default wrote:


Heat traps are small ball check valves. They prevent hot water
"migration" (small circulating flow) out the Cold and Hot supplies
when no water is being drawn. It is a small energy-saver/.


Why do you need a ball valve? Wouldn't a simple U bend do
the trick?


These are actually easier to install:
http://www.perfectioncorp.com/water/heattrap.html
since they go straight in-line from the heater threaded bosses.

Jim