| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | $80 filing fee plus the tester's charge; permits from $3.50 |
| Time | Varies by device - confirm timing in your quote |
| Who's qualified | A state DES-certified backflow prevention tester with a current certification card |
North Charleston, SC: what's different here
North Charleston sits in Charleston County, South Carolina. The county's coastal location means backflow systems there matter for storm surge, flooding, and coastal water intrusion risk. The city has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters, conditions that can affect water systems and plumbing work schedules. Certified testers in the area are listed by South Carolina DES.
Who can perform annual backflow certification in North Charleston?
South Carolina DES 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. DES publishes a list of approved testers, and North Charleston has certified testers on that list.
How does a tester earn certification in the Charleston area?
South Carolina's tester certification course is a four-day class ending in both a written exam and a hands-on practical exam. DES has scheduled Charleston-area classes at the North Charleston Convention Center, with dates shown as June 9-12, 2026. Certification must be renewed every 3 years.
What permit fees apply in North Charleston?
North Charleston's plumbing permit schedule lists fees for vacuum breakers or backflow protection devices starting at $3.50. For one to five devices, the fee is listed at $2.00 each. Ask the pro we refer how permit costs apply to your property.
Why do Charleston-area prices vary between testers?
South Carolina DES says recertification stations provide their own dates, costs, and locations for scheduled exams, so local prices can vary by station. That holds even when the Charleston Water System fee is $80. Your total cost is the filing fee plus whatever the tester charges for the visit and report.
What to do next
- Check the tester's name on South Carolina DES's list of inspectors and testers of backflow prevention equipment before you book.
- Ask for a quote that separates the tester's charge from the $80 Charleston Water System filing fee.
- Confirm whether your device count triggers the $3.50 or $2.00-per-device North Charleston plumbing permit fee.
- Schedule the annual test so the report is filed with the applicable fees through the third-party reporting process.
- 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.
