| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | Varies by tester; reports filed over 30 days late cost $15 extra |
| Time | Test yearly; tester certification course runs four days |
| Who's qualified | State-certified backflow prevention tester with a current certification card |
Who can submit a city backflow compliance report?
South Carolina requires all backflow testing to be done by a state-certified backflow prevention tester. That means someone holding an up-to-date tester certification card issued by the Department. Certification is valid for 3 years and must be renewed to stay current.
When is backflow testing due in Charleston?
South Carolina requires backflow prevention assemblies to be tested at least once annually by a certified tester. Charleston Water System says annual testing is required and all reports must be filed with the applicable filing fees through its third-party reporting process. Reports uploaded more than 30 days after the inspection date draw a $15 late fee.
What equipment must a Charleston tester use?
State rules set a standard for the tester's differential gauge. It must be accurate to within 2% of full scale or plus/minus 0.3 psi differential. Ask the pro we refer how their gauge meets this requirement before the test.
How do you become a certified tester near Charleston?
South Carolina's tester certification course is a four-day class ending in a proctored practical exam and a written exam. A training class is listed for the North Charleston Convention Center with dates shown as June 9-12, 2026. The application states a certification processing fee of $150.00 per certification.
What about fire sprinkler systems in Charleston?
State code allows backflow testing for fire protection sprinkler systems by an individual or entity certified through the DES-approved backflow prevention assembly training seminar with a current tester certificate. Confirm that credential before booking. Ask the pro for proof of licence and insurance too.
What to do next
- Book the annual test with a state-certified backflow prevention tester before your Charleston filing deadline.
- Ask the tester to show their up-to-date certification card issued by the South Carolina Department.
- Upload the report within 30 days of the inspection date to avoid the $15 late fee.
- For a fire sprinkler system, confirm the tester holds a current certificate from a DES-approved training seminar.
- 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.
