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Water heater bypass installation on 26 MB
We became the proud possessors / stewards of a 2005 26 MB last summer and when I checked the back of the water heater under the wardrobe, I found that there was no bypass.
I am wondering if anyone has any pics of what they (or LD) did to add the bypass, please - and any tips for doing it effectively.   I would love to get it done when I drain the multiple gallons of antifreeze and before we get going for the coming season.
A related question - can the used antifreeze be stored and reused or does it degrade?
Thanks in advance for any advice.

2005 Mid Bath
Re: Water heater bypass installation on 26 MB
Reply #1 –
To install the water heater bypass kit in my MB, I disassembled the passenger side rear couch for easy access.  I did the job in the Home Depot parking lot as I needed a couple of parts trips before it was complete.  Once the couch is apart, access is very good. 

I installed a bypass kit with one ball valve and a one-way spring valve.  If I was to do it again, I would choose a kit with two ball valves and no spring valve.  I've had to replace or clean that spring valve a couple of times over the years due to blockage from hard water scale accumulation.  Not everyone will have that problem.  It depends on your water source.

Once the kit is installed and everything is put back together (AFTER a good leak test), you still need access to the area to turn the valves.  I get access by pulling out the bottom drawer under the wardrobe.   I used a sharpie to draw a diagram on the water heater foam to remind my which way the valve handle is facing when it's oriented for normal operation vs. bypass.

I routinely use RV antifreeze that was purchased a year earlier.  The color sometimes changes slightly, but it seems to work just fine.

Hope that helps-
Rich

2003 MB
Re: Water heater bypass installation on 26 MB
Reply #2 –
Hi Rich,
Thank you - that definitely helps a lot.  Now I have to figure out how to disassemble the couch in the back.  I have not looked, so it may be obvious.  I was dreading trying to do the work through the drawer access.  It's bad enough as a lefty getting the hose off the water pump under the sink to add the antifreeze!  I love the reminder on the water heater casing idea and the ball valve recommendation.  
2005 Mid Bath
Re: Water heater bypass installation on 26 MB
Reply #3 –
Quote from: lwpgh  - 
It's bad enough as a lefty getting the hose off the water pump under the sink to add the antifreeze! 

Install a winterizing kit (Camco 36543) between the water tank and the water pump and use that to introduce antifreeze into the system.  Much easier!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r2fP6BYHJQ&ab_channel=CamcoManufacturing

Rich
2003 MB
Re: Water heater bypass installation on 26 MB
Reply #4 –
IWPGH (it would be easier to address you if you used at least first name)

We have a 2003 Midbath (original owners) and I installed a water heater bypass before the first winter.

A few comments about the process. First, I agree with Rich that a 2 valve bypass should work better than one valve and a spring valve. The passenger side sofa will be very easy to take apart to give you access for the project. I also remove the bottom wardrobe drawer to gain access to the valves for winterizing and dewinterizing. I usually put a note on the handle of that drawer to remind me the tank has been put into bypass mode.

Rich commented that he uses Rv antifreeze that he bought the year before. I am not sure that means that he is reusing antifreeze though. Since I have never intentionally introduced Rv antifreeze into the water heater, I never even considered reusing it. I would not do so though. If I saved it I would only use it in the drain traps. The stuff is cheap enough to not try to reuse.

I think your challenge will be getting ALL of the antifreeze out of the water heater. When you drain the tank, there will still be some residual liquid in the bottom of the tank. One possible way to remove the remaining fluid is to get some plastic clear tubing that you can attach to the tip of a funnel and then attach the funnel to a shopvac to try to suck it all out.

I noticed you are near Pittsburgh. We live near Cleveland (sorry Steelers,we owed you a beating). If Covid ever goes away, maybe you could see my kit. It is not a difficult installation (and I hate plumbing jobs!)

I don't remember all the parts I used but I do know I added a fitting to the water heater to attach the bypass valves to. I think it was to get enough space to turn the valves but it was 17 years ago...

Steve K.

Steve K

2003 Mid-bath
Re: Water heater bypass installation on 26 MB
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Steve K.  - 

Rich commented that he uses Rv antifreeze that he bought the year before. I am not sure that means that he is reusing antifreeze though.


Not reusing antifreeze.  I tend to buy 2-3 gallons at a time and often keep a new unopened gallon until the next winter. 

With a little practice, I  am able to winterize the whole coach with 1 gallon.

Rich
2003 MB
Re: Water heater bypass installation on 26 MB
Reply #6 –
I've installed the exact bypass that's being discussed. I removed the sliding platform that makes the bed, once the cover over the water heater is exposed I trimmed the plywood to make a smaller panel so I don't have to remove everything again. 6 screws in the small panel will expose the water heater easly. I really couldn't deal with reaching through the drawer opening. This lets me check all the plumbing easly. I also installed a bypass valve before the pump so I can pump antifreeze easly into the system.
1994 MB
Re: Water heater bypass installation on 26 MB
Reply #8 –
Hope you have better luck than I did. I couldn’t get the fittings on a 2006 RB water heater to loosen up. Rather than damage the water heater I gave up. Will install the bypass when I have to replace the water heater.
Harry 2006RB
Re: Water heater bypass installation on 26 MB
Reply #10 –
Quote from: Steve K.  - 
IWPGH (it would be easier to address you if you used at least first name)

We have a 2003 Midbath (original owners) and I installed a water heater bypass before the first winter.

