Water Back-Flow Valve Theft

Deadbeats are everywhere and we have our fair share. Recently there has been a rash of commercial irrigation and domestic water back-flow preventers stolen and sold for their scrap metal, particularly brass and copper. It has been reported to Lynn's Little bit of Trivia that this is happening with frequency in Lake Worth.

Last year thieves were stealing the brass sprinkler caps from my irrigation system.   Now, they don't seem to be bothering with the petty crime...they are going for the more lucrative stuff.

Thieves in cities across the country have posed as city employees wearing orange vests and have cut off the valve to the preventers using a saw. The whole process can take less than two minutes. These thefts have occurred in broad daylight and at prominent and visible locations. If it is stolen, replacing it is very expensive and can cost as much as $3,000 to $6,000.  If some idiot removes it, it will also interrupt water service for your property as well as create possible water damage caused by the water running uncontrolled through the open connection, so says On Call Repair and Maintenance.

Keep your eyes peeled for any workers around water back-flow valves. Also, we should look into getting protective cages with a lock. Read more...