Today, South Jersey Backflow was in Bordentown, NJ, conducting a backflow preventer inspection and maintenance at a public park. The park features an extensive irrigation system to keep the landscaping and sports fields well-maintained. Since the park’s irrigation system uses chemicals and fertilizers, it’s essential to have a fully functioning backflow preventer to prevent contamination of the public water supply. The Febco 765 RPZ is installed at this location, a model known for its durability and effectiveness in high-volume, municipal irrigation systems.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Febco 765 RPZ was located in a dedicated utility shed near the park’s water supply. During the visual inspection, we observed:

• No visible leaks or cracks in the backflow preventer assembly.
• Slight mineral buildup around the relief valve, likely from the irrigation system’s regular use.
• Shutoff valves functioning well, though minor corrosion was visible on the valve handles.

We proceeded with the full backflow preventer test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 3.9 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 3.7 PSI.
3. Relief Valve – Passed, opening at 2.5 PSI.

Preventive Maintenance

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

• Flushed the relief valve to remove any mineral buildup from the irrigation water.
• Cleaned the check valve seats to ensure proper sealing and to prevent leaks.
• Lubricated the shutoff valve stems to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.

Final Steps and Certification

After completing the inspection and maintenance, we:

• Filed the compliance report with the Bordentown Water Department.
• Provided the park’s maintenance department with the completed test results and a summary of services performed.
• Scheduled the next annual inspection to ensure continued protection and compliance.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the park’s maintenance team to:

1. Inspect the backflow preventer regularly, especially before and after the irrigation season to ensure it’s working properly.
2. Monitor the water quality in the irrigation system to avoid any buildup of harmful minerals or chemicals.
3. Keep the area around the backflow preventer clean to prevent debris from affecting the valve system.

Another successful service by South Jersey Backflow, ensuring Bordentown’s public park remains safe and compliant with water protection standards!