Backflow Prevention Assembly Testing? (Charleston, North Charleston: how much, new home, contractors)

[xinerevelle]

We moved into a brand new home serviced by Charleston Water System (but in Dorchester County) last summer and it included an irrigation system. I was surprised to find a letter from CWS telling me I had 30 days to get my backflow prevention assembly tested by one of the listed "approved" contractors.

This is new to me, as I didn't have to do this in Florida... How much should I expect to pay for this "service?" Any recommended testers for North Charleston (Ashley Phosphate/Dorchester area)?

Thanks in advance!!

[OleTomCat]

I think we use Simplex Grinnell, they are in N. Charleston, for the plant.....

Much larger backflow preventors here, so can't give you an accurate estimate...

[RestedTraveler]

When we lived up in Travelers Rest (Greenville County), we had to have this done annually as well (in October, if I recall correctly). We used the same tester every year (a local plumber that was on the list). It cost us $50 each year for the first 5 years we were there and then we stopped receiving the letters from the Greenville Water System. The whole thing is a bit of a racket, in my opinion.

[sundrop]

Contact local plumbers and ask them if they are on that "approved" list.....a plumber can test backflows. In residential settings that is who does it here in the Charlotte area.

[OrangeCountyGirl]

We have to do it for our business here as well. It's $99 a year, they call and remind us, come out, perform the test and submit all the paperwork. Worth it in my opinion. Forever Green is the name of the company.