how to bypass water heater in rv

3 min read 21-01-2025

Meta Description: Learn how to bypass your RV water heater for faster hot water and to prevent potential issues. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips for various RV water heater models. Bypass your RV's water heater safely and efficiently!

Introduction:

Many RVers find themselves needing hot water quickly or facing issues with their water heater. Bypassing your RV water heater is a simple solution that allows you to access your hot water tank directly from the water pump, eliminating the heater from the equation. This guide will teach you how to bypass your RV water heater, ensuring a constant supply of hot water, and saving you both time and potential headaches. Understanding how to bypass your system is a valuable skill for any RV owner.

Why Bypass Your RV Water Heater?

There are several compelling reasons why you might want to bypass your RV water heater:

Faster Hot Water: Bypassing the heater eliminates the delay in waiting for the water to heat up, giving you instant hot water from your pump. This is especially useful for quick showers or washing dishes.
Winterizing: When winterizing your RV, bypassing the water heater is crucial to prevent freeze damage. Water left in the heater can expand and cause significant damage if it freezes.
Troubleshooting: If you suspect a problem with your water heater, bypassing it allows you to isolate the issue and determine if the heater itself is the source of the problem.
Maintenance: Bypassing the heater provides easier access for repairs and maintenance.

What You'll Need

Before you begin, gather these tools and materials:

Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead): For removing access panels and possibly water lines.
Adjustable Wrench: Useful for working with different sized fittings.
Pliers: For gripping and tightening connections.
Bucket or Towels: To catch any spilled water during the process.
Optional: Teflon Tape: To create a watertight seal on connections (check your owner's manual first, some manufacturers recommend against it).
Your RV's Water Heater Manual: Consult this for specific instructions and diagrams relevant to your model.

Step-by-Step Guide to Bypassing Your RV Water Heater

Note: The specific location and configuration of bypass valves vary significantly among RV models. Consult your owner's manual for precise details. These steps provide a general overview.

1. Locate the Bypass Valves: Most RV water heaters have a set of two valves located near the water heater. They're usually small and easily identifiable.

2. Turn Off the Water Pump: This is crucial to prevent water from spraying everywhere when you open the valves.

3. Turn Off the Water Heater: Turn off the power to your water heater to prevent accidental heating while bypassing.

4. Open the Bypass Valves: Carefully open both bypass valves. These valves typically have handles that are perpendicular to the water lines when closed and parallel when open. Some systems might have a lever-style valve. Again, your owner’s manual will confirm the correct orientation.

5. Turn On the Water Pump: Once the bypass valves are open, you can turn your water pump back on. Water should now flow directly from the water pump to your faucets, bypassing the water heater completely.

6. Check for Leaks: Carefully inspect all connections for any leaks. If you find any, tighten the connections or replace any worn-out seals as needed.

Reversing the Bypass

To resume normal water heater operation:

Turn Off the Water Pump.
Close the Bypass Valves. Rotate the handles to their original perpendicular position.
Turn On the Water Heater.
Turn On the Water Pump. Allow the water heater to heat up before using hot water.

Troubleshooting

No Hot Water After Bypassing: Double-check that both bypass valves are fully open and the water pump is working correctly.
Leaks: Carefully inspect all connections and tighten them if necessary. Replace worn-out seals or O-rings.
Water Heater Not Heating: If your water heater isn't heating up even after bypassing, there may be a more serious issue requiring professional attention.

Conclusion

Bypassing your RV water heater is a relatively simple process that can save you time, prevent damage, and facilitate troubleshooting. Remember to always consult your RV's owner's manual for specific instructions and diagrams. With a bit of caution and the right tools, you'll be enjoying instant hot water in no time! Remember safety first, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you're uncomfortable performing this task.