Today, South Jersey Backflow was in Toms River, NJ, servicing a backflow preventer at a large apartment complex that features both a community pool and an irrigation system. The complex uses treated water for the pool as well as the outdoor landscaping, making the backflow preventer critical for protecting the public water supply from any contaminants that could backflow into the system. The property uses a Febco 765 RPZ, a reliable and robust model designed for commercial and multi-unit residential applications.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Febco 765 RPZ was located in a dedicated utility room accessed through the maintenance hallway. During our visual inspection, we observed:

• No visible damage or leaks in the assembly.
• Minor rusting around the shutoff valves, likely due to frequent use and exposure to moisture from the pool and irrigation systems.
• Light mineral buildup around the relief valve from the chemical treatments used in the pool and irrigation system.

We proceeded with the full backflow preventer test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 4.2 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 4.1 PSI.
3. Relief Valve – Passed, opening at 2.6 PSI.

Preventive Maintenance

Since the system passed all tests, we moved forward with routine maintenance:

• Flushed the relief valve to clear out any accumulated mineral deposits from the treated water.
• Cleaned the check valve seats to ensure a proper seal and prevent leaks in the future.
• Lubricated the shutoff valve stems to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation.

Final Steps and Certification

After completing the inspection and maintenance, we:

• Filed the compliance report with the Toms River Water Department.
• Provided the apartment complex property manager with the completed test results and a summary of services performed.
• Scheduled the next annual inspection to maintain compliance and ensure the continued protection of the public water supply.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the property manager to:

1. Inspect the backflow preventer regularly, especially before the pool is opened for the season and the irrigation system is used more frequently.
2. Monitor the water quality used for both the pool and irrigation systems to prevent mineral buildup and ensure the proper functioning of the backflow preventer.
3. Keep the utility area clean to avoid any debris affecting the performance of the backflow preventer.

Another successful service by South Jersey Backflow, keeping Toms River’s apartment complex safe and compliant with water safety regulations!