Today, South Jersey Backflow was in Edison, NJ, performing a mandatory annual backflow preventer test at a large shopping center. This site, managed by a commercial property management firm, houses multiple retail stores, restaurants, and a grocery anchor tenant. The backflow preventer we serviced was a Cla-Val RP-4A Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly (RPZ), which protects the fire suppression system from backflow contamination.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Cla-Val RP-4A RPZ was located inside a dedicated fire pump room in the rear of the shopping center. Our visual inspection showed:

• Some surface rust on the valve body but no active leaks.
• Shutoff valves in operational condition, though slightly stiff.
• A small amount of water pooling in the drip tray beneath the relief valve.

We then conducted a full backflow preventer test using a differential pressure gauge:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, maintaining 3.4 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, holding at 2.8 PSI.
3. Relief Valve – Failed, discharging intermittently at 1.6 PSI (below the required 2.0 PSI).

Repair and Maintenance

Since the relief valve failed to meet the required opening pressure, we performed the following maintenance:

• Disassembled the relief valve and found a worn-out rubber diaphragm and small debris lodged in the valve seat.
• Replaced the relief valve diaphragm and cleaned the seat to ensure a proper seal.
• Tested the relief valve again, which now properly opened at 2.2 PSI, passing inspection.
• Lubricated the shutoff valve stems, making them easier to operate.

Final Steps and Certification

Once the backflow preventer was fully operational, we:

• Filed the compliance report with the Edison Township Water Utility.
• Provided the inspection results to the shopping center’s property management team.
• Scheduled the next annual inspection to ensure uninterrupted compliance.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the property management team to:

1. Check the fire pump room quarterly for any leaks or water pooling.
2. Ensure quick access to the backflow preventer by keeping the surrounding area clear of storage items.
3. Monitor the shutoff valves for stiffness, as they may need additional lubrication in the future.

Another important service completed by South Jersey Backflow, ensuring Edison’s shopping center remains compliant and its fire suppression system stays reliable!