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View Full Version : How do you clean/unclock copper redirector valve into water heater


lswilliams
Jul 15, 2009, 11:38 PM
I have a solar hot-water system. There is a copper switch valve at the top of the water heater that allows you to bypass the solar panels and have the cold water go directly into the water heater... I think we have hard-water and the valve must be clogged because I get SLOW hot water flow. The valve is a two-way push valve that has been soldered. So the question is whether there is a way to unclock that valve without taking it all apart...

The switch valve is totally enclosed, so all you do is push a "button" to redirect the water... I've unclogged it before by tapping the button in/out, but this time, it's not working... It's a tough one...

Help...

speedball1
Jul 16, 2009, 05:04 AM
Can you show us a picture of the valve? Regards, Tom

lswilliams
Jul 16, 2009, 05:49 PM
Here's the picture of the switch/valve

Milo Dolezal
Jul 16, 2009, 05:58 PM
That looks very clean to me. Are you sure the valve is "clogged"? There are O rings inside that may be hard 'n' stiff and therefore may be the problem disallowing any sliding movement.