Water heater check valve

[Ozz]

Brings to mind; why do we say 'Hot water heater'...isn't that redundant? I catch myself all the time doing that.
Anyway, many do not know what it is, looks like, it's location, and the fortunate few that have not had it go 'Tango Uniform', or, Belly up, should know a little about it.
It clogs, and generally fails for various reasons, clogging is the primary reason. You will see the restrictions in it when you see the 'exploded' view if my picture comes out.
The check valve keeps the hot water in the tank until we need it to wash something. It is fairly easy to replace, if you can get to it. I had to re-do my storage space after I took the shelving out.
Get a small pipe wrench, you need one anyway. I don't like Teflon tape, that is one of the reasons they clog up. Just use a good pipe dope on fittings, first three threads only, please.
Here is a picture of the valve and a slide-show on it's replacement.




http://tinyurl.com/Ozzcheck

[garyka]

Mine died this summer not letting any hot water to the faucets,so I took it out to get hot water and left it out and I haven't notice any difference without it.

[Ozz]

Gary, your heater will cycle more often, raising your energy usage and you will get a mix of warm and cold water in some of the pipes. Many times it is not noticeable, but through the years engineers have determined this is the best way to go.

[daneboy]

Ozz,
Thanks for the lesson, I didn't know there was a check valve back there.

[Art-n-Marge]

Ozz, so where did that debris come from? Was it a faucet washer?

Is this is an example and besides the other reasons you mention why one shouldn't disable the check valve? This debris could settle back into the WH and then cause even bigger problems over time. I would prefer it clog the check valve and I have to clear that out or replace the valve rather than mess with a failed WH.

Great presentation!

[Ozz]

you are welcome daneboy.
Art, the faucet and check valve were collection points for the 'junk' in the heater, probably circulates in the tank then gets caught. It comes from the water heater actually.
Without the check valve, water temperatures mingle, the cold warms, the hot cools, your propane or electrical usage goes way up, as the tank cycles much more, trying to maintain the hot water.
It is there for a reason.
Thanks!

[scductman]

Ozz I also had to replace mine in oct. I had never seen the hot water just stop running. But I remembered your post and looked up the old one with the pics went to tenn rv got a new one. It took longer to clean out the basement to get to it than to replace it. thanks man.
bobby

[Ozz]

You are welcome buddy.

[SlickWillie]

I removed the check valve on our water heater when it plugged. I see no functional purpose for this check other than to simplify the bypass on the water heater; one valve to switch instead of two.(I don't ever plan to be where I have to winterize either.)

[bob n pam]

Thank you, Ozz! We have been pondering this problem for a while now. Ours is making a wheezing sound, so it's probably clogged. Bob really appreciated your slide show.

[Ozz]

Pam, glad I helped a little, If you have any questions, fire away!