Should the backflow device be removed during the winter? The company that installed my system and "blows it out" does not remove the device because they say the pipes would move during the winter and they would not be able to re-install it in the spring. Each spring when the system gets turned back on, one (or more) of the test cocks leak due to cracks developing during the winter, due to water left in the device. Is there anything I can do to winterize the backflow device and protect it during the winter? Thanks.
The best answer is to remove during the winter. Most backflow manufacturers do not recomment blowing throught a backflow preventer. Even if you do you will not likely get all the water out. Make up a piece of pipe to replace the backflow with in the winter and take it inside. $20 will make up a pipe and it will cost $350 to replace so it is a good investment.