Today, South Jersey Backflow was in Cherry Hill, NJ, performing an annual backflow preventer test and inspection at a large office complex managed by a third-party property maintenance company. The complex features multiple office buildings, landscaped walkways, and an extensive irrigation system.

The backflow preventer we serviced was a Zurn Wilkins 375XL Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly (RPZ), installed to protect the irrigation system from back-siphonage and contamination due to fertilizer and pesticide runoff.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Zurn Wilkins 375XL RPZ was housed in an above-ground insulated enclosure near the property’s main entrance. Our initial inspection revealed:

• No active leaks or visible corrosion on the assembly.
• A small amount of sediment buildup in the relief valve discharge port.
• Shutoff valves in proper working condition, but slightly stiff.

We then conducted a full backflow preventer test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 3.0 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 2.8 PSI.
3. Relief Valve – Passed, opening at 2.2 PSI.

Preventive Maintenance

To ensure optimal performance, we performed routine maintenance:

• Flushed the relief valve to clear out minor sediment buildup.
• Cleaned and inspected check valve seats to ensure a proper seal.
• Lubricated the shutoff valve stems for smoother operation.

Final Steps and Certification

Once the system was confirmed to be in compliance, we:

• Filed the compliance report with the Cherry Hill Water Department.
• Provided the test results to the property maintenance company.
• Scheduled next year’s test to ensure continued compliance.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the property maintenance team to:

1. Monitor for debris buildup around the unit, as irrigation systems often introduce contaminants.
2. Inspect the insulated enclosure seasonally to ensure it remains weatherproof.
3. Check for leaks after heavy rainfall, as shifting soil can sometimes affect underground piping.

Another successful job completed by South Jersey Backflow, keeping Cherry Hill’s office complex irrigation system safe and compliant!