Today, South Jersey Backflow was in Marlton, NJ, providing backflow inspection and maintenance services at a local shopping center. This center houses several retail stores, a restaurant, and a large parking lot, all of which are connected to the building’s water system. To protect against cross-contamination of the public water supply, the backflow preventer used is the Apollo 84-100 RPZ, a reliable and durable model for high-traffic commercial settings.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Apollo 84-100 RPZ was located in the maintenance room behind the shopping center’s restaurant. The area was clear of any obstructions, allowing for easy access to the backflow preventer. Our visual inspection showed:

• No visible cracks or leaks in the backflow preventer assembly.
• Minor mineral buildup around the relief valve, which can happen in high-volume commercial environments.
• Shutoff valves operating well, though some signs of rust were visible on the valve handles.

We proceeded with the full backflow preventer test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 3.6 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 3.2 PSI.
3. Relief Valve – Passed, opening at 2.4 PSI.

Preventive Maintenance

As the backflow preventer passed all tests, we performed routine maintenance:

• Flushed the relief valve to remove mineral deposits and ensure proper valve function.
• Cleaned the check valve seats to maintain a strong seal and prevent leaks in the future.
• Lubricated the shutoff valve stems to protect them from rust and improve their longevity.

Final Steps and Certification

Once the inspection and maintenance were completed, we:

• Filed the compliance report with the Marlton Water Department.
• Provided the shopping center management with the completed test results and a service summary.
• Scheduled the next annual inspection to ensure continued system functionality and regulatory compliance.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the shopping center management to:

1. Inspect the backflow preventer periodically for any mineral buildup or rust that could impact performance.
2. Monitor the water pressure in the shopping center, especially during high-traffic hours, to ensure the backflow preventer is functioning correctly.
3. Ensure routine cleaning of the maintenance room to prevent debris from accumulating around the backflow preventer.

Another successful service by South Jersey Backflow, ensuring the Marlton shopping center remains protected and compliant with local water protection regulations!