Today, South Jersey Backflow was in Haddonfield, NJ, performing a backflow preventer inspection and maintenance at a single-family home with a pool and an irrigation system. The homeowner relies on both systems for outdoor enjoyment and landscaping, and the backflow preventer is critical to prevent contaminants from entering the public water supply. The Zurn 375 RPZ is a popular choice for residential applications, providing reliable protection for pools and irrigation systems that use chemicals or fertilizers.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Zurn 375 RPZ was located in the utility room adjacent to the home’s basement, making it easily accessible for maintenance. During our visual inspection, we noted:

• No visible leaks or cracks in the backflow preventer.
• Minor scale buildup around the relief valve, which is common in homes with pools, due to chemicals like chlorine.
• Shutoff valves functioning properly, though slight corrosion was present on the valve handles, likely due to exposure to outdoor moisture.

We proceeded with the full backflow preventer test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 3.2 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 3.0 PSI.
3. Relief Valve – Passed, opening at 2.1 PSI.

Preventive Maintenance

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

• Flushed the relief valve to clear any scale buildup caused by pool chemicals and ensure proper operation.
• Cleaned the check valve seats to keep them free of debris and prevent any future leaks.
• Lubricated the shutoff valve stems to ensure they remain easy to operate and resistant to rust.

Final Steps and Certification

After the inspection and maintenance were completed, we:

• Filed the compliance report with the Haddonfield Water Department.
• Provided the homeowner with the completed test results and a maintenance summary.
• Scheduled the next annual inspection to ensure continued compliance and functionality.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the homeowner to:

1. Inspect the backflow preventer every six months to prevent any issues, especially after the pool or irrigation system is in use.
2. Monitor pool chemical levels to prevent further scale buildup around the relief valve.
3. Ensure the area around the backflow preventer remains clean and free of plant growth or debris, which could affect valve operation.

Another successful service by South Jersey Backflow, helping Haddonfield homeowners protect their water supply and maintain a safe, functioning system!