Hot Water Bypass on SS-550 / SS-1604

[paul_anderson_ve]

Does anyone know where to find the hot water bypass on a truck camper like this? I have just bought one and the first few times out haven't used the water. Now after reading some posts, I want to make absolutely sure that the bypass is closed and water running through hot water heater before turning on the heater. Unsure how to do this unless I can locate the bypass and ensure it is closed. I had a look by the fresh water tank and can see two lines running from pump but I think I need to be looking closer to the heater.

Hoping someone can direct me before I start removing panels!!

Thanks!

Paul

[leland1950]

99% of the time, it's on the WH. Three valves, look at the direction they're in. You'll figure it out.

[hobiekaw]

I don't know where it is on that model but on my HS6601, there is a door that has hinges on both sides. Loosen one side swing open and the bypass valves are easily accessible.

[paul_anderson_ve]

Thanks...here is what I see directly on the outside of the truck camper and under the HW heater. The long hose coming from the left is coming from fresh water tank. I assume the first junction on the far left takes fresh water up to the HW heater, the second returns hot water and the third then bring the hot water up to sink. If so, wouldn't this be the place for the bypass (shut off first and second and I have bypassed the HW tank)?? There are no valves on these fittings or anything like this. Also had a look inside and doesn't appear to be any panels that look like they are accessible or easy to come off.

If this is the water supply to the HW tank, I assume I could just unscrew and refit with valves that could be closed and then can easily bypass?

By the way, what is the harm to removing the anoid and filling the HW tank with antifreeze? Is that a definitely bad idea for winterizing?

Thanks!!

Paul

[clr]

Your picture is not the WH bypass valves. The bypass valves will be very near to the WH. Look where the cold water pipe enters the WH. You will also see a pipe where the hot water exits the WH. Both the cold pipe in and the hot out will have a valve. Close to this you will see a pipe that connects the cold directly to the hot pipe with a valve in between. To bypass you need to close both the cold water in valve and the hot water out valve and OPEN the bypass valve. This should be easy once you find them in your unit. The best way to tell if you have water in the WH is to open the over temp pop off valve. Just lift the handle until water comes out if you have good water pressure here the WH is not bypass. Caution do not do this when the WH is hot and running or you will get a hot water bath.

[Oaklevel]

If it has by passes they are usually directly behind the water heater. It might not have them.

How old is your truck camper?

Filling the water heater with antifreeze takes a lot of antifreeze the bypass is to avoid that. I have not done it since I had a trailer with bypasses.
With the water heater by pass drain the water out of the water heater for winter.


Hope this helps.

[paul_anderson_ve]

Thanks for the quick responses...camper is 2015 but a very basic model and manual does repeatedly say "if" your camper has a HW bypass which leads me to believe not all models have this.

When you say directly behind the HW heater, I presume you mean on the side that would face the inside of the camper and not the exterior side?

[elind]

Originally Posted by paul_anderson_ve

Thanks for the quick responses...camper is 2015 but a very basic model and manual does repeatedly say "if" your camper has a HW bypass which leads me to believe not all models have this.

When you say directly behind the HW heater, I presume you mean on the side that would face the inside of the camper and not the exterior side?

YES you may need to remove a panel that is screwed in.

[clr]

Yes on the inside of the camper. I would start looking for some type of panel or such on the inside of the camper in the area of the WH.

[hobiekaw]

Inside my camper is a panel that has hinges on both sides. Remove the hinges from one side and swing the panel open. This is what I see in mine. The valves are in the bypass position in the picture.

[hobiekaw]

If I am not mistaken, your picture is the gas line.

[paul_anderson_ve]

Based on what I know and Hobiekaw's picture, aren't these values in the wrong spot? I think the cold water is the input to the HW and the red is the hot water being returned. Don't the values for the hot and cold need to be AFTER the bypass and not BEFORE as in my pictures? Seems to me by shutting off the hot and cold values as they are positioned, the bypass is useless and stranded for winterizing purposes.

Thanks!

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by paul_anderson_ve

Based on what I know and Hobiekaw's picture, aren't these values in the wrong spot? I think the cold water is the input to the HW and the red is the hot water being returned. Don't the values for the hot and cold need to be AFTER the bypass and not BEFORE as in my pictures? Seems to me by shutting off the hot and cold values as they are positioned, the bypass is useless and stranded for winterizing purposes.

Thanks!

I think someone messed up.
The bypass valve should be on the other side of the main hot cold valves.

The supply and return line cannot be blown out.
Nor can antifreeze get circulated.



TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "27 nights"

[hobiekaw]

Wow! At least it should be an easy fix. Swap the tees and the valves. It must have been a rough weekend!