Today, South Jersey Backflow was in Lumberton, NJ, servicing the backflow preventer at the local public library. The library has a sprinkler system that keeps the outdoor landscaping, including a garden and small fountain, well-watered. It’s important that the backflow preventer is working correctly to ensure that no contaminants flow back into the public water supply, especially since the irrigation system uses chemical treatments to maintain the garden and fountain. The Ames 3000 RPZ is an ideal model for public buildings like this, offering reliable protection against backflow and contamination.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Ames 3000 RPZ was located in a locked utility room just off the library’s service area. During our visual inspection, we found:

• No visible leaks or cracks in the assembly.
• Minor rust around the relief valve and shutoff valves, likely from the humid environment.
• Some scaling on the check valves, likely due to the use of treated irrigation water.

We proceeded with the full backflow preventer test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 3.5 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 3.3 PSI.
3. Relief Valve – Passed, opening at 2.2 PSI.

Preventive Maintenance

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

• Flushed the relief valve to remove any mineral buildup.
• Cleaned the check valve seats to ensure they remained sealed properly.
• Lubricated the shutoff valve stems to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation in the future.

Final Steps and Certification

After completing the inspection and maintenance, we:

• Filed the compliance report with the Lumberton Water Department.
• Provided the library’s facilities manager with the completed test results and a summary of services performed.
• Scheduled the next annual inspection to ensure the system continues to comply with water safety regulations.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the library’s staff to:

1. Inspect the backflow preventer regularly, especially before the garden and fountain irrigation systems are turned on for the season.
2. Monitor the water quality in the sprinkler system to prevent mineral buildup from impacting the backflow preventer.
3. Keep the utility area clean to avoid any debris affecting the backflow preventer or valves.

Another successful service by South Jersey Backflow, keeping Lumberton’s public library safe and compliant with water safety regulations!