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Topic: water heater by-pass (Read 806 times) previous topic - next topic

water heater by-pass

                 Got thinking about winterizing and plan on installing a winterizing valve on the pump. I don't find any sign of a water heater by-pass on my coach and wondered if anyone has done this themselves or have suggestions on best place to locate one.
                         

                                                          Dean
Dean & Deirdre

2012 Arctic Fox 22GQ
Was 2003 U270

Re: water heater by-pass

Reply #1 –
On my boat, I take off the top line and bottom line and connect them together.
Then pump antifreeze throughout the system.
You can pump a pint or two into the top fitting of the water heater just to be safe.
Don

Re: water heater by-pass

Reply #2 –
We made a hot water tank bypass that we can use anytime we want to winterize or if we have a water tank leak.

We connected both in & out hot water tank hoses to our water manifold. Cold input line from a cold side tap. Hot output line to a hot side tap. Normally these taps are open.

Turning both taps off will separate hot water tank from rest of the plumbing.

We also connected a single new hose from cold side tap to hot side tap. Normally these taps are closed.

We open these taps to flow cold water directly to hot faucets to bypass hot water tank.

Open would allow potable antifreeze to flow through hot faucets.

Re: water heater by-pass

Reply #3 –
You can buy a water heater bypass kit at a y good RV supply.
After it's installed just turn the bypass valve, then drain the water heater, and install the RV anti freeze.
It was a lot of work to install. Might be easier (?) to pull the water heater part way out to work on the back of the water heater.
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'

Re: water heater by-pass

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
We made a hot water tank bypass that we can use anytime we want to winterize or if we have a water tank leak.

We connected both in & out hot water tank hoses to our water manifold. Cold input line from a cold side tap. Hot output line to a hot side tap. Normally these taps are open.

Turning both taps off will separate hot water tank from rest of the plumbing.

We also connected a single new hose from cold side tap to hot side tap. Normally these taps are closed.

We open these taps to flow cold water directly to hot faucets to bypass hot water tank.

Open would allow potable antifreeze to flow through hot faucets.

                              B&C that is pretty much in line with what i was thinking about trying to do. I just have to see if there's enough room to get in there to install Shakbite fittings etc. Thinking about adding a whole house water filter beside the water manifold while I am at it.

                I am really surprised that the WH by-pass isn't standard equipment on a Foretravel. Both of my previous motorhomes were factory equiped with them and they were manufactured in the south. Makes it a whole lot easier (and quicker) to winterize.

                                        D&D
Dean & Deirdre

2012 Arctic Fox 22GQ
Was 2003 U270

Re: water heater by-pass

Reply #5 –
                         After pricing out Sharkbite fittings and by-pass valve kit it was approching $70. plus at least a couple hours of my time.

                      I came up with a low cost alternative. A $4.70 1/2"x1/2" FIP faucet connector and about 5 minutes of my time. It actually will work out better than the BP valves because the lines from the water heater are pitching uphill and would not have drained anyway.

                              Yeah, I know, I'm cheap and lazy.

                                                                        Dean
Dean & Deirdre

2012 Arctic Fox 22GQ
Was 2003 U270