travel trailer heater valve

RV 101® – RV Education 101®

Understanding rv water heater by-pass systems.

In this post I want to help RV owners learn everything you need to know about RV water heater by-pass systems.

Most RV manufacturers today install water heater by-pass systems on the RVs they sell. The water heater by-pass system is used to separate the water heater from the RV’s plumbing system. The by-pass system can be used to drain the water heater, and to winterize the RV water system. When the by-pass system is used, it takes the cold water going to the water heater and routes it to the hot water plumbing line. When that happens the water heater is by-passed

Typically, you would use the by-pass system when the RV is winterized using an RV approved anti-freeze. When you bypass the water heater you can drain the water heater tank and the tank is safe for winter storage. By-passing the water heater saves you the cost of filling the water heater tank with six or more gallons of RV antifreeze to winterize the RV water system. For more information on winterizing your RV check out our RV winterizing and storing online training course .

How many types of RV water heater by-pass systems are there?

There are three common types of bypass systems, and you need to know which type you have. The types are 1, 2 & 3 manual valve operation.

On 1-valve systems the valve is located at cold water line and the by-pass line.

On two 2-valve systems, one valve is located at the cold-water inlet and the other valve is in the by-pass plumbing line.

On 3-valve systems, one valve is at the cold-water inlet, one is at the hot water outlet, and the third one is in the by-pass plumbing line.

The proper operation of each bypass system:

On a 1-valve system turn the valve at the cold-water supply line 90 degrees to the supply line. This stop the water supply to the water heater and open the by-pass line. Note: Some bypass valves use knobs rather than handles. In this case, just turn the knob until it is fully open or closed.

On a 2-valve system turn the valves located on the cold-water inlet and hot water outlet so the handle is in-line with the by-pass line. This will open the by-pass,  connecting the cold and hot water plumbing lines. Note: Some bypass valves use knobs rather than handles. Simply turn the knob until it is fully open or closed.

On a 3-valve system turn the manual valves located on the cold-water inlet and hot water outlet so the handle is in-line with the by-pass line just like the 2-valve system, then turn the manual valve in the by-pass line until the handle is in-line with the by-pass line. Note: some bypass valves use knobs rather than handles. Simply turn the knob until it is fully open or closed.

With the valves in these positions you can drain any water from the tank.

Caution: Never drain the tank when it is hot or under pressure. Open a hot water faucet to relieve pressure and allow the water to cool prior to draining.

To disengage the bypass system and allow water to enter the water heater, reverse the positions of the handles.

Symptoms of improperly positioned bypass valves are:

1. No hot water coming from the water heater. 2. You only get a short supply of hot water, which quickly turns lukewarm, and then cold.

If you experience these symptoms look to see if the by-pass valves are in the proper position.

When you de-winterize your RV, make sure your water heater tank is completely full of water prior to turning on the gas or electric systems on. A tank not full of water can damage the water heater controls. An easy way to check if the tank is full is to lift the lever on your temperature and pressure relief valve. If it is full, you will get water at the valve. Caution: Never open the T&P valve lever when the water heater is hot or under pressure.

For more information on RV water heater bypass systems watch this video we produced for Suburban water heaters.

To learn more about using and maintaining your RV visit our RV Online Training site.

Happy Camping, Mark Polk RV Education 101 http://rveducation101.com/

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2 thoughts on “ understanding rv water heater by-pass systems ”.

It may be worth mentioning that a bypass is not required at all if a) the fresh water tank and the water heater can be drained, either by gravity through a drain valve, or by removing the anode rod, and b) the remainder of the trailer’s plumbing can be completely drained by either by gravity, or by gentle application of compressed air.

The plumbing system in my trailer can be completely drained by gravity, with the exception of the indoor and outdoor shower heads and the kitchen sink sprayer (each of which must be unscrewed from the ends of the hoses). I do not use compressed air. Addition of non-toxic anti-freeze to the sink traps is optional, but cheap and easy.

I realize that not many trailer manufacturers take the trouble to arrange their plumbing system this way, but it is a blessing when they do.

Hi Bill, my only concerns with only draining the water system is where a small amounts of water remains, like the small flush valve in the toilet and the one way valve at the city water inlet.

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What Does An RV Water Heater Bypass Valve Do?

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In this article, we’ll show you the importance of the RV hot water bypass valve. You’ll learn how it works, why it’s needed, and its importance during the winterization process. So join us as we show the importance of your RV hot water bypass valve and why you need to know how to use it correctly.

Why is an RV Water Heater Bypass Valve Important?

