Can I Put a Check Valve in Hot Water Supply Line?

[jjinatx]

My water heater tank started leaking and while draining it I noticed there is cold water backflowing through the supply line. So I most likely have a valve somewhere that is letting cold water into the hot water line. I believe I know which one is the culprit. I don't believe the situation is easily fixable, but I won't go into that here and now.

Can I just put a check valve in the hot water line line coming out of the water heater when I install the new one? Is there any safety issue with doing this?

I would appreciate any good advice.

-jj

[hj]

IF you THINK it is a problem, (and it is ONLY when you are trying to drain the water heater), put a ball valve in the hot water side. But the real soluution is to locate the single handle faucet, usually a tub or shower and repair the valve, unless you have Mixet valves which is a different subject and solution.