| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | Recertification fee capped at $50 by state rule |
| Time | License renews every 3 years after testing |
| Who's qualified | Tester certified by South Carolina DES with a current certification card |
Summerville, SC: what's different here
Summerville sits in Dorchester County, South Carolina, about 25 miles from Charleston - roughly a 32-minute drive via the main highway. The town's own fee schedule covers backflow protective devices and permits, so local rules apply on top of state certification requirements. South Carolina DES lists certified backflow testers serving Summerville. That means the job must go to a state-certified tester, not a handyman.
What does backflow device recertification in Summerville involve?
A tester must pass a 25-question written exam and test three devices in the wet lab: a double check valve assembly, a pressure vacuum breaker, and a reduced pressure principle assembly. The tester's differential gauge must be accurate within 2% of full gauge scale or plus/minus 0.3 psi. Passing both parts renews the license for another 3 years.
How do you schedule a Summerville recertification exam?
South Carolina DES says testers contact the department to schedule the exam at a recertification station. The proctor provides the dates, costs, and locations. Recertification is handled through approved recertification centers or by retaking the state-sponsored workshop.
What does a Summerville backflow test cost?
A Summerville-area provider advertises annual backflow inspections at $85 for residential systems and $125 for commercial systems. The Town of Summerville fee schedule includes a $10 permit-related fee for vacuum breakers or backflow devices installed after piping or equipment is already in place. Ask the pro for the exact price in your quote.
Who can test backflow devices in Summerville?
South Carolina DES says all backflow testing must be done by a state certified backflow prevention tester. A certified tester holds an up-to-date certification card issued by the Department. The DES publishes a list of certified testers serving Summerville.
What to do next
- Confirm the tester's backflow prevention assembly tester certification card is current on the South Carolina DES tester list.
- Ask the tester to test all three assemblies: double check valve, pressure vacuum breaker, and reduced pressure principle assembly.
- Request a written quote that separates the test fee from Summerville's $10 permit-related fee for devices added after installation.
- If you are the tester, contact South Carolina DES to schedule your recertification exam and get dates, costs, and locations from the proctor.
- 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.
