Water noise

[mikenmo]

When I run the hot water, from any place, I hear a chattering noise. I have found that when I change the water heater bypass to bypass the water heater, the noise stops. I removed the cover plate and it 'seems' like the noise is coming from this simple flow valve. (It's difficult to be sure) Can this be? It would seem that this valve wouldn't have anything inside to vibrate or make noise.
Replacing it wouldn't be difficult but want to hear from others before I do.
TIA
Mike

[Luv2go]

Sounds like a check valve. If your bypass is a single valve, your heater has a check valve on the output side to keep water from filling the water heater from the output when you bypass it. The reason why it does not rattle when bypassed it it is closed (it's working as it should, at least when closed).

Stewart

[mikenmo]

Thanks, Luv2Go
That makes sense. Is this check valve the same valve as the one that determines the path of the fresh water? (Either to the tank or not) The valve only rotates 90 degress to change direction of flow. From this valve the pipe goes directly to the tank or to the main hot water line. There isn't anything between in either direction, that I can find, that would be another valve.
You say it is working properly but the chattering noise started about 10 days ago and we've had the home for 18 months, fulltime since 01/10. Leads me to think maybe something isn't right. It doesn't seem to effect anything but is very annoying and quite loud.
I bled the tank and reset the pop off and taht didn't do it.
More thoughts?
Mike

[gmanatl]

I have a 2008 Tour 40TD and we starting hearing a strange whining noise whenever we used water either without or with the pump. The coach was still under warranty so we took it to the selling dealer. They had to replace both check valves at the water heater to fix the problem. The tech told me they had seen several of these check valve problems recently and Winnebago told them grit was getting into the water lines and destroying the O rings in the check valves which causes the noise. I have begun using a particulate filter on my water line between the spigot and the coach to prevent a reoccurence. I hope this helps.