Today, South Jersey Backflow was in Clifton, NJ, servicing a backflow preventer at a mid-size hotel near Route 3. This hotel has a dedicated boiler system that provides hot water to guest rooms, laundry services, and the on-site restaurant. The backflow preventer in question was a Febco 850 Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly (RPZ), which prevents back-siphonage from the boiler’s chemical treatment system into the hotel’s potable water supply.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Febco 850 RPZ was installed in a basement mechanical room near the boiler system. Our visual inspection found:

• No visible leaks or signs of corrosion.
• Slight mineral buildup near the relief valve discharge area.
• Stable shutoff valves, but with minor stiffness when operated.

We then conducted a full backflow preventer test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 3.2 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 2.7 PSI.
3. Relief Valve – Passed, opening at 2.1 PSI.

Preventive Maintenance

To keep the system in peak condition, we performed routine maintenance:

• Flushed the relief valve to clear out mineral deposits.
• Cleaned the check valve seats to ensure a proper seal.
• Lubricated shutoff valves for smoother operation.

Final Steps and Certification

After confirming the backflow preventer was functioning properly, we:

• Filed the compliance report with the Clifton Water Department.
• Provided the inspection report to the hotel’s maintenance team.
• Scheduled the next annual test to maintain compliance.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the hotel’s maintenance staff to:

1. Check for mineral buildup monthly, as boiler systems tend to accumulate scale over time.
2. Keep the mechanical room dry and well-ventilated, preventing excess humidity from corroding plumbing components.
3. Monitor the system after chemical treatments, as sudden pressure fluctuations can impact backflow preventer performance.

Another successful service job by South Jersey Backflow, ensuring Clifton’s hotel guests enjoy safe and clean water throughout their stay!