Today, South Jersey Backflow was called to Atlantic City, NJ, to perform a scheduled backflow preventer inspection and testing at a high-rise casino hotel. Fire protection systems in large commercial properties like casinos require properly functioning backflow prevention devices to ensure there is no risk of contaminated water backflowing into the city’s potable supply.

The system we were testing today was a Conbraco 4ALF-200 Double Check Detector Assembly (DCDA), designed specifically for fire suppression systems. This model is equipped with a bypass meter to detect unauthorized water use while maintaining backflow prevention integrity.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The 4ALF-200 was installed in a dedicated fire pump room on the lower level of the hotel. Our visual inspection revealed:

• No external leaks or visible corrosion.
• Pressure gauges in good condition.
• Bypass meter functioning properly with no signs of tampering.

We proceeded with a full backflow preventer test using our differential pressure gauge:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 2.3 PSI (above the required 2.0 PSI).
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 2.1 PSI.
3. Bypass Meter Check – Flowing properly with no unauthorized usage detected.

The entire assembly passed the test, confirming that the fire suppression system remained in compliance with local regulations.

Preventive Maintenance

Even though the unit passed, we performed some preventive maintenance to ensure continued reliability:

• Flushed the valves and cleaned screens to remove minor sediment buildup.
• Tested shutoff valves to confirm they were operating smoothly.
• Applied anti-corrosion treatment to exposed fittings to extend the lifespan of the unit.

Final Steps and Certification

We compiled our test results and submitted the compliance report to the Atlantic City Fire Department and Water Authority, as required by city code. The casino’s maintenance team received a copy of our report, ensuring their system remains up to date with inspections.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we recommended:

1. Quarterly system checks, especially during peak tourist seasons when water demand is high.
2. Annual testing ahead of the renewal deadline to avoid last-minute compliance issues.
3. Keeping the fire pump room well-ventilated to prevent premature wear on system components.

Another flawless test and maintenance service in the books! The casino remains in compliance, and its guests can enjoy their stay with peace of mind, knowing the fire protection system is working properly.

That’s another successful job for South Jersey Backflow!