Today, South Jersey Backflow was in Cherry Hill, NJ, servicing the backflow preventer for a large residential home that features an expansive pool and irrigation system. The homeowner uses treated public water for both purposes, making the backflow preventer essential to keep the city’s water supply safe from any cross-contamination. The home’s Zurn Wilkins 975XL RPZ assembly is a robust model, designed to provide high-level protection for residential properties with complex water systems like this one.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Wilkins 975XL RPZ was located in the basement utility room near the pool filtration system. During our visual inspection, we observed:

• No visible cracks or leaks in the assembly.
• Some corrosion on the shutoff valve handles, likely due to exposure to moisture from the pool and irrigation system.
• Minimal mineral buildup on the relief valve, which is common for homes with both pools and irrigation systems that rely on treated water.

We proceeded with the full backflow preventer test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 4.9 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 continued with routine maintenance:

• Flushed the relief valve to clear any mineral deposits and keep the system functioning efficiently.
• Cleaned the check valve seats to ensure proper sealing and prevent any future leaks.
• Lubricated the shutoff valve stems to minimize rust and ensure smooth operation throughout the year.

Final Steps and Certification

After completing the inspection and maintenance, we:

• Filed the compliance report with the Cherry Hill Water Department.
• Provided the homeowner with the completed test results and a summary of services performed.
• Scheduled the next annual inspection to keep the backflow preventer in optimal condition and maintain compliance with local regulations.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the homeowner to:

1. Inspect the backflow preventer regularly, especially before the pool is opened for the season and the irrigation system is used more frequently.
2. Monitor the water quality used for both the pool and irrigation systems to prevent mineral buildup, which could affect the backflow preventer’s performance.
3. Keep the utility area clear of any debris to ensure that nothing interferes with the operation of the backflow preventer.

Another successful service by South Jersey Backflow, helping Cherry Hill’s residential home stay compliant and protect the public water supply!