water heater check valves

[olly72]

Hi All: My water heater was making that whinning noise so I removed the two check valves and and the noise went away. I store my rig in the winter in south florida so I don't winterize the rig. Do I need to replace these valves and what is there purpose.
thanks Russ

[Clay L]

The one on the cold water input is to keep the hot water from backing up into the cold water line as the water heats up and the pressure increases. The other one on the hot water output line is needed for the winterizing.

[wa8yxm]

Do I need to replace these valves: NO, However read on.

What is their purpose.. Well, that kind of depends.

There are basically 3 water heater bypass systems, Since the heater maker knows not what kind of bypass system will be used they put the check valve(s) on. Now, what makes it even more fun is that I'm told by someone who knows Surburban refuses to admit they put 'em on at the factory. Long story, omitted. But it ended up with the owner of the water heater once again in hot water (A good thing in this case) and me getting thanked... again.

Back to topic

IF you have a 3-valve bypass system, there is no need at all for the check valve, stop reading now.

If you have a one or two valve system then the OUTLET check valve (on the hot pipe) serves to keep water/pink stuff out of the water heater when you winterize by the wet method.

There is generally no reason at all for the cold water check valve, However in some rigs there may not be enough piping leading to the water heater from the last "T" fitting in its path.. Thus when the water heats hot water is forced back into the cold lines.. So they put in that "T".. OF course if you have enough cold water line after the "T" (note not counting the bypass T, if any) this is not a problem. SO you don't need it either.

IF you do NOT have a 3-valve system, Print and laminate a card that states that the check valves are removed and winterization should ONLY be done by the DRY method, Attach this to whatever bypass vavle you have.

That is in case you sell the trailer and forget you pulled the check valves.

[Rich and Cork]

Since you are into the water heater, you should probably pull the anode rod and put another in. Easy item to replace.