Today, South Jersey Backflow was called to Princeton, NJ, for a critical backflow preventer test at a university science laboratory. The university’s facilities management team scheduled this annual test to ensure compliance with state and local water regulations.

The laboratory uses various chemical solutions and deionized water systems, making backflow prevention essential to protect the public water supply from potential contamination. The system we serviced was a Febco 850 Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly (RPZ), installed on the main laboratory water supply line.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Febco 850 RPZ was located in a climate-controlled mechanical room adjacent to the lab. During our visual inspection, we noted:

• No visible leaks or corrosion on the valve body.
• Shutoff valves functioning properly with smooth operation.
• Minor sediment buildup in the relief valve discharge area.

We proceeded with a full backflow preventer test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding steady at 3.1 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 2.8 PSI.
3. Relief Valve – Passed, opening at 2.2 PSI.

Preventive Maintenance

Since the system was in good condition, we performed standard preventive maintenance:

• Flushed the relief valve to remove sediment.
• Checked and cleaned the test cocks for any obstructions.
• Lubricated shutoff valve stems for smoother operation.

Final Steps and Certification

After confirming that the backflow preventer was functioning properly, we:

• Filed the official compliance report with the Princeton Water Department.
• Provided a certification copy to the university’s facilities management team.
• Scheduled the next annual test to ensure continued compliance.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the facilities team to:

1. Schedule semi-annual internal inspections due to the critical nature of their laboratory water systems.
2. Ensure regular flushing of the lines to prevent buildup of particulates.
3. Monitor the relief valve for any unexpected drips, which could indicate early diaphragm wear.

Another successful test for South Jersey Backflow, ensuring that Princeton University’s laboratory water supply remains safe and compliant!