| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | About $50 to $250 per assembly |
| Time | Most tests are quick - confirm timing in your quote |
| Who's qualified | A tester holding a current South Carolina DES backflow tester certification card |
James Island, SC: what's different here
James Island sits in Charleston County, about 6 miles and roughly 10 minutes from downtown Charleston via the James Island Connector (SC-30) and Folly Road (SC-171). The area's Charleston series soils are deep and moderately well drained, formed in sandy and loamy marine sediments below 25 feet above sea level. The climate is mild, with an average annual temperature of 65 degrees F, 49 inches of rain, and a 294-day freeze-free season.
Who can do backflow preventer testing in James Island?
South Carolina DES requires all backflow testing to be done by a state-certified backflow prevention tester. That means a person holding an up-to-date certification card issued by the Department. The certification must be renewed every 3 years.
When is backflow testing required in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires backflow assemblies to be tested after installation and before the customer uses them. State rules also require routine testing of backflow prevention assemblies by a certified tester. Your water provider can tell you when your next test is due.
How do testers get certified in South Carolina?
Completion of a four-day South Carolina backflow tester training course is a prerequisite for certification. The course costs $699.00, not including fees and equipment. Certification carries a $150.00 processing fee and lasts 3 years. A Charleston-area class is listed at the North Charleston Convention Center for June 9-12, 2026.
What should a backflow testing quote include?
Ask the pro for proof of licence, insurance, and a current South Carolina tester certification card. Get the per-assembly price in writing, since most tests run $50 to $250. Confirm the completed test report will be filed with your water provider.
What to do next
- Find your backflow assembly and note whether it is due for its routine test or a post-installation test before use.
- Ask any tester for a current South Carolina DES backflow prevention assembly tester certification card.
- Get the per-assembly price in writing - most tests run $50 to $250.
- Confirm the tester will file the passing test report with your water provider.
- 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.
