Hot Water Tank Plumbing...

[Beeswaxowl]

Goodmorning, I just have a couple questions about the plumbing on my hotwater tank on my 1997 excella. I have everything working fine but I can't figure out what a couple valves do. I have attached some pictures to see if anybody knows.. Thanks for the help.

[Gene]

It is hard for me to figure out, but it looks like some sort of bypass was installed. Hot and cold lines should be open for summer use and bypass closed. The bottom one in the 3rd photo may be other bypass or a drain. Is there anything below it outside where water drains? A bypass should connect the hot and cold lines.

The 2 filled holes in the side of the insulation indicates this may not be the original water heater and may be why the plumbing looks sloppy.

Gene

[TG Twinkie]

The bypass valve is in the vertical pipe on the right side of the water heater.
When winterizing, open the bypass and close the valves on the hot and cold lines. Drain the water heater.
The valve closest to the floor may be a drain valve. Where does the end of the pipe go under the water heater? Thru the floor and belly pan?

[TG Twinkie]

In taking another look at the third pic. It looks like the valve near the floor is bypassing a check valve. It's hard to see, but it looks like it is brass. So it is probably not a drain.
The valve up and behind near the wall may be the city water shut off. Don't know where the city water connection is located.