Method for isolating an appliance in a plumbing system

• US 7,644,730 B2
• Filed: 10/29/2007
• Issued: 01/12/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/23/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: NIBCO Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Webstone Company Incorporated
• Inventors: Reck, Michael E.
• Primary Examiner(s): FOX, JOHN C
• Application Number:
  US11/927,107
• Publication Number:
  US 20080142086A1
• Time in Patent Office: 806 Days
• Field of Search: 137/625.22, 137/625.24, 137/625.47, 122/13.01, 122/13.3, 122/14.3, 122/14.31, 251/310, 237/8.R, 237/8.A, 237/8.D, 237/56
• US Class Current: 137/625.47
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 11/0873 the plug being only rotatable around one spindle
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 11/0876 one connecting conduit having the same axis as the spindle
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 5/0605 with particular plug arrangements, e.g. particular shape or built-in means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0318 Processes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0508 Ball valve or rotary ball valve
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86863 Rotary valve unit
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86871 Plug
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/87169 Supply and exhaust
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/87909 Containing rotary valve

Abstract

A fluid isolation valve having a valve body with a first fluid flow port, a second fluid flow port and a fluid drain port with a valve in the fluid drain port. The valve body also defines a fluid flow channel, a drain flow channel and a valve portion, wherein the valve portion is disposed in the valve body to be communicated with the first fluid flow port, the second fluid flow port and the fluid drain port. A flow diversion device is also provided and is disposed within the valve portion. The flow diversion device is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration, such that when the flow diversion device is in the first configuration the first fluid flow port is communicated with the second fluid flow port. Consequently, when the flow diversion device is in the second configuration the first fluid flow port is communicated with the fluid drain port. The fluid flow can be decrease or stop by use of the valve within the fluid drain port.

Claims

1. A method for isolating an appliance in a plumbing system from a first fluid source comprising:

providing a first valve having a first flow path and a drain flow path in a unitary structure;

actuating said first valve from a first position to a second position, in said first position a first fluid source communicates with said appliance through said first flow path of said first valve, in said second position a second fluid source communicates with said appliance through said drain flow path of said first valve;

attaching a flushing mechanism to the drain flow path of said first valve;

pumping a flushing fluid from said flushing mechanism into said drain flow path of said first valve, said flushing fluid flowing into said appliance; and

providing a second valve having at least a first flow path and a drain flow path in a unitary structure;

actuating said second valve from a first position to a second position, in said first position said appliance communicates with said plumbing system, in said second position said appliance communicates with said drain flow path of said second valve, said flushing fluid flowing through said appliance and out said drain flow path of said second valve.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said first valve further comprises a relief flow path in said unitary structure and when said first valve is in either said first or second position, said relief flow path of said first valve is in communication with said appliance.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said appliance comprises a tankless water heater.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said second valve further comprises a relief flow path in said unitary structure and when said second valve is in either said first or second position, said relief flow path of said second valve is in communication with said appliance.

5. A method for flushing a tankless water heater in a plumbing system comprising:

providing a first valve on a cold water side of the tankless water heater, said first valve having a first flow path and a drain flow path in a unitary structure;

actuating said first valve from a first position to a second position, in said first position a first fluid source communicates with said tankless water heater through said first flow path of said first valve, in said second position a second fluid source communicates with said tankless water heater through said drain flow path of said first valve;

attaching a flushing mechanism to the drain flow path of said first valve;

pumping a flushing fluid from said flushing mechanism into said drain flow path of said first valve, said flushing fluid flowing into said tankless water heater; and

providing a second valve on a hot water side of the tankless water heater, said second valve having at least a first flow path and a drain path in a unitary structure;

actuating said second valve from a first position to a second position, in said first position said tankless water heater communicates with said plumbing system, in said second position said tankless water heater communicates with said drain flow path of said second valve, said flushing fluid flowing through said tankless water heater and out said drain flow path of said second valve.