About this example

Everything in this scenario is made up. The cafe, owner and tester are fictional, and the example exists only to walk through a realistic sequence of decisions.

In the story, a small cafe in a Fullerton retail building has an RP assembly on its water service behind the building. One morning the owner arrives early and finds water streaming from the bottom of the device across the back walkway.

The morning

Illustrative example. Not a real job or customer.

The relief port is discharging a steady stream. The espresso machine, ice maker and dish machine all depend on this service line, and opening is an hour away.

  1. The owner watches for a minute: the stream does not stop when nothing inside is running.
  2. They mark the wet walkway as a slip hazard and keep staff away from the discharge.
  3. They photograph the device, the brand tag and the discharge.
  4. They call a certified tester from the city's accepted list and describe the steady stream.
  5. They decide not to close the shutoff yet, since the device is still protecting the supply and closing it would stop all water to the cafe.

With the tester's advice, the owner opens with a reduced menu and keeps an eye on the discharge until the tester arrives later that day.

The owner's decision points

  • IfDischarge became a gush or threatened the buildingThenClose the upstream shutoff and stay closed until repaired.
  • IfDischarge stayed steady but controlledThenKeep operating carefully and schedule the soonest test available.
  • IfSomeone suggested capping the relief portThenRefuse. It removes the protection and is unsafe.

What the tester found and did

  1. Test before repair

    Gauge readings show the first check valve is not holding.

  2. Open the check

    Grit is lodged on the seat, and the rubber disc is scored.

  3. Rebuild

    With the owner's written approval, the tester cleans the seat and installs a new disc from a repair kit.

  4. Retest and file

    The assembly passes, and the repair and passing report are filed with the city.

What the owner changed afterward

  • Added the device to the opening checklist for a quick daily look.
  • Kept the tester's contact and the device record card in the office.
  • Asked about the cause of grit, such as nearby street work.
  • Made sure the discharge area drains away from the walkway.

Common questions

Is this based on a real cafe?

No. It is a hypothetical example written to explain a common situation.

Should every cafe keep operating during a discharge?

It depends on how severe it is and whether the building is at risk. When in doubt, shut off and get it tested.

Who pays at a leased space?

It depends on the lease. Settle it with the landlord in writing.

General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.