RV Repair Manual
 for the RV Do-It-Yourselfer

RV Water Heater Bypass Systems

The Water Heater Bypass is used when winterizing the water system. It is a series of valves or a single lever valve that allows the water flow to be shut off from the water heater and still be pumped to the rest of the hot water piping. This eliminates the need to fill the water heater tank with 6 gallons of winterizing antifreeze – the tank is bypassed and then drained of water. See How to Winterize Your RV in 7 Easy Steps for complete RV winterizing instructions with pictures!

Being prepared and having the right equipment for your RV is essential. From water heater bypass systems to water filters for the shower, it is always crucial to have all the necessary equipment and supplies.

Three Valve System

Normal Flow Setting

Three valve water heater bypass photo
3 Valve normal flow diagram

Three Valve System

Bypass Setting

3 Valve bypass mode diagram

Two Valve System

Normal Flow Setting

Two valve water heater bypass photo
Two valve normal flow diagram

Two Valve System

Bypass Mode

Two valve bypass mode diagram

One Valve System

Normal Flow Setting

One valve water heater bypass normal flow photo

One Valve System

Bypass Mode

One valve water heater bypass mode photo

No Bypass

Normal Flow Setting

No bypass normal flow diagram

No Bypass

Bypass Mode

No bypass mode diagram

See also: