Today, South Jersey Backflow was called out to Toms River, NJ, to perform a scheduled backflow preventer test and inspection for a municipal irrigation system at one of the town’s public parks. This particular system is responsible for maintaining the fields and landscaping, meaning the Ames Colt 4000SS double check valve assembly (DCVA) must be in top working condition to prevent any contaminants—like fertilizers and standing water—from entering the municipal water supply.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Colt 4000SS was housed in a below-grade vault near the park’s main entrance. Upon opening the vault, we immediately noted:

• Standing water at the bottom, likely from recent rain.
• Signs of corrosion on the shutoff valves.
• Slight leaking from the downstream check valve.

Despite these issues, we proceeded with our test kit hookup and evaluation:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding 1.9 PSI (minimum required is 1.0 PSI).
2. Check Valve #2 – Failed, with a pressure drop below 1.0 PSI.
3. Shutoff Valves – Functioning but showing signs of wear.

Repair and Maintenance

Since the second check valve was not maintaining proper pressure, we needed to disassemble the unit for internal cleaning and repair. Our process included:

• Flushing debris from the check valve seats.
• Replacing the rubber seals and springs to restore proper functionality.
• Lubricating and cleaning the shutoff valves to prevent further corrosion.

Once reassembled, we retested the system, and the second check valve now held steady at 1.8 PSI, passing the required threshold.

Final Steps and Certification

After verifying that the backflow preventer was operating correctly, we:

• Submitted a compliance report to the Toms River Water Utility.
• Provided maintenance recommendations, including vault drainage improvements to prevent excessive water accumulation.
• Scheduled next year’s test as part of the municipality’s annual backflow prevention program.

With the irrigation system now in full compliance, the town can continue maintaining its parks without risking contamination. Another successful municipal service job for South Jersey Backflow!