The water heater bypass valve is a crucial component in the “winterize your RV” process. You won’t find a bypass valve on all RVs. Some simply don’t come with one installed. However, you can always rectify that by purchasing one on the third-party market. It makes the winterization process so much simpler and more convenient.

The hot water heater is one of the more important elements of an RV unless you like to take cold showers and wash your dishes in cold water. It brings a sense of comfort, home, and reliability to your RV lifestyle, which is something all RVers—part-time or full-time—can appreciate.

The bypass valves aren’t just winterization tools but also tools of convenience. It makes the drainage process on your hot water heater that much simpler. Some hot water heater manufacturers, such as Suburban, recommend changing the anode annually, a process that is more convenient with bypass valves.

How Does an RV Hot Water Bypass Valve Work?

There are two kinds of hot water bypass valves normally found in RVs. The first is a two-valve system, and the second is a three-valve system. There are also fancier, panel-controlled systems, which we’ll get to in short order.  

A two-valve system uses 2 three-way valves. A three-way valve is a valve with 3 flow points of ingress and egress. Two valves operate three-way valves. It sounds more complicated on paper than it is in real life. 

Two-Valve System

• Each three-way valve has one constant connection and two variables
• The valve on each simply shuts one of two connections, with the constant remaining open
• On a two-valve setup, the two valves should turn away from the hot water tank to shut off access to the water heater

Three-Valve System

• A simpler setup
• One valve is on the hot water line
• A second valve is on the cold line
• A third valve, known as the crossover line, sits between the hot and cold, sealing them off from one another or allowing them to mix
• Turn off the hot line valve and cold line valve to seal off the water tank
• Open the crossover line valve to create water flow that bypasses the tank
• The cold and hot line valves are called “stop valves”

To review, if ever your hot water heater stops working, you can open the crossover line valve that bypasses the hot water tank.

Once you replace the broken hot water tank with a new one that works, then you close the crossover line to allow the cold water line to fill the new hot water heater.

The new tank will then send hot water into the hot water line throughout the RV for your shower, sinks, and RV dishwasher (if you have one).

Panel Controlled

• Panel-controlled systems have a diagram on the panel plate
• The valves are located on the panel
• Turn the valves on the panel consistent with the diagram
• Water flow is restricted from the tank

If you’re not sure how to set the controls, look it up in your RV owner’s manual for instructions. As you can see from the “Main” control, there are different settings. For example, when you’re dry camping and relying on your fresh water tank, you set the control accordingly. If you’re hooked up to a campsite water hook-up, you turn the control to “city fixtures.”

When you store your RV and have your water lines winterized with RV antifreeze, there’s also a setting for that. Each setting opens and closes the water valves based on how the water lines are being used. This includes the hot water bypass valve.

Where is the Bypass Valve in the RV Water Heater?

Whether it’s a two-valve or a three-valve system , they will be located very close to the hot water tank, usually within a foot or two. The access point for your hot water heater is always on the outside of the camper, in a removable panel or storage bay. 

Depending on how your hot water system is set up, access to the valves is either in a separate, adjacent panel, or you can access them from beneath the sink or stove inside the travel trailer. Either way, you should have just enough elbow room to adjust the valves accordingly. 

Check out this video that explains RV Water Heater Bypass Valves:

Why Do I Need a Water Heater Bypass Valve in My RV?

You need a water heater bypass valve to winterize your RV properly. It’s not necessary to put antifreeze inside the hot water tank. It’s ineffectual, and it would take a whole lot of it to properly fill up the tank so the antifreeze could do its job. 

Besides, the hot water tank gets drained and, in the process, helps to descale it. A once-a-year cleaning is also good for it, with white vinegar being a prime choice for the job. But that’s entirely separate from winterizing your RV. 

Antifreeze, even when heavily diluted by water, keeps the water from freezing. Water that isn’t frozen can’t expand. That’s the reason you want antifreeze in your pipes. The reason you don’t want it in your water tank is that it won’t do much good there. 

Sometimes after using RV antifreeze in your water tank, the water can taste bad. Check out our article on RVBlogger.com called How to Remove Antifreeze Taste and Smell from RV Water .

Although RV-approved antifreeze is much better for your RV than that Ghostbusters-green stuff you put in your car, it can still be damaging inside your hot water heater. Newer hot water heaters, manufactured within the last decade, often require a complete drain and bypass of the hot water heater.

