Danco By-pass valve

[seb1899]

I just finished winterizing my Fleetwoodl

After draining the water heater and fresh water tank as well as opening the low point drains I put 4 gallons of 'safe/edible anti freeze' in the fresh water tank and turned the valve to bypass and proceeded to pump anti freeze through my water system. When I started the pump did not maintain pressure as it was pumping anti freeze into my water heater as well as out my kitchen faucets.

I panicked and went and purchased a new Danco by pass valve and was able to take the old one out and put the new one in (after that I could be a circus contortionist) When I proceded with pumping anti freeze to the toilet, shower and outside shower the new valve still let a little antifreeze go through.

The Danco valve has nylon in it I wonder why they do not make an all brass one-maybe so they can sell more.

Do all bypass valves leak a little or should they be able to hold the demand pump pressure? My travel trailers in the past had a couple of valves but there was more room to accommodate the feature,

I am all winterized now all lines and the gray and black tanks but I wonder if all these Danco bypass valves leak a little>

[Gary RVRoamer]

Your problem is likley a leaky check valve in the hot or cold connection, most likley the hot. A single valve bypass system relies on the outflow check to keep water out of the heater when in the "bypass" position. A bit of corrosion or mineral salts will keep the check valve from closing completely and let some water/antifreeze into the tank.

[Ray,IN]

When you de-winterize next spring, follow the normal procedure + add a cup of baking soda(premixed in a G of water) to your full fresh water tank and pump the mixture through the water heater as well as the rest of your plumbing and allow to sit. It removes the after-taste of RV antifreeze.

[seb1899]

Thanks for the tip to freshen the water coming out of the hot water tap as I usually brush my teeth with warm water

Gary RV Roamer:

Your problem is likley a leaky check valve in the hot or cold connection, most likley the hot. A single valve bypass system relies on the outflow check to keep water out of the heater when in the "bypass" position. A bit of corrosion or mineral salts will keep the check valve from closing completely and let some water/antifreeze into the tank.

Where should I look for this check valve - can I access it to replace it?

[ThePowells]

CARY = Containment Area for Relocated Yankees.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Where should I look for this check valve - can I access it to replace it?

It is usually right where the hot water exits the tank and may look like a simple pipe/tube connector. Yes, it can be removed and replaced, or you can cut the tubing adjacent to it and insert an in-line check valve available at any plumbing supply outlet.