Check valve replacement

[Kamper Dave]

Modification 40:
CHECK VALVE REPLACEMENT on Atwood Water Heater installed in the Crossroads Cruiser.
Since I’ve replaced this check valve 3 times already I’ve decided on a modification. The check valve will be replaced with a hex nipple and a manual valve installed in the plumbing to facilitate winterization and/or isolation on the water heater. Yes, if the heat circuit gets stuck on and the high limit stat fails and this new valve is closed then pressure will build and the pressure relief valve will have to let off pressure and that will allow cool water to enter the water heater but this situation is no different than when the check valve fails closed.
With the electrical circuit breaker and water heater switches OFF as well as the water supply OFF and low point drains open, I carefully opened the water heater pressure relief valve and removed the water heater drain and opened all sink faucets. I took this opportunity to flush the mineral calcium deposits from the water heater with the garden hose reduced to ¼” tube.
With all of the pipes visibly drained, the check valve was removed and replaced with a hex nipple and a new valve placed in the Water Heater Output plumbing line as follows:

[Lloyd]

Nice write up Dave.
The pics were a nice addition also.

[Kamper Dave]

Originally Posted by Lloyd

Nice write up Dave.
The pics were a nice addition also.

Thanks Lloyd, I sure could use a tube of Bengay, that water heater is a long reach from easy.

Kamper Dave

[Lloyd]

Those RV water heaters aren't made to be worked on by us elder folks.