Today, South Jersey Backflow was in Vineland, NJ, performing an inspection and maintenance of the backflow preventer at a manufacturing facility. The facility handles large-scale production and has multiple water connections for various equipment and cooling systems. The backflow preventer used is the Conbraco 40-200 RPZ, which is ideal for commercial applications that involve significant water usage and require robust protection against backflow contamination.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Conbraco 40-200 RPZ was located in the facility’s utility room, adjacent to the main water meter and industrial systems. Our visual inspection showed:

• No visible leaks or cracks in the backflow preventer assembly.
• Moderate corrosion on the metal components due to exposure to the facility’s industrial processes, but no structural damage.
• Shutoff valves functioning properly, though they appeared slightly worn from frequent use.

We proceeded with the full backflow preventer test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 4.3 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 4.1 PSI.
3. Relief Valve – Passed, opening at 2.6 PSI.

Preventive Maintenance

Since the system passed all tests, we performed routine maintenance:

• Flushed the relief valve to remove any buildup from industrial processes and ensure optimal performance.
• Cleaned the check valve seats to ensure proper sealing and avoid future leaks.
• Lubricated the shutoff valve stems to ensure smooth operation and prevent rust from further affecting the valve handles.

Final Steps and Certification

After completing the inspection and maintenance, we:

• Filed the compliance report with the Vineland Water Department.
• Provided the facility manager with the completed test results and a maintenance summary.
• Scheduled the next annual inspection to ensure the backflow preventer remains compliant and effective.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the facility manager to:

1. Inspect the backflow preventer regularly for any signs of wear or corrosion, especially given the industrial environment.
2. Monitor water pressure in the facility to ensure the backflow preventer continues to operate correctly.
3. Keep the utility room clean to prevent any debris from affecting the system’s performance.

Another successful service by South Jersey Backflow, helping Vineland’s manufacturing facility stay compliant and protect the local water supply from contamination!