Today, South Jersey Backflow was in Cherry Hill, NJ, servicing the backflow preventer at a large shopping mall with a bustling food court and multiple outdoor water features. The mall’s irrigation system and fountain systems are critical to maintaining the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the outdoor spaces and common areas. These water systems are treated with chemicals to ensure cleanliness, making it essential to have a reliable backflow preventer in place to protect the public water supply from contamination. The Conbraco 40-200 RPZ was installed at the property, providing high-quality protection and compliance with safety regulations.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Conbraco 40-200 RPZ was located in the utility room, accessible through a maintenance hallway. During our visual inspection, we found:

• No visible cracks or damage to the assembly.
• Minor corrosion on the valve handles, likely from the humidity generated by the food court area.
• Some sediment buildup around the relief valve, typical of irrigation systems with frequent use of treated water.

We proceeded with the full backflow preventer test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 5.0 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 4.8 PSI.
3. Relief Valve – Passed, opening at 3.0 PSI.

Preventive Maintenance

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

• Flushed the relief valve to remove sediment and mineral buildup from the treated irrigation water.
• Cleaned the check valve seats to ensure proper sealing and avoid future leaks.
• Lubricated the shutoff valve stems to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation, particularly in high-use areas.

Final Steps and Certification

After completing the inspection and maintenance, we:

• Filed the compliance report with the Cherry Hill Water Department.
• Provided the mall’s property manager with the completed test results and a summary of services performed.
• Scheduled the next annual inspection to ensure continued compliance with water safety regulations and avoid any potential issues.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the mall manager to:

1. Inspect the backflow preventer regularly, especially as the irrigation and water features will be used frequently during the warmer months.
2. Monitor the water quality in both the irrigation system and the fountain to prevent any buildup that could affect the performance of the backflow preventer.
3. Ensure the maintenance area stays clear of debris to avoid interference with the valves and backflow preventer components.

Another successful service by South Jersey Backflow, keeping Cherry Hill’s shopping mall safe and compliant with water safety regulations!