Fixed leaking hot water bypass valve

[Phochief]

Well, after putting up with a leak from the water heater bypass valve for two years, it finally got to the point that I had to do something when we were finding puddles of water out into the kitchen floor.

I could reach around the back through the small opening at the top of the back under-sink wall panel, but couldn't exactly see where it was leaking to repair it.

So, last night, I used screwdrivers and brute force to rip out the wall panel under the sink! I couldn't find any other way to remove the panel for access.

Now I could finally disconnect the valve handle and clearly see that one of the cold water lines was leaking badly at the screw-on connector. The connector was actually loose enough I could turn it by hand. I used pliers and tightened up the screw-on fitting and voila, the leak stopped!

Now, I have a damaged rear wall panel under the sink that I need to repair and reinstall. But, I'll install it so it can be easily removed - if needed in the future. And now have good access to all of the pex water lines behind the sink and the rear of the outside TV. There's actually an FM wire antenna they just threw in there laying on the floor. And, an AC outlet on the floor where the TV is plugged into.

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[RRR]

And check any other of the same type fittings. I learned that the hard way. And P-traps and the slip joints too. Nothing like them coming loose with a sink full of water.