Burst plumbing Thingamajig

[Old-Biscuit]

Originally Posted by Lyon

I removed the mechanism and replaced with a PEX T connecting the water inlet to the other two hoses with a shutoff valve on each. It turns out that I did not solve the problem. The hot water only runs for a couple of minutes before it turns cold again. I am not sure at this point if the problem is with the valve settings or if I have additional problems at the hot water heater.

Turning COLD ..........cold water is diluting the HOT coming from water heater

Problem at water heater...that would be NO FLOW not hot turning to cold

The hot out branched off PRIOR to that bypass device
So cold to/from it should go to cold plumbing and the shutoff valve for HOT side of the Bypass should be closed so cold does not go back into hot side

[nehog]

Originally Posted by Lyon

I... The hot water only runs for a couple of minutes before it turns cold again. ...

There is a check valve in the water heater's outlet that can fail and cause this symptom. Been there, done that. The valve is available on Amazon if this is the cause.

[Ray,IN]

That looks like an old Swan Industries automatic winterizing valve. If it is you will have a 1½' square plastic tank close to your water heater and water pump, there are 2 of these valves, one for bypassing the water heater, the other to change from pumping from the fresh water tank OR the square RV antifreeze tank.This Swan automatic winterizing system was an option until approx. 2010. Today replacement 12V automatic valves are over $300 ea. so converting to a manual valving system is prudent IMO.

[Ray,IN]

MY reply timed-out, cannot edit.

The newer model of Swan indusitries winterizing system was called Prevent=a-Freeze; it has also been discontinued about 2016.. You see the new style 12V valves that replaced the first model/style that look like yours.

The reason these valves and solenoids failed is non-use, as winterizing is a once a year task normally.


No new OEM parts are available.
These 12V valves/solenoids may be disassembled and rebuilt with hardware store parts if one wishes to take the time and effort.

[Lyon]

Thanks to everyone for their help. I bypassed with a couple of valves as suggested and have had no problems.