| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | Tester training runs about $699 tuition plus fees and equipment |
| Time | Four-day certification course; testing itself is annual |
| Who's qualified | A state-certified backflow prevention tester with a current SC DES certification card |
Mount Pleasant, SC: what's different here
Mount Pleasant sits in Charleston County, in South Carolina's coastal lowcountry. Many homes there are affected by marine and wet, low-lying conditions rather than mountainous terrain. That coastal environment is one reason backflow prevention assemblies need regular attention. Local water authorities typically require annual testing and reporting.
Why you can't do an rpz valve test yourself in Charleston-area cities
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. That rule applies in Mount Pleasant and the rest of Charleston County.
What it takes to become a certified tester in South Carolina
Certification requires a four-day course, then a proctored practical exam and a written exam. A training program at Midlands Technical College lists estimated tuition of $699.00, not including fees and equipment. You also need ownership of or access to testing equipment.
When to call a pro for your rpz valve test
Call a pro for any test, since self-testing is not allowed under state rules. Charleston-area water authorities typically require annual testing and reporting for backflow prevention assemblies, so a pro handles the paperwork too. If your assembly fails or leaks, a certified tester is the one who can document and address it.
How SC DES tester certification and renewal work
A South Carolina tester certification is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years. The recertification fee cannot exceed $50, though the proctor sets exam dates, costs, and locations. The SC DES certification processing fee is $150 per certification.
What to do next
- Confirm your water authority requires an annual rpz valve test report before scheduling.
- Ask the pro for proof of a current SC DES backflow prevention assembly tester certification card.
- Request a quote that covers the test, any repairs, and the report filed with your water authority.
- If you want to test yourself someday, look up the SC DES tester certification course and its four-day schedule.
- 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.
