Today, South Jersey Backflow was in Cherry Hill, NJ, conducting an inspection and maintenance of the backflow preventer at a large residential home with an extensive irrigation system and several water features, including fountains and a small pond. The homeowner utilizes a variety of outdoor water systems, which is why a properly functioning backflow preventer, such as the Watts 009 RPZ, is crucial to prevent any chemicals, debris, or contaminants from entering the public water supply.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Watts 009 RPZ was located in the garage utility area, where the home’s main water lines converge. During the visual inspection, we observed:

• No visible leaks or cracks in the backflow preventer.
• Minimal scale buildup around the relief valve, likely from the frequent use of the irrigation and pond water.
• Shutoff valves working properly, though there were slight signs of rust on the valve handles from outdoor exposure.

We proceeded with the full backflow preventer test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 3.3 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 3.1 PSI.
3. Relief Valve – Passed, opening at 2.4 PSI.

Preventive Maintenance

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

• Flushed the relief valve to remove any mineral buildup caused by the water features.
• Cleaned the check valve seats to keep them free of debris and ensure proper sealing.
• Lubricated the shutoff valve stems to protect them from rust and ensure smooth operation.

Final Steps and Certification

Once the inspection and maintenance were completed, we:

• Filed the compliance report with the Cherry Hill Water Department.
• Provided the homeowner with the completed test results and a summary of the services performed.
• Scheduled the next annual inspection to ensure continued compliance and proper functionality of the backflow preventer.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the homeowner to:

1. Inspect the backflow preventer regularly, especially during the spring and summer when the irrigation system and water features are used frequently.
2. Monitor the water quality in the pond and fountains to avoid any buildup of harmful minerals or contaminants.
3. Keep the area around the backflow preventer clean to prevent any debris from affecting the valves or system.

Another successful service by South Jersey Backflow, ensuring Cherry Hill’s residential property remains protected and compliant with water safety standards!