In fact, Suburban recommends draining their hot water heaters and avoiding the addition of anti-freeze, mostly because it’s corrosive to the anode and facilitates sediment build-up ( Page 5 – Winterizing ). Older RV hot water heaters are a bit different, which is why it’s very important to read the winterization section in your hot water tank manual.

Ultimately you want to follow the recommendations in your RVs hot water heater and RV owner’s manual.

Do You Have to Bypass the Hot Water Heater in an RV?

If you don’t bypass the hot water heater in your RV when you winterize it with antifreeze, all of that antifreeze that’s supposed to be in your pipes to keep them from drying out or cracking open during the winter temperatures will trickle down into your hot water heater. This will have the unfortunate side effect of leaving your RV water lines unprotected without the much-needed antifreeze. 

When you come back to your RV after a long Minnesota winter, your hot water tank will be happily waiting for you, with a bunch of busted piping to go with it. Also, the hot water heater may have a broken anode and other damage inside the tank.

4 FAQs About RV Water Heater Bypass Valves

1. How do you tell if the bypass valve is open or closed?

If the valve handle is parallel to the pipe, it’s open. If it’s perpendicular to the pipe, it’s closed. Even if your controls are on one panel, performing a visual check on all the valves before you store your RV for the winter is a good idea.

2. Should I turn off my RV water heater when not in use?

You wouldn’t be violating any safety rules or anything by leaving the water heater on when not in use. Although, when you’re traveling, you can save battery power or propane by turning it off. If you know you won’t be using it for a while, to stay energy-efficient, turning the RV water heater off can save you a lot of wattage and LP as well.

However, you should definitely turn it off when you store your RV, and all of your water lines are winterized.

3. What happens if you run the RV water heater without water?

Running your RV water heater without water will cause the heating elements to overheat and burn up. It can also burn a hole straight through your water heater and potentially create a fire hazard. 

4. What position should the RV water heater valve be in?

Unless you’re winterizing it, the RV water heater valve should be in the open or normal operating position. With two-way valves that will be parallel to the pipe. With three-way valves, it will point to the open line, with another open line perpendicular to it. 

Final Thoughts on RV Water Heater Bypass Valves

As it turns out, those valves are pretty important. If you’re new to the world of RVs, you’ll quickly begin to understand the importance of the many systems on an RV. Many of the operations we take for granted in a residential home have to be closely monitored and maintained in an RV.

The water heater bypass valves are just a part of the overall preventative maintenance responsibility you hold in your hands the moment you drive off the lot with your shiny, new travel trailer. Fortunately, once you understand how the systems function, especially for winterization, it’s all pretty simple and common sense. 

Related Reading

1. 11 Proven Ways to Eliminate RV Toilet Smells 2. What Size Generator Will Run Travel Trailer A/C? 3. How Often Should You Grease Travel Trailer Wheel Bearings? 4. How Many Gallons are in a 30-lb RV Propane Tank?

About the Author:

Thomas Godwin is a full-time freelance writer with a BFA in Creative Writing, a U.S. Marine, and an avid outdoorsman.

When he’s not writing, he’s raising chickens and Appleyard ducks. Thomas also constructs teardrop campers (attempting to anyway) and kayaks the Blackwater River with his wife, two daughters, and his Dobermans.

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Where Is the Water Heater Bypass Valve On An RV? (Hint: It’s Easy to Find) 

• April 7, 2021

Are you a new or beginner RVer wondering: where is the water heater bypass valve on an RV? You may feel silly for not knowing where the bypass valve is located, but trust us – you’re not alone! 

The chances are your RV water heater bypass valve is hidden from sight inside your RV. Today, we’ll help you find it. Once we help you find your RV water heater valve, we’ve rounded up a few videos to explain how to use your bypass valve so you can prepare your RV plumbing system for winter. 

Ready to find that water heater bypass valve? Let’s go! 

*Please note that BeginRV may earn a small commission if you purchase from a link below. Thank you!

Where Is the Bypass Valve In the RV Water Heater?  

The access panel to your RV water heater will be on the outside of your RV. Your RV water heater is typically in a square or rectangular compartment with a pull down panel for easy access. 

From the outside of your RV, you will be able to access the front of your RV water heater. This is not where your RV water heater bypass valve is located! Your RV water heater bypass valve is located at the back of your water heater – inside your RV. 

The front of your RV water heater is where you will find your water heater anode rod and drain. This is where you’ll do the majority of the work when you are flushing out your RV hot water heater for the winter [more on that later]. 

To locate the back of your hot water heater – head inside your RV to the other side of where the water heater is in the front. The backside of your RV water heater will not be readily visible, but instead it will likely be contained under your kitchen stove (or other appliance). 

