Today, South Jersey Backflow was in Haddonfield, NJ, servicing the backflow preventer at a historic residential property. The homeowner has a carefully maintained irrigation system that preserves the landscaping, which includes some century-old trees and flower beds. Due to the historic nature of the home and its age, it’s essential to ensure that the water supply remains free of contaminants, particularly because of the chemicals used in the irrigation system. The backflow preventer installed is the Apollo 70-100 RPZ, a durable model designed for residential irrigation systems requiring reliable protection against backflow contamination.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Apollo 70-100 RPZ was located in the utility basement, near the main water entry point. Upon performing a visual inspection, we found:

• No visible cracks or leaks in the assembly.
• Slight rust and corrosion on the valve handles, likely due to the home’s older plumbing system.
• The relief valve was functioning well, though it had some mineral buildup from frequent irrigation cycles.

We proceeded with the full backflow preventer test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 4.0 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 3.8 PSI.
3. Relief Valve – Passed, opening at 2.4 PSI.

Preventive Maintenance

Since the system passed all tests, we performed routine maintenance:

• Flushed the relief valve to clear any buildup from the irrigation water.
• Cleaned the check valve seats to maintain proper sealing and prevent potential leaks.
• Lubricated the shutoff valve stems to reduce the risk of corrosion and ensure smooth operation.

Final Steps and Certification

After completing the inspection and maintenance, we:

• Filed the compliance report with the Haddonfield Water Department.
• Provided the homeowner with the completed test results and a summary of services performed.
• Scheduled the next annual inspection to ensure the backflow preventer continues to function properly and remains compliant with regulations.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the homeowner to:

1. Inspect the backflow preventer regularly, especially during the irrigation season to prevent mineral buildup from affecting the system.
2. Monitor the water quality in the irrigation system, especially due to the age of the pipes, to avoid contamination risks.
3. Keep the area around the backflow preventer clean and ensure the space is free of dirt or debris that could interfere with the valves.

Another successful service by South Jersey Backflow, ensuring Haddonfield’s historic home remains protected from water contamination!