Hot water heater check valve

[Knauby]

Low water pressure on hot water side, likely a check valve. Atwood hot water tank is aluminum. Am I asking for trouble if I replace the check valve with a brass one? I don’t know the science other than having been told don’t mix metal types because it will cause corrosion.

[Radar57]

Mixing metals may or may not be a problem depending how close or far apart they are on the galvanic chart. Aluminum is near the top of the chart making it an anode between the two and more likely to corrode. However, brass is about half way down the chart which is a good thing. Also keep in mind the valve will be screwed into a weld boss likely with Teflon tape or some other material. I wouldn't think it would lead to a big problem. That's my input.

[RedHorse1]

Help us understand what you mean by “check valve”. My WH has only bypass valves (for winterizing/sanitizing). Perhaps they are not fully in “normal or winterize” positions. If you are talking about the relief valve (brass with a lever on top) that won’t cause low pressure. The problem could also be debris in the hot side.
If low pressure is at all taps I’d suspect the bypass valves on the WH. If the problem is only one or two taps I’d suspect debris.

[JFlightRisk]

Originally Posted by RedHorse1

Help us understand what you mean by “check valve”. My WH has only bypass valves (for winterizing/sanitizing). Perhaps they are not fully in “normal or winterize” positions. If you are talking about the relief valve (brass with a lever on top) that won’t cause low pressure. The problem could also be debris in the hot side.
If low pressure is at all taps I’d suspect the bypass valves on the WH. If the problem is only one or two taps I’d suspect debris.

The check valve is threaded into the tank. and it's what the hot water pipe screws onto, on the back of the water heater. It allows the hot water to only flow out of the tank.

[RedHorse1]

Originally Posted by JFlightRisk

The check valve is threaded into the tank. and it's what the hot water pipe screws onto, on the back of the water heater. It allows the hot water to only flow out of the tank.

Hmm, had no idea. Thx!

[JFlightRisk]

You're very welcome! You can get a new check valve at any good size plumbing store, or big box.