| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | About $150 to $600; national average near $325 |
| Time | 1-2 hours typical; 2-4 hours for rebuilds or hard access |
| Who's qualified | A state certified backflow prevention tester, per South Carolina DES |
West Ashley, SC: what's different here
West Ashley is a Charleston neighborhood in Charleston County, South Carolina. It sits about 10 miles from downtown Charleston, roughly a 10-minute drive via US Route 17. Homes here rely on backflow prevention assemblies that South Carolina law requires to be tested at least once a year.
Who can repair a backflow preventer leak in West Ashley?
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, and the certification expires every 3 years. Ask the pro for proof of licence and insurance before work starts.
How long does backflow preventer leak repair take?
A straightforward repair typically takes 1 to 2 hours on site. A rebuild or a job with difficult access may take 2 to 4 hours. Labor rates for certified technicians run about $75 to $175 per hour.
Does the repair include the annual backflow test?
South Carolina requires backflow prevention assemblies to be tested immediately after installation and at least once a year thereafter. Ask the pro whether the annual test is included in the repair quote. The tester's differential gauge must be accurate to within 2% of full gauge scale or plus or minus 0.3 psi.
What parts can be used on a backflow preventer in South Carolina?
Backflow prevention assemblies used in South Carolina must be on the state-approved list of approved assemblies. Double check valve assemblies and reduced pressure principle assemblies must be tested by a DHEC-certified backflow tester. Confirm the replacement assembly is on the approved list.
What to do next
- Ask for a written quote showing the $150 to $600 repair range, parts, and the $75 to $175 hourly labor rate.
- Verify the tester holds a current state certified backflow prevention tester certification card, which expires every 3 years.
- Confirm the replacement assembly is on the South Carolina state-approved list of approved assemblies.
- Schedule the required annual test after the leak repair is finished.
- 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.
