Today, South Jersey Backflow was in Bridgeton, NJ, providing backflow prevention services at a local car wash facility located on the outskirts of town. This car wash uses a combination of high-pressure systems and detergents that require backflow protection to ensure that no chemicals contaminate the municipal water supply. The backflow preventer installed was a Ames 3000A Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly (RPZ), which is ideal for high-volume commercial facilities like this one.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Ames 3000A RPZ is located in the service area behind the car wash bays. The area is exposed to both the elements and water runoff from the car wash equipment. Our visual inspection showed:

• No visible cracks or corrosion on the assembly.
• A small amount of soap residue around the relief valve, which is normal for this type of facility.
• Shutoff valves operating properly, though the valve seals seemed a little worn.

We conducted the full backflow preventer test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 3.4 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 3.1 PSI.
3. Relief Valve – Passed, opening at 2.2 PSI.

Preventive Maintenance

Since the backflow preventer passed the test, we completed the routine maintenance:

• Flushed the relief valve to remove soap and detergent buildup.
• Cleaned the check valve seats to ensure they maintain their seal.
• Lubricated the shutoff valve stems to prevent stiffness in the future.

Final Steps and Certification

Once everything was tested and confirmed to be in good condition, we:

• Filed the compliance report with the Bridgeton Water Department.
• Provided the car wash’s management team with the results and test report.
• Scheduled the next annual inspection to maintain compliance.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the facility’s management to:

1. Inspect the backflow preventer’s valves quarterly to ensure they are free of debris and soap residue.
2. Monitor water pressure levels in the system to ensure there are no significant pressure drops that could compromise backflow protection.
3. Keep the area around the backflow preventer clean to prevent further buildup that could obstruct valve function.

Another successful service by South Jersey Backflow, ensuring that Bridgeton’s car wash facility remains compliant and continues to protect the local water supply!