For those just entering the rv lifestyle there is a check valve behind your city water hook up.
Rv water heater check valve diagram.
Are you confused by the bypass valves on the back of your water heater.
See here for a diagram i drew showing the diverter winterizing valve and the two check valves.
This needs some anti freeze too.
Remove the screen that s attached to the water hook up.
Most rv manufactures today install water heater by pass systems on the rvs they sell.
As long as you flush the water heater out once or twice a year this too shouldn t be a problem.
As water is pushed through the water lines some of that water is forced into the water heater s tank.
But to be safe it might be wise to reinstall one when you get a chance.
Water comes in from the city pressurizes everything including your water heater goes down a common drain and away from you to a city sewer disposal plant or your own septic system.
Close the valve then close the faucet finally turn the water back on.
More on that in a moment with the new anode installed you are now ready to remove and replace that noisy check valve.
The valve is designed to let pressured city water enter the rv s plumbing system when hooked to a charged hose bib via your water hose in an rv park and prevent the water pump from pumping water out of your potable water tank onto the ground when not hooked to a charged hose bib.
On my 2004 winnebago sightseer the check valves are screwed right into the water heater inlet and outlet.
The water heater by pass system is used to separate the water heater from the rv s plumbing system.
Rv hot water heater check valve.
Open a faucet to release pressure that is inside.
As the water warms it rises to the top of the tank.
This is where it got fun.
They look like brass nipples maybe 1 1 2 to 2 inches long.
Open the handle of the temperature and pressure valve until water stops.
When the by pass system is used it takes the cold water going.
Inspect yours closely to ensure you find the right replacement part.
If you look at the rv plumbing diagram it can be placed anywhere on the hot orange or cold blue lines.
The check valve line is where the rv and the city water first meet.
Most rv water heaters use 1 2 male to male check valves.
Rv water heaters are powered by propane electricity or both.
In this video we will explain how to operate them and what they do.
Turn off the water heater and let the water cool down.
The check valve is inside this.
The by pass system can be used to drain the water heater and to winterize the rv water system.
Your rv plumbing system needs to separate itself between grey and black waste and water storage or constant city supply remember an rv is designed and built to.
Or get creative if you can t.
Having a check valve at the cold inlet to the heater also prevents mineral deposits and residue from backing into the cold system from inside the water heater.