TECHNICAL | SIMPLEMODS | WATER HEATER BYPASS
SIMPLEMODS WATER HEATER BYPASS
The bypass is used when winterizing and de-winterizing the water system in a popup. The water heater holds from six to 10 gallons of water. When the water heater is bypassed, it can be drained and does not need an antifreeze solution, thus eliminating 6 to 10 gallons of antifreeze solution.
The water heater bypass system is available in two main types: with valves and without valves. The system with valves is permanently installed and has valves. The system without valves is manually installed every year and does not have valves. Schematics are in the next column over on the right.
Installing the Bypass
Installing either type of water heater bypass system is relatively easy. Below are the parts and instructions required for both types:
A water heater bypass in a popup is a series of tubes, fittings and / or valves that bypass the water heater.
by Joe Subda
Bypass system with valves, in normal operation. The water flows into and out of the heater
Bypass system with valves, in bypass mode. The valves divert water from the water heater.
Bypass without valves
The parts required for this bypass are two elbows( ½ inch male pipe thread to 3 / 8 inch hose bib), a length of 3 / 8 inch hose and clamps. The pieces have already been assembled in the above photo.
Step 1: The first thing that needs to be done is to drain the water heater. This is accomplished by opening the pressure relief valve and removing the drain plug. The pressure relief is normally located near the top of the tank. The drain plug is located on the bottom of the tank. The drain plug will sometimes also be the anode rod. Let the tank drain completely.
Step 2: Locate and disconnect the water lines on the water heater.
Bypass with valves
The parts required for the bypass with valves consist of two two way valves and a piece of flexible hose with ½ inch fittings. The valves are ½ inch pipe thread; this is the most common size for water heaters in a popup. These parts are from a kit. I initially looked at purchasing the parts separately and assembling my own bypass. The cost of the separate components was more expensive then the kit. If you do make your own bypass make sure the valves, fittings and hose are rated for hot water. The same requirements for your home hot water system applies.
No bypass system installed, in normal operation. The water flows into and out of the heater
No bypass system installed, in bypass mode. The water lines are disconnected from the heater. A tube is installed between the inlet and outline
Step 3: Installing the bypass without valves. After the water lines are disconnected from the water heater connect them to the bypass hose. The installation is complete; you are now ready for winterization. On the next page is a picture of a bypass without valves installed.
26 Autumn 2009 |