Today, South Jersey Backflow was in Westfield, NJ, conducting a backflow preventer inspection and routine maintenance at a multi-family residential property. The property features several individual units, each with its own irrigation system and a shared pool. The residents rely on the pool and landscaping irrigation, which makes the backflow preventer essential for ensuring no contaminants from fertilizers, pool chemicals, or irrigation water can enter the public water supply. The Febco 825Y RPZ is ideal for properties like this one, providing reliable protection and meeting the local regulatory requirements.

Initial Inspection and Testing

The Febco 825Y RPZ was located in a well-ventilated mechanical room near the pool equipment and irrigation supply lines. Our visual inspection revealed:

• No visible leaks or structural issues with the backflow preventer.
• Minor scale buildup around the relief valve, likely caused by chlorine and other pool chemicals.
• Shutoff valves in good condition, though there was some rust around the valve handles that we addressed during maintenance.

We proceeded with the full backflow preventer test:

1. Check Valve #1 – Passed, holding at 3.5 PSI.
2. Check Valve #2 – Passed, maintaining 3.0 PSI.
3. Relief Valve – Passed, opening at 2.3 PSI.

Preventive Maintenance

As the system passed all tests, we carried out routine maintenance:

• Flushed the relief valve to clear any scale buildup from pool chemicals and ensure it operates smoothly.
• Cleaned the check valve seats to maintain proper sealing and prevent debris from causing leaks.
• Lubricated the shutoff valve stems to ensure smooth operation and prevent future rust buildup.

Final Steps and Certification

Once the inspection and maintenance were completed, we:

• Filed the compliance report with the Westfield Water Department.
• Provided the property management with the completed test results and a maintenance summary.
• Scheduled the next annual inspection to ensure continued compliance and system functionality.

Final Recommendations

Before leaving, we advised the property management to:

1. Inspect the backflow preventer every six months to ensure no buildup or leaks occur, especially after pool maintenance or irrigation system use.
2. Monitor the pool chemicals to minimize any corrosive buildup around the backflow preventer and related components.
3. Ensure the area around the backflow preventer remains clean and free from any landscaping growth or debris.

Another successful service by South Jersey Backflow, ensuring Westfield’s multi-family property is compliant and protecting the community’s water supply!