Water Heater Check Valve

Question

I have the one valve system to winterize. Getting antifreeze in the hot water tank & need to change the check valve or backflow preventer at the top of the tank where the hot water comes out.
Has anyone removed or replaced theirs?
I tried to remove it with a 6" crescent wrench and it would not move.
Is this normal and I just need a 10" / 12" wrench for more leverage, don't want to tear up the tank just to install a 5 dollar valve.

old-biscuit · Answer

Those nipples can be a real bugger to break loose......

Do you have enough room on Hot output line to install a shutoff valve?

If so just remove the internals of that nipple and install the valve.

1 valve system with the added shutoff valve on Hot line

goostoff · Answer

You just answered my question. Thank you. I went to winterize yesterday and noticed there was only one valve on the tank. WTF!!!! I had no idea there was a check valve in the tank. I was holding my breath that nothing came out the bottom of the drain.

ktmrfs · Answer

I've used an internal pipe wrench socket to remove those buggers if I can't get  pipe wrench on them.  Tightens up inside when you turn it and it should remove the  nipple.

jebar · Answer

there is a socket type special tool that is designed to remove a RV water heater pressure valve .... kind of expensive for a single use but sure can save a whole lot of cussin'Jim

powderman426 · Answer

Just do yourself a favor and put in a second shutoff valve.  Problem solved permanently. Thats what the cheap SOB's should have done in the first place.

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Water Heater Check Valve

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