| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | About $85 residential; about $125 commercial |
| Time | A quick annual service, not a multi-day project |
| Who's qualified | South Carolina state-certified backflow tester with City business license |
Goose Creek, SC: what's different here
Goose Creek sits in Berkeley County, South Carolina, in the Charleston metro area. It is about 17 miles and roughly 23 minutes by car from Charleston via the main highway. Its median home was built in 2001, and many homes have slab foundations or crawl spaces, which can affect access to backflow devices. With about 53 inches of annual rain, exterior plumbing and irrigation devices see steady use.
Who is allowed to perform backflow testing in Goose Creek?
South Carolina requires all backflow testing to be done by a state-certified backflow prevention tester. A general handyman who is not certified cannot legally perform the test. In Goose Creek, certified testers must also hold a City of Goose Creek business license to work in the city.
How often does a backflow device need testing in Goose Creek?
Each cross-connection control device on the city's system must be tested and certified when installed and every year after that. South Carolina rules also require testing before the assembly is put into use. The completed test form must be returned to Goose Creek Public Works within 7 days of testing.
How do I check that a tester is certified?
South Carolina backflow tester certifications expire every 3 years and must be renewed. Testers must pass a written exam and a proctored practical exam. Ask the pro for proof of licence and insurance before the visit.
Does the device need to be on an approved list?
South Carolina requires backflow prevention assemblies to be on the approved backflow-prevention assembly list. Public water systems must keep records of each assembly's location, type, size, and annual test results. Confirm the device type with the pro before the test.
What to do next
- Confirm the device is a 3/4-inch to 1-inch residential or 3/4-inch to 1.5-inch commercial assembly before requesting a quote.
- Ask the pro to show a current South Carolina backflow tester certificate and a City of Goose Creek business license.
- Ask for proof of licence and insurance before booking the annual test.
- Confirm the pro will return the completed test form to Goose Creek Public Works within 7 days.
- 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.
