Today, South Jersey Backflow was in Marlton, NJ, servicing the backflow preventer for a popular restaurant with an outdoor dining area and a landscaped patio. The restaurant’s outdoor area includes an irrigation system and water features that rely on treated water to maintain the aesthetic and functionality of the space. The backflow preventer plays a crucial role in keeping the public water supply safe from contamination, especially as the restaurant serves a high volume of customers year-round. The installed Watts 909 RPZ is a high-performance model ideal for protecting commercial properties with complex water systems.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Watts 909 RPZ was located in a utility closet within the restaurant’s maintenance area. During the visual inspection, we found:

• No visible damage or leaks in the assembly.
• Some slight rust on the valve handles from exposure to the outdoor environment, particularly due to the proximity to the irrigation and water features.
• Mineral buildup on the relief valve, likely due to the frequent use of treated water in the irrigation system and water fountains.

We proceeded with the full backflow preventer test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 4.8 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 4.7 PSI.
3. Relief Valve – Passed, opening at 3.2 PSI.

Preventive Maintenance

Since the system passed all tests, we continued with routine maintenance:

• Flushed the relief valve to clear away any mineral deposits and ensure smooth operation.
• Cleaned the check valve seats to maintain proper sealing and prevent any potential leaks.
• Lubricated the shutoff valve stems to minimize the risk of corrosion and maintain smooth valve operation throughout the year.

Final Steps and Certification

After completing the inspection and maintenance, we:

• Filed the compliance report with the Marlton Water Department.
• Provided the restaurant manager with the completed test results and a summary of services performed.
• Scheduled the next annual inspection to ensure the backflow preventer continues to operate properly and remain compliant with local regulations.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the restaurant manager to:

1. Inspect the backflow preventer regularly, particularly as the outdoor dining area and irrigation systems are used more frequently during the warmer months.
2. Monitor the water quality in the irrigation system and water features to prevent mineral buildup, which could affect the backflow preventer’s operation.
3. Keep the maintenance area clear of any debris to prevent it from interfering with the backflow preventer’s components.

Another successful service by South Jersey Backflow, ensuring Marlton’s restaurant remains compliant and keeps the public water supply safe!