Regularly removing unions - any issues? (irrigation PVB)

[MikeCO]

When I installed my irrigation backflow preventer (1" FEBCO 765), I added unions to make it easy to replace/remove. I have seen that some people entirely remove the backflow preventer during the winter to prevent any freezing - if I do that, is there any concern that regularly removing / reattaching the unions once a year is going to cause the union connections to fail/leak? I like the idea of bringing it inside but wanted to get this group's opinions. In either case, I'll be blowing out/draining the entire system, but I know that some water can remain inside the PVB.

 

[Sylvan]

I agree adding a union on either side should be ok

 

[Sponsor]

 

[James Henry]

Every time you thread and unthread a pipe you put a little wear on it but if its only once a year I wouldn't sweat it.

 

[Tuttles Revenge]

I wouldn't sweat it.

I wouldn't solder it either.. But I also agree.. shouldn't be an issue as long as you keep the threads clean and don't cross thread them.

 

[MikeCO]

That’s what I was hoping, thanks all!

 

[Jadnashua]

Depending on the material of the union, if you overtighten it, you can put a ridge on one of the mating surfaces that can make sealing the next time harder.