Today, South Jersey Backflow was in Phillipsburg, NJ, servicing the backflow preventer at a large residential estate with a private well system and expansive irrigation setup. The backflow preventer installed was a Watts 909 Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA), which is an essential component for preventing contaminants from the irrigation system from flowing back into the home’s well water supply.

The estate, with its extensive landscaping and garden areas, requires regular irrigation, making the backflow preventer a critical piece of equipment in safeguarding the potable water supply.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Watts 909 DCVA is installed in an outdoor valve pit, located near the well pump and irrigation lines. Our visual inspection revealed:

• No visible leaks or cracks in the assembly.
• Some buildup of mineral deposits around the relief valve, typical for well-fed systems.
• Shutoff valves were functioning properly, but the valve stems showed some signs of corrosion.

We proceeded with the full backflow preventer test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 4.0 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 3.7 PSI.
3. Relief Valve – Passed, opening at 2.5 PSI.

Preventive Maintenance

The backflow preventer was in good working order, so we completed the following routine maintenance:

• Flushed the relief valve to remove mineral deposits and ensure smooth operation.
• Cleaned the check valve seats to ensure they were free from debris and corrosion.
• Lubricated the shutoff valve stems to ensure ease of use in the future.

Final Steps and Certification

After confirming the system’s optimal function, we:

• Filed the compliance report with the Phillipsburg Water Department.
• Provided a copy of the test results to the homeowner.
• Scheduled the next annual inspection to ensure continued compliance.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the homeowner to:

1. Inspect the valve pit regularly for any signs of moisture buildup or mineral accumulation, which can affect valve performance.
2. Check the irrigation system for leaks regularly, as they can affect water pressure and backflow prevention.
3. Consider installing a protective cover over the backflow preventer to prevent further corrosion from outdoor elements.

Another successful service by South Jersey Backflow, ensuring that Phillipsburg’s residential estate stays safe, compliant, and protected from backflow contamination!