To access your RV hot water heater bypass valve you will likely have to use a screwdriver or drill to unscrew and remove paneling and/or part that is hiding your hot water heater. Once you remove the paneling, you will see the back of your RV water heater – and be able to locate your RV water heater bypass valve. 

It is important to note that on some models of RV – you will not be able to access the back of your RV water heater bypass valve by simply removing the paneling. You may need to remove a drawer or adjacent panel in order to access the back of your RV water heater. 

Why Do I Need A Water Heater Bypass Valve In My RV? 

The main purpose of the water heater bypass valve is that it prevents anti-freeze from going into the heater tank when winterizing your RV water lines. From both a practical and cost perspective, there is no need to put anti-freeze in your RV hot water heater during the winterization process. The tank is not at risk of freezing or expanding to cause damage to your water heating system. 

When you bypass your hot water heater, the cold going into the water heater is routed to the hot water plumbing line (“bypassing” the water heater). Most RVs have a water heater bypass valve installed. Depending on the model of water heater, you can have one, two or three bypass valves.

Bypassing your RV water heater is a faster and more cost-effective way to winterize your system. Rather than filling your entire RV water heater tank with gallons of antifreeze (which is ineffective anyway) you simply bypass your hot water system so the antifreeze only goes to the water lines which require the anti-freeze. 

Rather than putting anti-freeze in your hot water system, you will descale, rinse and drain your system to properly maintain it for winter. We recommend that you clean and drain your RV hot water tank at least once a year to remove any limescale and other buildup that can affect your heater’s performance. 

Winterizing Your RV Plumbing & Cleaning Your RV Water Heater

Now that you’ve located your RV water heater bypass valve, it’s time for the fun part – winterizing your RV plumbing system! Rather than go into a lengthy explanation on how to winterize your system, we’ve gathered a few extremely helpful videos to show you how to do the job. 

Our favorite video is from RV Habit. In this video you will learn how to bypass your RV water heater when winterizing your RV plumbing system: 

The second video by RVGeeks is a great step-by-step instructional on how to clean your RV water heater. They use a boroscope to take an inside look into the RV water heater tank to show you the buildup inside your tank – and why it is so important to flush it out when preparing for winter. 

Here is one last video from Just Plain Common Sense that walks you through a step-by-step process of how to clean your RV hot water tank. We like it because it offers a few additional tips to ensure you are checking all your boxes when cleaning your heating tank: 

Conclusion 

We hope you are now able to find your water heater bypass valve on an RV. Don’t feel bad if you can’t find it at first – you are definitely not alone. RVing is all about learning, and before you know it you’ll be an expert and showing other beginners your RVing tips and tricks!

If you have any questions or comments on the RV water heater bypass valve location, we’d love if you left them below. Thank you so much for reading!

       Easy Travels, 

Like what you read? Go ahead and share! 

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For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the rv industry., rv water heater bypass valves explained.

• /   March 29, 2022

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RV water heater bypass valves can be confusing. In this episode, RV Tips & Travels explains why RVs come with them, how they work, and what you need to know about them. They are crucial when winterizing, de-winterizing, sanitizing, or troubleshooting your RV’s freshwater system.

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Where Is the Water Heater Bypass Valve On An RV? (Hint: It’s Easy to Find)

Are you a novice or new RVer who is unsure of the location of the water heater bypass valve? Although you may feel foolish for not knowing where the bypass valve is, be assured that you’re not the only one.

Most likely, your RV’s water heater bypass valve is concealed within, out of sight.

We’ll assist you in finding it today.

We’ve gathered a few videos to demonstrate how to operate your bypass valve after we’ve assisted you in locating your RV water heater valve so you can get your RV plumbing system ready for the next winter.

You’re prepared to locate the water heater bypass valve.

Move along!

Where Is the RV Water Heater’s Bypass Valve?

Your RV’s exterior will include the access panel for the water heater.

The compartment where your RV water heater usually resides is square or rectangular and has a pull-down panel for simple access.

You will be able to reach the front of your RV water heater from the outside.

The bypass valve for your RV water heater is not here.

The bypass valve for your RV water heater sits within your RV, at the rear of the water heater.

Your water heater anode rod and drain are located on the front of your RV water heater.

When draining out your RV hot water heater for the winter, you’ll spend the most of your time here.

Head inside your RV to the side opposite the one where the water heater is located in the front to find the rear of your hot water heater.

