| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | $85 residential, $125 commercial; $225 same-day emergency residential |
| Time | Most tests are quick; reports must be filed annually |
| Who's qualified | A state-certified backflow prevention tester with a current South Carolina certification card |
Johns Island, SC: what's different here
Johns Island is in Charleston County, South Carolina, and sits about 12 miles and roughly 19 minutes by car from Charleston via the main highway. That short drive makes scheduling an annual backflow certification with a local tester simple. Properties on the island fall under the same state and Charleston Water System testing rules as the rest of the region.
Who can perform annual backflow certification in Johns Island?
South Carolina requires all backflow testing to be done by a state-certified backflow prevention tester. A certified tester holds an up-to-date certification card issued by the Department. Ask the pro for proof of certification and insurance before scheduling.
How does a tester earn South Carolina backflow certification?
The state certification course is a rigorous 4-day class, followed by a proctored written exam and a hands-on practical exam. A Midlands Technical College course lists tuition at $699, not including fees and equipment. Charleston-area classes have been held at the North Charleston Convention Center.
How often do testers renew their certification?
A South Carolina backflow tester's credential expires every 3 years. Recertification requires a 25-question written exam plus a wet lab test of a double check valve assembly, a pressure vacuum breaker, and a reduced pressure principle assembly.
What are the types of certified backflow testers in South Carolina?
South Carolina recognizes four types of certified testers: General Tester, Limited Tester, Inspector Tester, and Manufacturer's Agent. Each type has a different scope of work. Confirm which type fits your assembly before booking.
Do test reports have to be filed in Johns Island?
Charleston Water System requires annual testing, and all reports must be filed with the applicable filing fees through its third-party reporting process. Ask the pro we refer whether filing is included in the quoted price.
What to do next
- Ask the tester to show a current South Carolina backflow prevention assembly tester certification card before the visit.
- Get a written quote stating whether your test is the $85 residential or $125 commercial rate.
- Confirm the quote includes filing your report with the applicable fees through the third-party reporting process.
- Ask which assembly will be tested - double check valve, pressure vacuum breaker, or reduced pressure principle - and what a repair would cost.
- Call (843) 286-4721 or email [email protected] for a free quote from a licensed, insured local backflow tester.
CHS Backflow is a free referral service: an independent contractor does the work and may pay us a referral fee. You never pay us anything.
