Water heater bypass valve

[susieweed@gmail.com]

We just purchased a 2023 Thor Four Winds and we are attempting to winterize it. The owners' manual says to turn the water heater bypass valve to the BYPASS position. We are assuming this valve is behind the water heater, but if so, how do you access that area? Looks like it is under the dinette seat, but the plywood top of that seat is screwed tight. Do you have to remove the screws to access that area?

[Chateau_Nomad]

If there's a drawer in the seat, take the drawer completely out... little black spring clips on each side where the track is mounted.

It's MUCH easier to get at it by removing the seat panel, which isn't that hard. I simply removed all the screws on the plywood under the seat cushion and left them out for easy access. It isn't going anywhere. My intention is to eventually install hinges on it like some manufacturers have started doing.

Your owner's manual should show what position the valves should be in. There is a (red) hot valve, a (blue) cold valve, and a third one in between... red goes in one side, blue in the other. The hot and cold valves should be closed... handles 90° to the pex. The third valve (bypass) handle should be in-line with the pex... open.

This prevents water from flowing into the hot water tank, bypassing it.

[susieweed@gmail.com]

Thank you so much for this info. Of all the owner's manuals in our Thor bag, the one for the water heater was missing. I was getting ready to Google this particular water heater to try to get more info, but thank you so much for responding so quickly.