It’s probable that your kitchen stove will cover the rear of your RV water heater, making it difficult to see (or other appliance).

You’ll probably need to use a screwdriver or drill to unscrew and remove paneling and/or other parts that are covering your hot water heater in order to reach the bypass valve for your RV’s water heater.

You will be able to view the rear of your RV water heater and find the bypass valve after the paneling has been removed.

It’s crucial to remember that on certain RV models, merely removing the paneling won’t give you access to the rear of the water heater bypass valve.

To reach the rear of your RV water heater, you may need to remove a nearby panel or cabinet.

Why Do I Need A Bypass Valve For My Water Heater In My RV?

When winterizing your RV water lines, the primary goal of the water heater bypass valve is to stop anti-freeze from getting into the heater tank.

There is no need to add anti-freeze to your RV hot water heater during the winterization process, both practically and economically speaking.

Your water heating system is not at danger of being harmed by the tank freezing or expanding.

Bypassing your hot water heater means sending the cold water that would normally flow into it via the hot water plumbing line.

A valve for the water heater bypass is often fitted in RVs.

You might have one, two, or three bypass valves, depending on the kind of water heater you have.

The fastest and most economical approach to winterize your system is to bypass the water heater in your RV.

Instead of adding gallons of antifreeze to your whole RV water heater tank (which is useless anyhow), just bypass your hot water system so the antifreeze just flows to the water lines that need it.

To properly maintain your hot water system for the winter, descale, clean, and drain it instead of adding antifreeze.

To get rid of any limescale and other buildup that can impair the efficiency of your heater, we advise that you clean and empty your RV hot water tank at least once a year.

Cleaning Your RV Water Heater and Winterizing Your RV Plumbing

It’s time to get to the enjoyable part of winterizing your RV plumbing system now that you’ve found your RV water heater bypass valve! We’ve selected a few really useful movies to teach you how to winterize your system rather than go into a long discussion.

RV Habit has our favorite video.

When winterizing your RV plumbing system, you may learn how to bypass your water heater in this video:

A wonderful step-by-step tutorial on how to clean your RV water heater can be found in the second video from RVGeeks.

In order to show you the accumulation within your tank and why it is crucial to clear it out while getting ready for winter, they use a boroscope to take an inside look inside the water heater tank of your RV.

Here is one more video from Just Plain Common Sense that shows you how to clean your RV hot water tank step-by-step.

It includes a few more suggestions to make sure you clean your heating tank properly, which is why we enjoy it:

We trust that you can now locate the water heater bypass valve on an RV.

If you first have trouble finding it, don’t worry; you are most certainly not alone.

RVing is all about learning, and before you know it, you’ll be a pro who can advise other novices on how to have a successful trip!

We’d appreciate it if you left a remark or query about where the bypass valve is for the RV water heater below.

I really appreciate you reading.

RV Water Heater Bypass Valve Videos Suggestions From Youtube

Updated on May 5, 2023

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RV Water Heater Bypass Valve: How to Use It For De-Winterization

RVs come equipped with a water heater bypass valve to allow owners to isolate the water heater during winterization. This prevents antifreeze from entering the water heater when you winterize the RV’s plumbing system. Using the bypass is crucial to avoid damage.

During de-winterization in spring, you’ll need to take the bypass valve out of winterization mode to allow water to flow back into the water heater. This reintegrates the appliance into the RV’s plumbing so it can heat water for use again. There are pros and cons to using the bypass valve for de-winterizing.

Curious to learn more? Discover the ins and outs of operating the bypass valve, how it allows you to safely de-winterize your water heater, and considerations for its use. Understanding this versatile valve will ensure you properly bring your RV’s systems out of winter mode.

What is an RV Water Heater Bypass Valve?

The RV water heater bypass valve is your plumbing superhero when it comes to managing the water flow in your RV’s heating system. In simpler terms, it’s like a switch that directs the water either through or around the water heater, giving you control over how the water circulates. This clever contraption plays a vital role during winterization and de-winterization, saving you from wasting gallons of antifreeze and making the whole process more efficient.

Types of RV Bypass Valve

There are primarily two types of RV water heater bypass valves: the basic two-valve system and the more advanced three-valve system.

Two-Valve System: This straightforward setup consists of two valves—one on the cold water inlet and the other on the hot water outlet. To bypass the water heater, you close these valves, redirecting the water flow away from the water heater and preventing it from filling up during winterization.

