| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | Varies by home - confirm in your quote. State recertification fee cannot exceed $50 if charged by the Department. |
| Time | Annual testing; the state certification course is 4 days. |
| Who's qualified | State-certified backflow prevention tester holding a current tester certification card. |
Daniel Island, SC: what's different here
Daniel Island sits in Berkeley County, South Carolina, even though it is part of the City of Charleston's municipal area. It is about 10 miles from downtown Charleston, roughly 15 minutes by car via I-26 W and I-526 E. Coastal Charleston County's humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and most rain falling April through September, makes outdoor irrigation a common reason homeowners need annual testing.
Who is allowed to perform backflow testing in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires all backflow testing to be performed by a state-certified backflow prevention tester. Tester certifications are issued as a card by the Department, and a certified tester is someone holding an up-to-date card. Certifications expire every 3 years and must be renewed.
How often does a backflow assembly need to be tested?
South Carolina rules require annual testing of backflow assemblies by a certified tester unless otherwise specified. Testing protects drinking water by confirming the assembly still works as designed.
Why is backflow testing relevant on Daniel Island?
Charleston County averages about 45.30 inches of rain a year, and Charleston's annual precipitation has risen 2.1 inches since 1970. Higher rainfall and a humid climate increase outdoor water use, especially irrigation, which makes backflow testing commonly relevant in the area.
What do certified testers check during recertification?
Recertification includes a 25-question written exam with a passing score of 70%. Testers also perform hands-on testing of reduced pressure principle assemblies, double check valve assemblies, and pressure vacuum breakers using their own differential pressure gauge.
What to do next
- Check your assembly's test due date and confirm it is tested once a year.
- Ask the pro for proof of a current South Carolina tester certification card before the test.
- Confirm the pro holds a City of Goose Creek or local business license if work is done in that area.
- Ask the quote to list the assembly type tested (reduced pressure, double check, or pressure vacuum breaker).
- 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.
