[C320-list] Hatch Leak

[jim brown]

Water heater question again. When I installed the new hot water heater I found a piece of copper tubing about 3 inches long where where the cold water Whale line entered the heater. I removed it and found it contained a small check valve preventing back flow from the heater. It had some hard water deposits on it and didn't completely seal when I blew into it. The question is-is this piece important? A friend's newer 320 doesn't seem to have one and I can't see why one is necessary. There can't be back flow into the water tank with the pump in the way can there?  Another question is-does anyone know of a source for a replacement if it's necessary? I have searched and can't find a match anywhere. Thanks. The list certainly helped in the installation. 

Jim BrownDesafinado 2004  973