Bounder: Water Heater Check Valve?

[Siwel80]

Can any one tell me why there is a check valve in the hot water outlet of the tank. Mine has broken off and wondering if I need to replace it or can I just replace the fitting with a brass one.

[mel s]

Originally Posted by Siwel80

Can any one tell me why there is a check valve in the hot water outlet of the tank. Mine has broken off and wondering if I need to replace it or can I just replace the fitting with a brass one.

Siwel80
Why is a good question.
I can't tell you why but my WH has one that I just replaced.
Mine however was, (and is), in the cold water inlet... not the hot water outlet.
Mel
'96 Safari, Suberban SW10D water heater

[Tom3205]

Probably needed for winterizing. If your unit doesn't have the 3 valves, the check valve is used, to prevent antifreeze from entering the heater.

[mojoracing]

It is for winterizing and mine recently went bad. For the time being, I just took it out and screwed the two lines together. Guess what? My low hot water pressure was now high water pressure. No longer did I have to barely crack the cold water in the shower to get a comfortable temperature. I left it this way all summer and enjoyed great water pressure but alas, I had to winterize the unit and that meant replacing it. The valve in the new unit I purchased moved much easier than the one that broke. I have used the systme since installing the new valve and the water pressure has decreased but nowhere near as bad as with the old valve.

[mel s]

Originally Posted by Siwel80

Can any one tell me why there is a check valve in the hot water outlet of the tank. Mine has broken off and wondering if I need to replace it or can I just replace the fitting with a brass one.

Siwel80
Here's a link to the RV Doctor's thoughts on the subject of RV water heater check valves:
The RV Doctor: RV Water Heater Check Valve - What For?
Mel
'96 Safari