Today, South Jersey Backflow was in Toms River, NJ, performing an annual backflow preventer test at a public park restroom facility maintained by the Toms River Parks and Recreation Department. This restroom facility services thousands of visitors year-round and is connected to the municipal water supply, making backflow prevention essential to ensure the safety of the town’s drinking water.

The unit we inspected was an Ames Colt 400 Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly (RPZ) installed on the potable water line supplying the sinks, toilets, and drinking fountains.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Ames Colt 400 RPZ was installed in an above-ground utility vault near the restroom building. Our initial inspection found:

• Minimal wear on the valve body, with no visible corrosion.
• Slightly loose test cocks, which needed tightening.
• Relief valve functioning but with minor debris accumulation.

We then conducted a full backflow preventer test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 3.1 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 2.9 PSI.
3. Relief Valve – Passed, opening at 2.3 PSI.

Preventive Maintenance

To ensure continued compliance, we performed standard maintenance:

• Flushed the relief valve to clear out minor debris.
• Tightened all test cocks to prevent potential leaks.
• Inspected and cleaned the check valve seats for proper sealing.

Final Steps and Certification

After verifying the system’s performance, we:

• Filed the official compliance report with the Toms River Water Department.
• Provided a copy of the inspection results to the Parks and Recreation Department.
• Scheduled next year’s test to ensure uninterrupted compliance.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the maintenance team to:

1. Inspect the unit seasonally, especially before peak summer months when water usage increases.
2. Ensure the utility vault remains clear of debris and pests, as enclosed spaces can sometimes attract unwanted elements.
3. Monitor for unexpected pressure drops, which could indicate early signs of check valve wear.

Another successful service call for South Jersey Backflow, ensuring Toms River’s public park facilities remain compliant and safe for all visitors!