Today, South Jersey Backflow was in Somerville, NJ, conducting an inspection and service on a backflow preventer at a large office building complex. This building has several commercial tenants and shared plumbing systems, making it crucial to ensure that there is no risk of contamination from any one tenant’s water system. The backflow preventer installed is the Wilkins 375 RPZ, a high-performance model designed for commercial properties with higher water demands and complex plumbing systems.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Wilkins 375 RPZ was located in the basement mechanical room, where all of the building’s main water lines converge. Our visual inspection revealed:

• No visible cracks or leaks on the backflow preventer.
• A small amount of sediment buildup around the relief valve, which can happen in buildings with a central water system.
• Shutoff valves operating correctly, though the handles showed signs of wear from frequent use.

We proceeded with the full backflow preventer test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 4.0 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 3.6 PSI.
3. Relief Valve – Passed, opening at 2.2 PSI.

Preventive Maintenance

As the backflow preventer passed all tests, we proceeded with routine maintenance:

• Flushed the relief valve to remove any sediment buildup and ensure proper operation.
• Cleaned the check valve seats to keep them free of debris and prevent leaks.
• Lubricated the shutoff valve stems to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation in the future.

Final Steps and Certification

Once all work was completed, we:

• Filed the compliance report with the Somerville Water Department.
• Provided the building management with the completed test results and a summary of services performed.
• Scheduled the next annual inspection to ensure continued system function and compliance with local regulations.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the building management team to:

1. Inspect the backflow preventer regularly, especially during seasonal changes when water usage might fluctuate.
2. Monitor the water pressure in the building to ensure the backflow preventer continues to function correctly.
3. Perform routine cleaning of the mechanical room to avoid sediment buildup in the system.

Another successful service by South Jersey Backflow, ensuring Somerville’s office building remains safe and compliant with water protection standards!