Today, South Jersey Backflow was in Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ, performing an annual backflow preventer test at a large manufacturing facility located near the Parsippany Business District. This facility is responsible for producing automotive parts and operates a complex water system for industrial cooling, cleaning processes, and employee use.

The backflow preventer in question was a Watts 009 Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly (RPZ), installed on the main water supply line coming into the facility, to prevent contamination from any cross-connections with chemicals or detergents used in the manufacturing process.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Watts 009 RPZ was located in a dedicated utility room inside the plant, easily accessible for routine maintenance. Our visual inspection revealed:

• No visible signs of corrosion or leaks.
• A small amount of mineral buildup near the relief valve, common in industrial settings.
• Shutoff valves operating smoothly, with no resistance.

We proceeded with the full backflow preventer test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 3.3 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 2.9 PSI.
3. Relief Valve – Passed, opening at 2.2 PSI.

Preventive Maintenance

Since the unit passed all test parameters, we carried out routine maintenance to ensure the system remains in good condition:

• Flushed the relief valve to remove mineral deposits.
• Cleaned and inspected the check valve seats to ensure tight sealing.
• Lubricated shutoff valve stems to prevent sticking.

Final Steps and Certification

Once the backflow preventer was fully tested and operational, we:

• Filed the official compliance report with the Parsippany-Troy Hills Water Utility.
• Provided a copy of the inspection results to the facility’s maintenance manager.
• Scheduled the next annual test to ensure the system continues to meet regulatory requirements.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the facility’s maintenance team to:

1. Inspect the unit every six months for signs of mineral buildup or sediment accumulation.
2. Monitor system pressure fluctuations, as these could signal potential issues with the check valves.
3. Ensure proper ventilation in the utility room to avoid excess humidity that could accelerate rust and corrosion.

Another successful service call by South Jersey Backflow, helping Parsippany-Troy Hills’ manufacturing facility maintain water safety and compliance!