Three-Valve System: In this upgraded version, you’ll find an additional valve, often called a “ crossover valve ” or “ mixing valve. ” This valve, situated between the hot and cold lines, allows for more precise control over the water flow, providing a more flexible and efficient bypass system.

Where The Water Heater Bypass Valve is Located?

Locating the water heater bypass valve is key to unleashing its magic. Typically, you’ll find it near the back of your water heater. Keep an eye out for valves and pipes, as they’re the telltale signs. To bypass the water heater, you’ll need to turn these valves strategically. It’s a bit like rerouting traffic, ensuring water takes the scenic route, bypassing the water heater during winterization, and getting back on track when it’s time for warmer adventures.

How to Use The Water Heater Bypass Valve for De-Winterization

As spring approaches, campers gear up for travel. Essential prep includes de-winterization and freshwater sanitization. While methods vary, following winterization instructions is essential. Yearly cleaning ensures a ready and safe camper for the open road.

Steps-1. Prepare Fresh Water Tank: Fill the fresh water tank to 50-100% capacity to dilute any RV antifreeze. Allow this water to drain beneath the camper through the fresh tank drain.

Steps-2. Connect Water Hose to Winterization Port: Attach your water hose to the winterization port at the rear of the camper. Turn on the water source and activate the on-board water pump. Open the kitchen faucet on cold until the water runs clear.

Steps-3. Verify and Close Fresh Tank Drain: Confirm that the fresh tank is empty, and then close the Fresh water tank drain. Locate this valve on the curbside of the camper below the bed, accessible through the same panel as the water pump. It’s a silver valve attached to a blue PEX pipe, often obscured by furnace ducts.

Steps-4. Reset Water Pump Valves: Inside the access panel used for the fresh tank drain, reset the water pump valves to their standard configuration. For 2017 and newer models, you’ll find 4 silver valves, while 2016 and prior models have 2 brass valves.

Steps-5. Connect to City Water Connection: Attach your water hose to the City connection and turn on the water supply.

Steps-6. Flush Outside Faucet: Open the outside faucet on cold until the water runs clear, then repeat the process with the hot water.

Steps-7. Open Backflow Preventer: Open the backflow preventer to ensure proper drainage of water into the grey waste water tank.

Steps-8. Flush Bathroom Faucet: Turn on the bathroom faucet on cold until the water runs clear, then open the hot water until it runs clear.

Steps-9. Flush Kitchen Faucet: Run the kitchen faucet on cold until the water runs clear, then open the hot water until it runs clear.

Steps-10. Reset Water Heater Bypass Hose: Return the water heater bypass hose to standard mode to allow water into the tank.

Steps-11. Purge Air from Water Heater: Open the hot side of the kitchen faucet to release any air inside the water heater tank, relieving pressure as the tank fills.

Queries and Solutions

Q1: How often should I de-winterize and use the RV water heater bypass valve?

Answer: It’s recommended to de-winterize and use the bypass valve annually before the camping season. This ensures proper functioning and prevents any issues arising from prolonged storage.

Q2: Can I install an RV water heater bypass valve myself?

Answer: Yes, many RV owners can install a water heater bypass valve with basic plumbing knowledge. Refer to your RV’s manual for specific instructions, or consult with a professional if unsure.

Q3: What’s the advantage of a three-valve RV water heater bypass system over a two-valve system?

Answer: A three-valve system, with an additional crossover or mixing valve, provides more precise control over water flow during winterization and de-winterization. This enhances efficiency and flexibility in managing your RV’s plumbing.

Q4: Are there any additives recommended for maintaining the RV water heater bypass valve?

Answer: Yes, adding a food-grade RV antifreeze to the water heater during winterization can prevent valve damage. Additionally, using a tank cleaner during the de-winterization process helps maintain water quality and system performance.

Final Words

Mastering your RV water heater bypass valve is essential for a seamless de-winterization. This crucial component, situated by the water heater, safeguards against antifreeze issues, ensuring readiness for spring adventures. Whether you have a basic or advanced system, follow these steps for a hassle-free travel season. Safe travels!

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Forest River Water Heater Bypass: Where Is The Bypass Valve?

• October 4, 2021 /
• By James V.

It seems the favorite one with RV manufacturers is hide and seek. That is where they hide the key components, and you have to spend hours looking for them. What makes the game worse is that sometimes the company and the owner’s manual do not tell you where those components are.

Where is the water heater bypass valve? For some models, the water heater bypass valve is located under your stove. You have to remove the panel by removing the screws to get to it. If the panel does not have screws, you need to remove the two drawers next to the stove and see if that provides access.

