Water Heater Check Valves

[AdrianLee]

Our water heater has started making a whining noise when hot water is used. I did a search here and it looks like there is probably a problem with one or both of the check valves. I think this is the place to start debugging the problem.

My question is - where are the check valves? What do they look like? I suspect they are a fitting in the input and the output line - somewhat similar to a normal check valve used on a boat or a house. Are they plastic?, metal?, white?, black? purple? - what do I look for to make life easier?

2006 Itqasca Ellipse 40FD

Thanks everyone

[AdrianLee]

Our water heater has started making a whining noise when hot water is used. I did a search here and it looks like there is probably a problem with one or both of the check valves. I think this is the place to start debugging the problem.

My question is - where are the check valves? What do they look like? I suspect they are a fitting in the input and the output line - somewhat similar to a normal check valve used on a boat or a house. Are they plastic?, metal?, white?, black? purple? - what do I look for to make life easier?

2006 Itqasca Ellipse 40FD

Thanks everyone

[ichn2go]

Adrian, Hope all is well and your preparations for the holiday season are going well.

I think the valve is behind the water heater. Some folks have taken the inaards out and just put it back together...I think the insides are plastic.

Do a search and you should find a lot of info.

Take Care and say Hi to Barbara,,,Jimmy

[DonavonP]

Dancincampers provided a nice picture here good luck on the project.

[rick_od]

AdrianLee,
The check valves are located on the in and out fittings on the back of the HWH. They are brass with plastic internals. I have been told by Winnebago that the check valves are only there for winterizing. I had one check valve fail and the other one start making a whining noise every time I ran the cold water. It would whine and make the cold water pipe vibrate. I have easy access to the rear of my HWH so I removed my check valves and relocated the winterization valves to the rear of the HWH.