Protecting your drinking water from contamination is essential. R. Davis Mechanical provides professional backflow prevention services throughout Pittsburgh, PA and surrounding communities. With 15 years of experience and certified backflow testing, we install, test, and maintain backflow prevention devices that protect your water supply from dangerous contamination.
Backflow occurs when water flows backward through plumbing, potentially allowing contaminated water to enter your potable water supply. This dangerous condition can introduce chemicals, bacteria, and other contaminants into drinking water.
Pennsylvania plumbing codes and water authorities require backflow prevention in numerous situations. We ensure your property meets all requirements with properly installed and tested devices.
Two conditions cause backflow:
When downstream pressure exceeds supply pressure, water flows backward. This occurs when:
When supply pressure drops below atmospheric pressure, suction draws water backward. This happens during:
Both conditions can pull contaminated water from irrigation systems, boilers, industrial processes, or other sources into your drinking water.
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Water | Safety | Protection
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Equipment | Plumbing | Appliances
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Codes | Regulations | Requirements
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With 15 years of experience serving Pittsburgh, PA, our veteran-owned company provides reliable backflow prevention services with military precision and commitment to excellence. We understand the importance of protecting your water supply.
Simple devices preventing back siphonage on individual fixtures. AVBs are common for outdoor faucets and simple irrigation connections.
Hose bibbs, irrigation systems, chemical dispensers, and other individual fixture connections where simple back siphonage protection is needed.
Inexpensive, simple installation, no periodic testing required, and effective protection against back siphonage conditions.
Protects against back siphonage only, provides no backpressure protection, and cannot be used in high-hazard applications.
More sophisticated vacuum breakers with test cocks. PVBs are standard for residential irrigation system protection.
Irrigation systems, larger outdoor connections, and applications requiring testable back siphonage protection.
Testable protection, effective back siphonage prevention, and suitable for moderate-hazard applications.
No backpressure protection, must install above highest outlet, and requires annual testing in most jurisdictions.
Two check valves with test cocks providing moderate backflow protection. DCVs balance protection and cost for moderate hazard situations.
Fire sprinkler systems, boiler feeds, commercial applications, and moderate-hazard situations requiring dual protection.
Backpressure and back siphonage protection, compact installation, and cost-effective for moderate hazard applications.
Not acceptable for high hazard applications and requires annual testing by certified professionals.
Highest level backflow protection with two check valves and pressure relief. RPZ devices are required for high hazard applications including fire systems with antifreeze, chemical injection, and connections to non-potable water.
High hazard situations, chemical feed systems, reclaimed water connections, fire systems with antifreeze, and any application requiring maximum protection.
Maximum protection, suitable for all hazard levels, and provides the highest level of water supply protection available.
More expensive, requires drainage for relief valve, causes some pressure loss, and requires annual testing, sometimes more frequently.
Welcome to R. Davis Mechanical, where we've been transforming Pittsburgh homes and businesses with superior heating, cooling, and plumbing solutions since 2016. As a BBB A+ rated company with 15 years of industry experience, we bring unmatched expertise to every project we undertake. Our team specializes in comprehensive HVAC and plumbing services, from state-of-the-art air conditioning installations to expert boiler repairs and everything in between.
Specialized financing for energy‑efficient upgrades, including a low 8.99% fixed rate for most customers. Click the logo to apply now.
R. Davis Mechanical refers its customers to the following quality lender for their financing. Click the logo to apply and enter Promo Code: 0004-5797.
Make financing easy, with a quick approval process and multiple payment options. Contact us to apply.
Irrigation Systems: All underground irrigation systems require backflow prevention, typically PVB or RPZ devices. Boilers and Heating Systems: Hydronic heating systems require backflow prevention on makeup water connections. Water Treatment Systems: Chemical feed systems for water treatment need backflow protection.
Fill lines require backflow prevention to protect drinking water from chemical contamination. Hose Connections: Outdoor faucets benefit from hose bib vacuum breakers for garden hose protection.
Commercial properties face additional requirements including fire sprinkler systems, commercial kitchen equipment, manufacturing process connections, medical/dental facilities, car wash systems, lawn care/pest control businesses, and restaurants and food service.
Each application has specific device requirements based on hazard level. High-hazard situations like chemical feed systems require RPZ devices, while moderate-hazard applications may allow double check valves or PVB devices.
R. Davis Mechanical provides complete backflow prevention services including installation, testing, repair, winterization, and compliance documentation throughout Pittsburgh, PA and surrounding communities.
Professional installation ensures effectiveness and code compliance. We evaluate your property, select appropriate devices, and install them meeting all Pennsylvania requirements with proper documentation.
Most backflow devices require annual testing by certified testers. We use specialized gauges to verify proper operation, document results, and submit required paperwork to water authorities.
Failed devices require immediate repair or replacement. We also provide winterization services protecting outdoor devices from Pittsburgh's cold climate, preventing freeze damage.
Professional backflow service requires certification, specialized equipment, and code knowledge. With 15 years of experience in Pittsburgh, PA, we understand local requirements and work routinely with area water authorities.
Our technicians maintain backflow testing certification meeting Pennsylvania requirements for legal testing and documentation. We use specialized gauges and provide proper documentation to water authorities.
Our fully licensed plumbers ensure backflow device installations meet all plumbing codes. We coordinate with inspectors and water authorities ensuring proper device selection and installation.
We provide installation, testing, repair, winterization, and compliance documentation-everything needed for complete backflow prevention. From irrigation systems to commercial applications, we handle all backflow needs.
Protect your water supply with professional backflow prevention.
Contact Us TodayMost backflow devices require annual testing by certified testers. Backflow devices contain moving parts that can fail over time, including check valves that wear and leak, springs that weaken, debris that prevents proper seating, and freezing that damages components.
Certified testers use specialized gauges measuring check valve tightness (ensuring valves prevent backward flow), pressure differentials (verifying proper pressure relationships), and relief valve operation (confirming pressure relief functions on RPZ devices). Failed tests require device repair or replacement before passing. Test results go to property owners and water authorities with complete documentation proving compliance.
R. Davis Mechanical brings professional HVAC and plumbing services to communities throughout the greater Pittsburgh area. Our service territory includes:
No matter where you're located in our service area, you can count on prompt, professional service from our certified technicians. Give us a call today and see if you service your area‒we most likely do.
Take advantage of current promotions and manufacturer rebates to maximize your investment in home comfort. While specific rebate amounts vary by equipment and season, we'll help you identify all available savings opportunities for your project. Our team stays current with manufacturer rebates programs, utility company incentives, seasonal promotions, financing specials, and maintenance plan discounts.
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Upgrading your home's HVAC system is a significant investment, and there are often rebates and incentives available to help offset the cost. Our team is here to help you ensure you get all the savings you're entitled to.
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Worn seals or debris cause check valves to leak, allowing backflow. Cleaning or seal replacement restores function. Regular testing catches these problems before complete failure occurs.
Weakened springs don't maintain proper pressure differentials. Spring replacement corrects this common problem. Annual testing verifies spring operation and pressure relationships.
Pittsburgh winters threaten outdoor backflow devices. Frozen devices crack and fail, requiring complete replacement. Proper winterization prevents thousands in freeze damage repairs.
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