Hot Water Heater Check Valve

[lundwc16]

Last trip in our 2010, 3075 RL, we had just a trickle of water coming from all hot water faucets, while hooked up to city water. Asking other campers I found out that there is a check valve, that fails, on the "out" side of the hot water heater, it was a chore but got to the valve. Couldn't find a replacement where we were, so I took the broken spring, & guts out of the valve & replaced it. Water flow problem solved. When we got home had to winterize, usually takes about 1 & 1/2 gal to get the job done, owned this Montana for 10 years & always do it myself. This time I pumped about 5 gal. of the pink stuff in to get a pink flow from all faucets. I kept checking the winterize & water heater by pass were in the correct position. Back at it today to get the pink stuff out & all the extra anti freeze was in the hot water heater. I'm guessing it's because the guts from the back flow valve had been removed? Found a replacement on Treckwood.
John

[Carl n Susan]

Yup, that check valve is specifically for winterizing. Without it, the water heater will fill with antifreeze during a winterizing process.

[DutchmenSport]

You could always take that broken, stripped out check valve and replace it with a hand operated valve. When you winterize, you just have to remember to flip the valve yourself, and when you've unwinterized, to flip it back.

[lundwc16]

Thanks for the response, gaining access to the rear of the hot water heater was no easy task. I had to cut an access panel with a razor knife. Then replace the panel, cut, stain & install 1/4" molding to finish it off. I think I'll just replace the valve with a new one. The original lasted 10yrs, if the replacement lasts that long I'll be 83yrs old & it will be someone else's problem.
John