Atwood XT 10 gallon WH winterizing question

[EMD_Driver]

We bought a 2007 Excel 30RKE last week and stayed in it for 3 days. When I went to de-winterize it, I found that the mixing valve had been bypassed. I figured the mixing valve's check-valve must have been leaking, or otherwise inoperative. When it got winterized, both of the lines for the mixing valve had been connected to each other.

I've read posts about the mixing valve not working, after antifreeze had been put through it. I wonder if this could be the reason it was bypassed.

What I would like to know, is what would be the best way to be able to bypass the mixing valve? When I disconnected the two lines from each other and reconnected them to the mixing valve, one of them leaked. I would like to figure out a way to disconnect and reconnect the two lines, without disturbing the fittings that have the rubber gaskets in them.

Any ideas?

[BFlinn181]

The photo you show is properly connected, as per the Atwood photos:
http://www.atwoodmobile.com/images/waterheaterxt.pdf
If you're trying to by-pass the mixing valve, add shut off valves to stop flow through the mixing valve. Rubber gaskets in threaded connections can often be re-used, but if you have or fear a leak, pry the gasket out and take it to a plumbing supply store, they'll fix you up with new gaskets.

[EMD_Driver]

Thanks for the info!