Hot Water Heater Bypass

[DEW]

Ok, I have read the forums and have located the bypass valve for the water heater. I have turned this and then drained the tank by pulling out the anode rod.

Now comes the silly part I just cannot wrap my head around. The bypass stops the water from entering the 'cold' inlet at the bottom of the tank and forces it up to a tee with the top of the tank where the 'hot' usually exits. But what will stop any water from entering the opening at the top of the tank? (at the hot port)
Does the hot port have a check valve built in or something?

[SteveC7010]

Originally Posted by DEW

Does the hot port have a check valve built in or something?

Yup, there's a little one-way check valve that keeps the cold water from backfeeding into the tank.

[Bob Landry]

I've read posts about the one-way valve on the hot side binding up and shutting off hot water to the camper. I took the innards out of mine and replaced the "T connector with a manual valve so I isolate my water heater my turning two valve handles. Not a big deal and cheap insurance to know you won't get in the middle of a trip and have no hot water.

[Tikitim]

In the words of the late George Carlin "Hot water don't need heating".