backflow prevention gadget repair/replacement?

[Nitrogen]

My city mandates these backflow prevention device thingies on outdoor fixtures.  Mine on the back of my house leaks.

What I usually do is leave he faucet on, and have a V-connector, with one side having this little nozzle the dog can drink from, while the other side is off.

This worked great for about 6 months, then the backflow device thing started dripping.  (I verified it's not the V connector)

How the heck can I replace this thing?  IT looks like it's permanantly on.  Do I have to replace the whole dang fixture?

[never_retreat]

Usually they have a set screw that was tightened when it was installed. The head breaks off when its tightened. Drill that bad boy out, take it off and throw it out. No one will notice till you sell the house.
Most new water meters have it built in. Also some of the frost free faucets have it built in also.

[Leatherneck]

^^^ Good advice. You may have to access from inside the house and unscrew the whole foot-long bibb assembly and either replace it ($20) or dismantle it and replace just the bibb sans device.

TC