Today, South Jersey Backflow was in Moorestown, NJ, conducting a backflow preventer inspection and maintenance at a popular local restaurant. The restaurant has an extensive sprinkler system for its outdoor seating area and uses a variety of chemical treatments to maintain the lush landscaping. The Spartan 4000 RPZ is installed to prevent any contaminants from entering the municipal water supply in case of a backflow. Given the volume of foot traffic and food preparation, maintaining the integrity of the water system is critical for health and safety compliance.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Spartan 4000 RPZ was located in a service area behind the kitchen, easily accessible for maintenance. During our visual inspection, we found:

• No visible leaks or cracks in the assembly.
• Some rust on the shutoff valve handles, likely from the outdoor environment.
• Minor mineral buildup on the relief valve from the regular use of the sprinkler system.

We proceeded with the full backflow preventer test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 4.5 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 4.3 PSI.
3. Relief Valve – Passed, opening at 2.8 PSI.

Preventive Maintenance

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

• Flushed the relief valve to clear mineral buildup caused by the irrigation system.
• Cleaned the check valve seats to ensure a tight seal and prevent future 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 Moorestown Water Department.
• Provided the restaurant’s manager with the completed test results and a summary of services performed.
• Scheduled the next annual inspection to ensure the backflow preventer continues to function optimally.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the restaurant manager to:

1. Inspect the backflow preventer periodically, especially before the outdoor seating area’s irrigation system is used heavily.
2. Monitor the water quality in the sprinkler system to avoid any further mineral deposits from affecting the backflow preventer.
3. Ensure the maintenance area stays clean to prevent any debris from interfering with the valves.

Another successful service by South Jersey Backflow, keeping Moorestown’s restaurant compliant and protecting the water supply!