A few comments about the process. First, I agree with Rich that a 2 valve bypass should work better than one valve and a spring valve. The passenger side sofa will be very easy to take apart to give you access for the project. I also remove the bottom wardrobe drawer to gain access to the valves for winterizing and dewinterizing. I usually put a note on the handle of that drawer to remind me the tank has been put into bypass mode.

Rich commented that he uses Rv antifreeze that he bought the year before. I am not sure that means that he is reusing antifreeze though. Since I have never intentionally introduced Rv antifreeze into the water heater, I never even considered reusing it. I would not do so though. If I saved it I would only use it in the drain traps. The stuff is cheap enough to not try to reuse.

I think your challenge will be getting ALL of the antifreeze out of the water heater. When you drain the tank, there will still be some residual liquid in the bottom of the tank. One possible way to remove the remaining fluid is to get some plastic clear tubing that you can attach to the tip of a funnel and then attach the funnel to a shopvac to try to suck it all out.

I noticed you are near Pittsburgh. We live near Cleveland (sorry Steelers,we owed you a beating). If Covid ever goes away, maybe you could see my kit. It is not a difficult installation (and I hate plumbing jobs!)

I don't remember all the parts I used but I do know I added a fitting to the water heater to attach the bypass valves to. I think it was to get enough space to turn the valves but it was 17 years ago...

Steve K.

Steve,
Many thanks - all information and recommendations appreciated. I had seen a post somewhere about reusing antifreeze and was curious.  Sounds like it is not an 'economy' worth considering.
Liz
2005 Mid Bath
Re: Water heater bypass installation on 26 MB
Reply #12 –
Quote from: hbn7hj  - 
Hope you have better luck than I did. I couldn’t get the fittings on a 2006 RB water heater to loosen up. Rather than damage the water heater I gave up. Will install the bypass when I have to replace the water heater.

Hi there,
This is my main fear.  I do not want to 'solve' a problem and create a bigger one.  I will give it a shot and hope to loosen rather than destroy!  
Thanks!
2005 Mid Bath
Re: Water heater bypass installation on 26 MB
Reply #13 –
Hi Liz;  If you blew out most of the water with an air compressor, then added 6 gallons of pink RV antifreeze to fill the water heater, then it is worth recovering the antifreeze for the next time you need it.  If you used less than a gallon, it isn't worth the trouble.  If it has been diluted to much degree with water, of course it loses effectiveness.  Any introduced to traps is also not really recoverable.   As far as getting it all out of the water heater, just flush it with drinking water a few times, no need for a shop vac.  Or again use air to pressurize the water heater tank, and open the drain valve. This is a good time to descale the insides of the water heater while you are at it.   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Water heater bypass installation on 26 MB
Reply #14 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
Hi Liz;  If you blew out most of the water with an air compressor, then added 6 gallons of pink RV antifreeze to fill the water heater, then it is worth recovering the antifreeze for the next time you need it. 

Got it - I let it gravity drain with the RV on a slight slope (nose forward) and sloped towards the water heater - so probably not totally clear of water and not worth trying to recycle it.
Thanks again. 
2005 Mid Bath
Re: Water heater bypass installation on 26 MB
Reply #15 –
Quote from: JonS  - 
I've installed the exact bypass that's being discussed. I removed the sliding platform that makes the bed, once the cover over the water heater is exposed I trimmed the plywood to make a smaller panel so I don't have to remove everything again. 6 screws in the small panel will expose the water heater easly. I really couldn't deal with reaching through the drawer opening. This lets me check all the plumbing easly. I also installed a bypass valve before the pump so I can pump antifreeze easly into the system.
Thanks Jon - That's a neat trick to make a smaller panel.  I plan to instal a bypass valve before the pump.
Let's see if I can get the connectors to the water heater off!
Liz
 
2005 Mid Bath
Re: Water heater bypass installation on 26 MB
Reply #16 –
I'm the new steward of a 2014 MB and thrilled to achieve a lifetime goal of owning an LD after many years in an SOB.  For water system winterization, I'm planning on using compressed air.  Rather than do a water heater bypass, has anyone used the available LD tool/system described in the LD manual that connects at the water pump and allows you to apply compressed air at that point.  I'm trying to weigh my options of installing a bypass at the water heater or going with the LD tool at the water pump.  Thanks for your thoughts.

Rob
2015 mid-bath
"no name yet"
2015 Mid Bath
Re: Water heater bypass installation on 26 MB
Reply #17 –
Quote from: sundog991  - 
I'm the new steward of a 2014 MB and thrilled to achieve a lifetime goal of owning an LD after many years in an SOB.  For water system winterization, I'm planning on using compressed air.  Rather than do a water heater bypass, has anyone used the available LD tool/system described in the LD manual that connects at the water pump and allows you to apply compressed air at that point.  I'm trying to weigh my options of installing a bypass at the water heater or going with the LD tool at the water pump.  Thanks for your thoughts.

Rob, congrats on achieving your goal, I know the feeling!  I did the LD winterization process last year.  Check out this thread for more info:

Winterizing


Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
 
Re: Water heater bypass installation on 26 MB
Reply #18 –
Quote from: sundog991  - 
I'm the new steward of a 2014 MB and thrilled to achieve a lifetime goal of owning an LD after many years in an SOB.  For water system winterization, I'm planning on using compressed air.  Rather than do a water heater bypass, has anyone used the available LD tool/system described in the LD manual that connects at the water pump and allows you to apply compressed air at that point.  I'm trying to weigh my options of installing a bypass at the water heater or going with the LD tool at the water pump.  Thanks for your thoughts.

Rob
2015 mid-bath
"no name yet"
Yep, did it for 19 years. Worked great for me.

Chris 
Formerly: 2002 30' IB