Today, South Jersey Backflow was in Red Bank, NJ, performing an inspection and maintenance of the backflow preventer at a popular local restaurant with an outdoor dining area. The restaurant has a large kitchen, outdoor irrigation system for the landscaping, and a bar with draft beer lines, all requiring protection to ensure that no contaminants enter the municipal water supply. The backflow preventer installed is the Watts 909 RPZ, a reliable assembly commonly used in commercial settings where high water usage and potential hazards exist.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Watts 909 RPZ was located in the outdoor utility room near the restaurant’s kitchen and irrigation system. During our visual inspection, we noted:

• No visible leaks or cracks on the backflow preventer.
• Mild buildup of food debris around the relief valve, likely due to the proximity to the kitchen.
• Shutoff valves functioning properly, though some rust was visible on the valve handles.

We proceeded with the full backflow preventer test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 4.1 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 3.7 PSI.
3. Relief Valve – Passed, opening at 2.5 PSI.

Preventive Maintenance

Since the system passed all tests, we performed the following routine maintenance:

• Flushed the relief valve to remove food debris and ensure proper function.
• Cleaned the check valve seats to prevent debris buildup and ensure they maintain a strong seal.
• Lubricated the shutoff valve stems to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.

Final Steps and Certification

Once the maintenance and testing were complete, we:

• Filed the compliance report with the Red Bank Water Department.
• Provided the restaurant management with the completed test results and a maintenance summary.
• Scheduled the next annual inspection to ensure the backflow preventer continues to meet regulatory requirements.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the restaurant management to:

1. Clean the area around the backflow preventer regularly, especially to remove food debris from the kitchen.
2. Inspect the valves periodically for rust or corrosion and address any issues promptly.
3. Monitor the irrigation system for leaks, ensuring the backflow preventer continues to function properly during peak watering times.

Another successful service by South Jersey Backflow, keeping Red Bank’s restaurant compliant and protecting the local water supply from contamination!