Value it provides.

Backflow Insulation Bags For Freeze Protection was originally published on: DekoRRa