| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | Varies by home - confirm in your quote |
| Time | About 30 to 60 minutes for a standard residential device |
| Who's qualified | A tester holding an up-to-date SCDES backflow prevention assembly tester certification card |
Old Village: what's different here
Old Village is a historic neighborhood in Mount Pleasant, just across the Cooper River from downtown Charleston. Its streets are narrow and lined with older, character-filled homes dating back to the 1800s. Charleston County's climate is humid and rain-prone, averaging 67.2 F and 44.26 inches of precipitation, which keeps irrigation and plumbing systems working year-round. Coastal flooding and flash floods are part of the state's climate profile, so backflow devices here see real conditions.
Who can legally do backflow testing in Old Village?
South Carolina DES says all backflow testing must be done by a state-certified backflow prevention tester. A certified tester is someone holding an up-to-date backflow prevention assembly tester certification card issued by the Department. Ask the pro for proof of certification and insurance before the visit.
How does someone become a certified backflow tester in South Carolina?
Certification requires passing both a hands-on lab test and a written exam after a four-day training program. Recertification includes a 25-question written exam plus practical testing of a double check valve assembly, a pressure vacuum breaker, and a reduced pressure principle assembly. Certifications expire every 3 years.
What does backflow testing cost to get certified or recertified?
The state's recertification booklet says the recertification fee shall not exceed $50. The certification processing fee on the state application is $150 per certification. A local training program lists estimated tuition of $699, not including fees and equipment.
Where can I take a backflow tester certification class near Charleston?
SCDES lists a Charleston-area training class at the North Charleston Convention Center, with dates shown as June 9-12, 2026. Students must attend all four days and pass written and hands-on exit exams. Check the state's Cross Connection Control & Backflow Prevention page for current dates.
What to do next
- Ask the pro to show their up-to-date SCDES backflow prevention assembly tester certification card before the test.
- Confirm the quote covers the test of your specific assembly, such as a double check valve assembly or reduced pressure principle assembly.
- Ask how long the visit will take - a standard residential device usually runs 30 to 60 minutes.
- Verify the tester's certification is current, since SC certifications expire every 3 years.
- 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.
