Today, South Jersey Backflow was in Medford, NJ, performing an annual backflow preventer inspection at a gas station and convenience store. This property, which serves high volumes of both fuel and retail customers, relies on backflow protection to prevent any contaminants, such as gasoline or cleaning chemicals, from entering the municipal water supply. The backflow preventer installed is a Backflow Direct 700X-2 Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly (RPZ), specifically designed to handle the unique challenges of commercial properties like gas stations.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The 700X-2 RPZ is located in a secure outdoor area near the fuel pump system, well away from customer traffic but exposed to the elements. Our visual inspection showed:

• No visible damage or leaks.
• Minor rust accumulation around the relief valve, which is common in areas with fluctuating temperatures.
• Shutoff valves functioning properly, though a slight buildup of debris was visible around the valve stems.

We carried out the full backflow preventer test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 3.5 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 3.2 PSI.
3. Relief Valve – Passed, opening at 2.4 PSI.

Preventive Maintenance

The backflow preventer passed the tests, so we performed the following routine maintenance:

• Flushed the relief valve to clear any debris that had accumulated around it.
• Cleaned the check valve seats to ensure they maintain their seal and prevent leaks.
• Lubricated the shutoff valve stems to prevent stiffness from dirt and corrosion buildup.

Final Steps and Certification

After completing the maintenance and testing, we:

• Filed the compliance report with the Medford Water Department.
• Provided a copy of the results to the gas station’s management team.
• Scheduled the next annual test to ensure continued performance and compliance.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the gas station’s management to:

1. Inspect the backflow preventer quarterly to ensure it remains free of debris and corrosion, especially with exposure to outdoor elements.
2. Monitor the area around the backflow preventer to ensure that no leaks or overflows occur, which could damage the system.
3. Check for any signs of contamination in the water system, particularly after cleaning or maintenance work, to prevent cross-contamination from hazardous chemicals.

Another successful service by South Jersey Backflow, keeping Medford’s gas station and convenience store safe and compliant with backflow protection!