Is the check valve necessary [message #163469] |
Sun, 18 March 2012 23:17 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030 Registered: January 2004 Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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I have a check valve on the input side of the water heater. It decided to quit and is restricting the forward water flow. I took it out today and it has a plastic center plunger with a brass case. The plastic plunger is broken.
I understand it's purpose. The purpose is to keep expanding hot water from backing up into the cold water system. I do not mind that back up as I have an accumulator to take up that slack but I'm thinking I'll probably be irritated if I turn on the cold water and initially find warm water coming out.
I looked on McMaster-Carr for an appropriate replacement. If I order it tomorrow I know they will deliver it the next day if UPS can figure out how to get the 35 miles to my house from McMaster in Chicago. I'm trying to decide which one to get and also decide if I really need it in the first place.
I also see some plastic ball check valves. I'm wondering it that might be a better idea for this application.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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Re: Is the check valve necessary [message #163499 is a reply to message #163469] |
Mon, 19 March 2012 08:11 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260 Registered: January 2004 Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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Ken Burton wrote on Sun, 18 March 2012 22:17 | I have a check valve on the input side of the water heater. It decided to quit and is restricting the forward water flow. I took it out today and it has a plastic center plunger with a brass case. The plastic plunger is broken.
I understand it's purpose. The purpose is to keep expanding hot water from backing up into the cold water system. I do not mind that back up as I have an accumulator to take up that slack but I'm thinking I'll probably be irritated if I turn on the cold water and initially find warm water coming out.
I looked on McMaster-Carr for an appropriate replacement. If I order it tomorrow I know they will deliver it the next day if UPS can figure out how to get the 35 miles to my house from McMaster in Chicago. I'm trying to decide which one to get and also decide if I really need it in the first place.
I also see some plastic ball check valves. I'm wondering it that might be a better idea for this application.
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Mine cracked about 10 or so years ago and I took it out. I have seen no adverse effects to date.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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Re: Is the check valve necessary [message #163576 is a reply to message #163469] |
Mon, 19 March 2012 22:10 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030 Registered: January 2004 Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Thanks for the opinions. I went to a local plumbing supply warehouse today. The had what I needed for $13.00. I installed it tonight. In the morning I'll reinstall the lower cabinet in the bath module if everything is dry and there is no evidence of leaks. Hopefully I'm done screwing around with this one. I now have more water flow that I have ever had in that coach. The old one must have been broken (internally) for a long time.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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