2 valves not 3, for water heater

[herdsman]

Was starting to winterize a new-to-me Rockwell HW276. I found the water heater only has two valves, a cold-water-in shutoff and a bypass. Anyone deal with this before? Is there maybe a check valve in the hot-water-out side? Seems that having the heater drained and pumping antifreeze into the system via the pump some antifreeze would flow into the heater?

[bubbles]

Have seen this type set-up on units and if you are positive there is only 2 valves then yes, there is a check valve (or should be) at the WH hot port. Verify by selecting winterization valve positions and check for no back feed into WH tank prior to antifreeze input.

[rockfordroo]

If there's a check valve, it should be on the hot water side; not sure you'll see it, as I think some are built into the hose fitting.

I'd say, close the cold water valve, open the bypass valve and go for it. Probability of the check valve leaking by is low, IMHO.

If you're concerned, when you're done winterizing remove the anode to the HWH and check for antifreeze. If you find any, just flush out the HWH through the anode/drain hole.

[herdsman]

Thanks for the replies, glad to hear that a check valve isn't unheard of. I was not too worried about antifreeze in the water heater, the guy that had this camper before me filled the entire system - water heater included - with antifreeze, so it's seen it before.

I'll leave the drain plug/anode out when I start refilling the system and see if any comes out.

[MilCop4523]

Originally Posted by herdsman

Was starting to winterize a new-to-me Rockwell HW276. I found the water heater only has two valves, a cold-water-in shutoff and a bypass. Anyone deal with this before? Is there maybe a check valve in the hot-water-out side? Seems that having the heater drained and pumping antifreeze into the system via the pump some antifreeze would flow into the heater?

My 2009 Sundance 5th wheel has this set up
the cold water inlet to the tank gets shut off and the top shut off shuts the outlet from the hot water tank to the trailer.

I forgot to close the top shut off and when it started to drip from the drain hole in the heater tank i shut the second valve off. thats when my wife noticed the shower spraying like a fondue fountain all over the ceiling. i wondered why i was getting nothing out of my hot water taps...

2nd yr in a row she got the pink shower.

[Telstar]

I just have one valve, it's a t valve that sends incoming water either to the water heater or bipass it. There is a check valve on the outdoing side of the water heater to prevent the bipassed water from entering the heater.