Today, South Jersey Backflow was in Princeton, NJ, servicing a backflow preventer at a historic home that features both an irrigation system and a well water system. The homeowner uses well water for outdoor irrigation to preserve the historical aesthetic of the property’s landscaping, and treated public water for other purposes inside the home. Ensuring that the backflow preventer is working properly is critical to prevent any cross-contamination between the private well water and the public water supply. The property has a Honeywell 7300 RPZ, known for its durability and high performance in both residential and small commercial applications.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Honeywell 7300 RPZ was located in the basement utility room near the well pump. During our visual inspection, we found:

• No visible damage or leaks in the assembly.
• Slight corrosion on the shutoff valves, likely due to humidity from the well water system and outdoor irrigation.
• Some mineral buildup around the relief valve, typical for properties using well water with high mineral content.

We proceeded with the full backflow preventer test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 5.1 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 5.0 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 out any mineral buildup from the well water system.
• Cleaned the check valve seats to ensure a proper seal and prevent potential leaks.
• Lubricated the shutoff valve stems to protect them from further corrosion and ensure smooth operation.

Final Steps and Certification

After completing the inspection and maintenance, we:

• Filed the compliance report with the Princeton Water Department.
• Provided the homeowner with the completed test results and a summary of services performed.
• Scheduled the next annual inspection to ensure continued compliance with water safety regulations.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the homeowner to:

1. Inspect the backflow preventer regularly, especially before starting up the irrigation system for the season.
2. Monitor the quality of water used for irrigation, as well water can contain higher levels of minerals and contaminants that could impact the system.
3. Keep the utility area free of debris to ensure no dirt or obstruction interferes with the backflow preventer’s performance.

Another successful service by South Jersey Backflow, helping Princeton’s historic home maintain water safety and compliance!