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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

Senior Member

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 #163489 is a reply to message #163469]

Mon, 19 March 2012 07:07

Matt Colie

Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan

Karma: 7

Senior Member

Ken Burton wrote on Mon, 19 March 2012 00:17

Ken,

My 73 is all sweat or flared copper, it doesn't have said check valve. I don't believe it ever did and it has not been any issue.

Matt

Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit

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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

Senior Member

Ken Burton wrote on Sun, 18 March 2012 22:17

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: [GMCnet] Is the check valve necessary [message #163509 is a reply to message #163469]

Mon, 19 March 2012 10:27

Dan W

Messages: 11
Registered: March 2012

Karma: 0

Junior Member

You will probably not experience any problem by leaving it out but there is a potential for serious burns.

RV Hot water tanks frequently trap a pocket of air in them especially after initial charge of system. When the water in tank gets hot this air wants to expand and presure in tank goes up. When a cold water tap is opened this expanding air can push hot water back down the cold water lines and out the cold water tap. If your water heater heats water to scolding temperatures this can cause severe burns when unexpected scolding water comes out cold water tap. If your heater has an engine heat option I would definately keep the check valve as these tanks frequently reach very high temperatures.
--
Dan Winchester
gmc.dwinchester.com
Sent from HTC phone

Ken Burton <n9cv@comcast.net> wrote:

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 #163511 is a reply to message #163469]

Mon, 19 March 2012 10:34

roy1

Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada

Karma: 6

Senior Member

Mine didn't come with one so I added one. I didn't notice any difference.

Roy Keen Minden,NV 76 X Glenbrook

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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

Senior Member

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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