| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | Varies by device and repair - confirm in your quote |
| Time | Repair time varies; retest required immediately after repair |
| Who's qualified | Repairs need no state tester card, but retesting requires a state-certified backflow prevention tester |
Mount Pleasant, SC: what's different here
Mount Pleasant sits about 9 miles and roughly 15 minutes from Charleston by car via US-17. The town has a humid subtropical climate, with average annual highs in the mid-70s, lows in the mid-50s, and about 50 inches of rain a year. Mount Pleasant Waterworks runs the local backflow program, and it puts annual testing and repairs on the customer. Local pros we refer work throughout the Mount Pleasant area.
Does backflow device repair require a retest in Mount Pleasant?
South Carolina requires backflow assemblies to be tested immediately after repairs of any kind are made to the assembly. So once the repair is done, a state-certified tester must test the device before it goes back in service. Ask the pro to include the retest in the quote.
Who can test after backflow device repair in Mount Pleasant?
Only a state-certified backflow prevention tester can do the testing, per South Carolina DES. The certification card is issued by the Department and must be up to date. Certification is valid for 3 years from the date of issue.
What is the Mount Pleasant Waterworks 30-day repair rule?
If a backflow device fails the annual test under Mount Pleasant Waterworks' program, the customer must have it repaired within 30 days. Annual testing and any required repairs are the customer's responsibility and expense. Missing testing can mean disconnection of water service plus a $65 fee added to the bill.
How does backflow testing certification work in South Carolina?
Tester certification requires a 4-day course, a proctored practical exam, and a written exam with a passing score of 70%. There are four tester types: General Tester, Limited Tester, Inspector Tester, and Manufacturer's Agent. Repair classes and advanced troubleshooting are separate from tester certification.
What to do next
- Have the failing device repaired within 30 days to stay compliant with the Mount Pleasant Waterworks program.
- Ask the pro for proof of a current state-certified backflow prevention tester card, valid for 3 years from issue.
- Request the immediate post-repair test in the same quote so the device is tested right after the fix.
- If you want to test yourself someday, look up the South Carolina DES certification list and the next Charleston-area course, such as the June 9-12, 2026 class in North Charleston.
- 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.
