Forum Discussion

kopy_kat's avatar
kopy_kat
Explorer
Nov 21, 2020

Airxcel Non-powered mechanical freeze valve

Does the airexcel Non-powered mechanical freeze valve need to be replaced once it does its job of opening and draining potentially freezing water?
  • Explain what you are talking about. I have 41 years as an RV tech, and have no idea what you are talking about. Doug

    Model of AC would help. Heat Pump?
  • If I google for the offending part, I get a reference to a tankless on-demand water heater.

    Suburban model IW60
    ___________________________________________
    From the website:

    Two built-in Freeze Protection features:
    Powered (both gas and electric supply required)*
    Non-powered mechanical valve**

    * Active (powered): unit recognizes incoming water temperature at 40° F, turns on and cycles to keep water above 40° F.
    ** Passive (non-powered): thermally sensitive freeze protection valve opens at 34° F, draining water from the system

    From the manual:

    If the On Demand Water Heater is dripping water into the drain line, in
    cold weather, when the water supply temperature is below 38°F and
    does not stop when the water temperature rises above 38°F, call your
    local service center. The valve may be disabled by turning the needle
    valve located on the front of the On Demand Water Heater 6 and 1/2
    turns clockwise. Closing the valve will disable the mechanical freeze
    protection feature. The water system must be drained when not in
    use to avoid damage caused by ice expanding in water lines if valve
    is closed.
    ___________________________________________

    It sounds like it should close without damage to the valve once the temp rises above 38 degrees. if you still see water draining when it warms up then it may have been damaged, and you can manually close it until it can be fixed.

    That's how I read it.

    CC
  • Airxcel Valve is good till it possibly limes up and sticks open