| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | About $75 to $250 for the annual certified test |
| Time | Certification course runs 4 days; renewal every 3 years |
| Who's qualified | State-certified backflow prevention tester with an up-to-date Department certification card |
Summerville, SC: what's different here
Summerville sits in Dorchester County, about 25 miles from Charleston - roughly a 32-minute drive via the main highway. The town's hot, humid, wet climate makes corrosion and mineral buildup common concerns for plumbing equipment, which can affect backflow assemblies over time. That is one reason South Carolina requires annual testing of backflow assemblies. A local pro from the Charleston area can reach Summerville quickly for a boiler backflow preventer test.
Who can test a boiler backflow preventer in Summerville?
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. A General Tester must complete approved training and have a test kit.
How often does a boiler backflow preventer need testing?
A backflow assembly must be tested after installation and before use, then at least once annually unless a rule exception applies. Repairs, if needed, must be made by a DHEC-certified backflow prevention assembly tester. Ask the pro for proof of certification before the test.
What does Summerville's climate do to backflow assemblies?
South Carolina's hot, humid, wet climate makes corrosion and mineral buildup common concerns for plumbing equipment. That buildup can affect backflow assemblies over time. Annual testing helps catch problems before they cause a failed test.
How do testers stay certified in South Carolina?
South Carolina backflow tester certification is valid for 3 years and must be renewed. Recertification includes a 25-question written exam and wet-lab testing of a double check valve assembly, pressure vacuum breaker, and reduced pressure principle assembly. The state recognizes 4 tester types: General Tester, Limited Tester, Inspector Tester, and Manufacturer's Agent.
What to do next
- Schedule the annual test required after installation and before use of any backflow assembly.
- Ask the tester to show an up-to-date backflow prevention assembly tester certification card issued by the Department.
- Get a written quote covering the test itself and any repair costs if the assembly fails.
- If repairs are needed, confirm they will be done by a DHEC-certified backflow prevention assembly tester.
- 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.
