I need HELP!!!: Water heater help!!

Print Page | Close Window

Water heater help!!

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16465
Printed Date: 28 Aug 2026 at 8:41pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Water heater help!!

Posted By: podman51
Subject: Water heater help!!
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2026 at 5:27am

I have a 2013 RP178. During de-winterization which was done by the previous owner, I was working on getting the water system flushed and sanitized. Everything was going well until I tried to get water into and out of the water heater. Is htere a water heater bypass valve somewhere? I haven't been able to find it. Any help will be appreciated!

Replies:

Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2026 at 7:00am

Yes. It will be on the blue pex line somewhere around the water heater. Here's a video that should help you https://www.google.com/search?q=water+heater+bypass+valve+Rpod&rlz=1C5MACD_enUS1090US1090&oq=water+heater+bypass+valve+Rpod&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIICAEQABgWGB4yDQgCEAAYhgMYgAQYigUyDQgDEAAYhgMYgAQYigUyCggEEAAYogQYiQUyCggFEAAYogQYiQUyBwgGEAAY7wXSAQoxMzQxM2owajE1qAIJsAIB8QVWMHr9uKWkQPEFVjB6_bilpEA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:61a1cf19,vid:68HG-5TwOuQ,st:13

-------------
Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023)
2022 Escape 5.0TA
2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB
Honda SCL500

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2026 at 7:50pm

You have 2 options: look for the access opening in the storage area just to the side of your water heater. IF you are a contortionist you can access the 3 valves that will open the water line to the water heater. Easier IMHO to remove the luan panel above the water heater and turn the 3 valves opposite to their current location 1/4 turn. While at it, cut a hole directly above the water heater (mine measures 5" x 7") so the next time you winterize/dewinterize you can simply lift the mattress and gain easy access to those valves.

-------------
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."

Posted By: podman51
Date Posted: 30 Jun 2026 at 9:54am

THANKS folks!! I knew they had to be somewhere but wasn't sure. BTW, all I did to get good access was remove the screws holding the front half of the plywood under the bed, and then lift it and the mattress up for the 30 seconds it took to open/close the three valves. Didn't put the screws back in as the mattress more than holds the plywood in place.

Rod G.