Accessing key components in RVs is hard to do at times but keep reading our article as it provides some key pieces of information to make your search go easier and faster. take a few minutes to see if the upcoming data will help you solve your game of hide and seek.

How does a Hot Water Bypass Valve Work?

This is like any other valve that handles water or other liquids. It has to be turned in such a way to allow water to pass through without entering the water heater. or it has to be closed to let the water heater function like normal.

Each model may be different, and some will have a bypass valve right next to the water heater, behind it, or outside where you have to go through an access panel to operate it.

The valve is manually operated, and you do need to physically turn it to open or close the system. When you have this valve open, you need to close the cold and hot water valves. once you do that, the water heater is removed from the plumbing system in your RV and does not get any water sent to it.

Then, you do not use this valve all the time. Usually, it is used when you are winterizing your RV or storing it away. Once the valve is engaged, you can drain the tank and place your RV in storage for the winter.

When you get ready to use your RV, you just flush out the anti-freeze first, then close the bypass valve and open the other two valves so you can get hot water again.

Why Bypass the RV Water Heater?

The answer to this question is a common-sense answer. As you know, when water freezes it expands. if you do not remove the water from the water heater during the winter and do not have proper insulation, the water will freeze, expand and damage the unit.

The bypass valve stops water from entering the heater allowing you to drain it and protect the component from that possible damage. What the valve does is help re-route the water supply and make sure the parts of the water heater are also protected from damage caused by ice.

This is one of the things you have to be careful of when you buy an RV. There are so many of these extra tasks you need to do that you do not normally have to do with a house water heater or other parts.

You should make a checklist for when you are going to winterize or store your RV. that way you will not forget or overlook all the key components that need special attention, like your water heater.

Double-check your list to make sure everything has been done to have a little peace of mind during those long cold months you are not using your RV.

Where is the Water Heater Bypass Valve on an RV?

That is a good question. Every manufacturer has its special place to put these valves, and they are not universal. Where one is located is up to the individual RV makers, and they have lots of places to hide them.

Then, do not expect to find those valves in the same location as a previous model you may have owned. With upgrades to RV manufacturing, the newer versions may have new locations. Generally, though, the water valves are near the water heater.

One word of advice, look in your owner’s manual to see if the company listed the location for you. This is a hit and miss experience as some people have reported that different manuals do not mention everything and its location.

The next key question in this topic is how do you access them. For some, you have to take the panel under the stove off. That means you have to get on your hands and knees, remove screws, then the panel. After that, you can see if you can reach them.

For other models, you may have to remove two drawers next to the stove to get access. The only difference between this and the previous access is you do not have to remove screws, just the drawers

If you are lucky, the valves may be outside next to other controls making their access very simple. All you would have to do is remove the access panel and manipulate the valves.

One person suggested learning how to crawl under your RV, have long arms and plenty of light to access those valves. The location of the valves will have a lot to do with the size of your RV. Its design, and how many features are built-in.

Access is a different story altogether.

Forest River Water Heater Bypass

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is it depends. There are many different Forest River RV models and floor plans. The exact location may differ between models even though they are built by the same company.

In one model, those valves may be located at the rear of the water heater. You would have to get on your hands and knees. Then remove panels or drawers, then feel your way around. If you find them, then you are in luck.

Other Forest River models have those valves placed on a manifold that can be accessed from the outside. That will make operating them easier. But there is a dirty trick that can be played on you as well.

Some Forest River and other manufacturer’s RVs do not have a bypass valve. You can spend hours looking for something that is not there. That is why some RVs have a bypass valve; yet are not mentioned in the owner’s manual pages.

It is a great game that RV makers put their customers through. But it is understandable as so many RVs have a myriad of features. The companies have little space left to work with.

RV hot Water Heater Valve Position

This is not usually a hard issue to deal with. When it comes to positioning the bypass valve on the waterline, it is located before the water heater. The question is, where do RV makers consider before the water heater?

That can be in front of the unit, behind the unit, or outside of the RV. The frustrating thing is you may have to remove doors, drawers, panels before finding the right one. When you do, mark it so you can find it faster the next time you have to use the bypass valve.

For engaging and disengaging the valve, the position for each one may be different. The valve may be a push-button style where you have to push in to engage it or push a second time to disengage it.

Or it may be a simple traditional valve design where you turn it to cut the bypass off or open it up. Perpendicular means it is closed, while parallel to the line means it is open. We cannot be specific here because the designs are not universal and the same for every RV.

