UPDATE-Where to find Watts bypass valve

Thunder Mountain wrote:
The bronze Watts hot water heater bypass valve has given it up. It is marked 1/2 400 CWP. I typed that into the Internet search line and can't come up with an exact match. Went to Watts website and the search function is really frustrating. If you folks don't come up with something, I'll call Watts on Monday.

Guess I could replace it with plastic but would rather stick to all metal.

OP here... After I removed the water heater, I bench tested the check valve and Watts bypass. Figured out that the check valve had given it up allowing antifreeze to enter the water heater.

Purchased new check valve for $11 at local RV dealer. Bought some fresh water pipe dope and a couple of clamps at the hardware store. Total parts cost around $20. Three hours total labor, and its fixed. Not a hard job at all. A professional tech could probably do the job in about two hours. Guess I saved a couple hundred bucks.

Thanks to all of you for your responses. Your great as always.

Almost any valve will work if it fits. 400 # working pressure is more than you need. Pressure rating drops as temperature of water rises and that is the reason the cold working pressure is so high. If the water heater thermostat should fail and not control the pressure as it continues to climb because of the heat, you pressure/temperature relief valve will/should open. It is designed to prevent rupture of the water heater tank and associated piping.

Plastic valve would probably work but I don't like to use them because they can be fragile. Stems break, handles break and over time everything seems to become brittle. If it was me I would use any brass valve that would fit. S.S. will work if you can't find brass.

Charlie D. wrote:
400 CWP means is rated at 400 PSI cold. If you can't find it at a big box store I see no reason that another brand that fits your location will not work.

Thanks for an interpretation of the markings. I'll try some other makers if anybody can help with manufacturers. I'm good at electronics, computers and electricity, but plumbing is mostly a mystery to me.

400 CWP means is rated at 400 PSI cold. If you can't find it at a big box store I see no reason that another brand that fits your location will not work.