You will have to check your specific Forest River model or other model and see what they did in your case. Once you see the system, you should know what to do as it is a basic system used in all cases.

How do you Get a Water Heater out of Bypass Mode?

The task is quite simple and very easy to do. Your 5-year-old should be able to handle the job without any trouble. The first step would be to close the bypass valve and stop the water from running around the water heater .

The next step would be to open the closed cold water valve and let the water start to fill the heater. While the water is doing that, open the hot water valve. When the cold water has finished heating, it can run freely to your shower or faucets.

The tricky part is if you have a one, two, or three-valve system. Sometimes, the bypass valve is located on the cold water line where it meets the bypass hose. That is the one valve system.

The two-valve system has a valve at the cold water inlet spot and another at the bypass line. The three-valve system has three valves with two in the same position as the two-valve system and one more on the hot water line.

Again, it is all super easy to do. You turn the correct valve or valves and close the system while opening your hot water heater’s regular function.

How to Bypass RV Water Pump

Not to get too simple here, the best way to bypass your water pump is to buy a water pump by-pass kit. These kits are designed to give you the hose and valves you need to skirt your water pump when you need to.

The danger of using these kits is that many of them come with plastic valves. That may be cheaper to buy and easier to install, but it is also a very weak way to bypass your water pump.

Plastic valves tend to wear out faster and break easier than brass fittings. If you can, get those kits that come with brass fittings. That will save you a lot of replacement work down the line.

You can find these kits in most places where RV parts and accessories are sold. Some water pumps come with built-in bypass systems that make things a lot easier for you. Check with your dealer or a trusted mechanic to see what is the best way to handle this issue.

They will have the tools and the experience to guide you through it and make sure you get the right parts installed the right way.

How to Bypass RV Water Filter

With this part, it is very important to get a bypass system attached to it. What the bypass will do is prevent any anti-freeze, you pump through your RV for winter storage, from entering this part.

What we have found are what are called bypass plates. These install easy enough and block the flow of anti-freeze, ensuring that liquid goes along your intended route.

These plates are made from stainless steel and should last you forever, or so the company says. They are designed to fit both 10 and 5-inch housings, and you should not need any tools to install them. There is a gasket included for a tighter fit.

Then if you do not use your water filter, you can install this plate and forget about it. The only time you need to remove it is when you want to use the filter. Installing the plate requires the unscrewing of the housing and placing the filter and gasket inside, and screwing the housing back on

That is all there is to it. It is hard to beat simplicity when that style works well and gives you the right options.

How to Install RV Water Heater Bypass Kit

That is something that you should consider. If your RV does not have a bypass system for your water heater, you should install one. They can save you lots of money on anti-freeze use as it will take extra gallons of the product to fill your water heater.

Then it can save you from replacing any ruptured or damaged water lines or the tank itself. Those are two very good reasons why you should install a bypass system when your RV does not have one.

To install is not too difficult if you are handy with tools and know-how to work with plumbing. Thankfully, you are not dealing with any electricity here. Anyone can learn how to do this task and not harm themselves.

Here are the steps involved after you buy the right bypass kit:

1. Remove the existing water lines and fittings from the water heater. Don’t forget to mark which line is cold and which one is hot. If they are not already marked.

2. Next, wrap Teflon tape around the male end of the fittings. You cannot leave this step out as Teflon tape gets into those grooves and blocks the water’s escape route.

3. Install the new fittings where the old ones were. They are a simple screw-in type of valves and make sure you get them tight enough. Not too tight, but you do not want them loose either.

Make sure the bypass male ends on each valve are facing each other when you are done.

4. There is no need to place Teflon tape on those bypass male ends. Just screw the bypass hose into place on each side of the new bypass route. To tighten properly, just go one half turn past finger tight.

5. Re-install your old water heater fittings and reconnect the water lines. Once that is done, you are ready to go. When winterizing time comes, just shut the valves off and open the bypass valve, and you save.

There should be instructions on the kit package so read those carefully to make sure you know exactly where to place the old fittings. These should be universal fits, but just in case, be prepared if they are not.

These bypass kits should be on sale anywhere plumbing supplies are sold or at RV accessory outlets near you. Check around for the best price.

Some Final Words

Owning and traveling in an RV is a lot of fun. You get to go places you always dreamed of going and save money by not paying hotel bills. However, those same pleasures can bring a lot of frustration.

Those frustrations can come when looking for key components when you want to store or use your RV. One example is the water heater bypass system. It is a simple system, but it may be the most difficult component to find. RV makers hope you enjoy playing kids’ games like hide and seek.

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