---
title: How do I use the water heater bypass valves on my trailer for normal use and winterizing?
description: "RV water heater bypass valve explained: how to set valves for normal use vs winterizing, including antifreeze flow and RV plumbing steps."
---

[Skip to content](https://academy.escapetrailer.com/support_hub/how-do-i-use-the-water-heater-bypass-valves-on-my-trailer-for-normal-use-and-winterizing#main-content)

[![Escape Logo](https://academy.escapetrailer.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Laurel/Escape%20Logo.png?width=150&height=46&name=Escape%20Logo.png)](https://academy.escapetrailer.com/support_hub?hsLang=en)

- Trailers
  
  Show submenu for Trailers

    - [Escape 5.0](https://escapetrailer.com/21ft-5-trailer/)
    - [Escape 23](https://escapetrailer.com/23ft-trailer/)
    - [Escape 21](https://escapetrailer.com/21ft-trailer/)
    - [Escape 19](https://escapetrailer.com/19ft-trailer/)
    - [Escape 17](https://escapetrailer.com/17ft-trailer/)
    - [Escape 13](https://escapetrailer.com/13ft-travel-trailer/)
- Build My Escape
  
  Show submenu for Build My Escape

    - [Compare Models](https://escapetrailer.com/comparison-chart/)
    - [Online Builder](https://escapetrailer.com/escape-model-prices/)
    - [Endless Personalization](https://escapetrailer.com/personalization/)
    - [Finance Your Escape](https://escapetrailer.com/financing-lp/)
    - [Configuration Guides](https://escapetrailer.com/option-locations/)
    - [360 Virtual Tours](https://escapetrailer.com/virtual-walkthrough/)
- Our Difference
  
  Show submenu for Our Difference

    - [Are Fibreglass RVs Better?](https://escapetrailer.com/are-fiberglass-rvs-better/)
    - [Escape Community](https://escapetrailer.com/community/)
    - [Our Thanks for your Service](https://escapetrailer.com/our-thanks-for-your-service/)
    - [Buying Direct from Escape](https://escapetrailer.com/direct-to-consumer-rvs/)
    - [Touring & Education](https://escapetrailer.com/blog/)
    - [Pick-up & Delivery](https://escapetrailer.com/delivery/)
    - [Manage Your Order](https://escapetrailer.com/cancellation/)
    - [Rallies & Shows](https://escapetrailer.com/upcoming-rv-events/)
    - [Escape History](https://escapetrailer.com/escape-history/)
    - [Tariffs](https://escapetrailer.com/tariffs/)
- Videos
  
  Show submenu for Videos

    - [How It's Made](https://escapetrailer.com/videos-how-its-made/)
    - [Personalization](https://escapetrailer.com/videos-personalization/)
    - [Tips & Hacks](https://escapetrailer.com/videos-tips-hacks/)
    - [Base Features & Options](https://escapetrailer.com/videos-base-features-and-options/)
    - [Walk the Talk](https://escapetrailer.com/walk-the-talk/)
    - [Behind The Scenes](https://escapetrailer.com/video-behind-the-scenes/)
    - [Trailer Talk](https://escapetrailer.com/videos-trailer-talk/)
    - [Epic Escapers](https://escapetrailer.com/epic-escapers/)
    - [Epic Adventures](https://escapetrailer.com/epic-escape-adventures/)
    - [Trailer Showcases](https://escapetrailer.com/videos-trailer-showcases/)
    - [Orientations](https://escapetrailer.com/videos-orientations/)
    - [News & Updates](https://escapetrailer.com/videos-news/)
- Owner Experience
- Owners
  
  Show submenu for Owners

    - [Escape Club](https://escapetrailer.com/ambassadors/)
    - [Photo Contenst](https://escapetrailer.com/escape-contest/)
    - [In-House Service Specials](https://escapetrailer.com/after-sales-promo/)
    - [Warranty](https://escapetrailer.com/warranty/)
    - [Owner's Manual](https://escapetrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Escape-owners-manual-WEB.pdf)
    - [Recalls and Advisories](https://escapetrailer.com/recalls/)
    - [2026 Escape Rally](https://escapetrailer.com/rally-registration/)
    - [USA Sales Tax Survey](https://escapetrailer.com/tax/)
    - [Register Pre-Owned](https://share.hsforms.com/1ZiWVGXslRMSIFQAnxnL1mw39bzu?__hstc=117869782.aacb850b0f95cd4373067c352cbf8b45.1772816617420.1773864003781.1773867644377.40&__hssc=117869782.1.1773867644377&__hsfp=39095a0be8cddec54b258f14f978c596)
    - [Switch & Hitch](https://escapetrailer.com/switch-and-hitch/)
    - [Repeat Customers](https://escapetrailer.com/repeat-customers/)
    - [Merch Store](https://shop.escapetrailer.com/?_gl=1*ce9egc*_gcl_au*NzY0MTY5NjAuMTc3MjgxNjYxNg..*_ga*MTc1MDIwMTc4LjE3NzI4MTY2MTc.*_ga_PSF7S4N6S3*czE3NzM4NjY2NTEkbzM3JGcxJHQxNzczODY3NjQzJGo2MCRsMCRoMA..*_fplc*TjglMkZoa2tFUWtFbzVzQ0JUQWRwbFFTaDJlSVNWMiUyQlltRXdmRWZ3NHdHVHFWVzRGMG1OaFpxRE1HenZCWkhjNlUxYXglMkZyUnZEcmxtR0RIMHdCczR6Y2hJMjk2QVN2OFJ3JTJGanFoZlBvUzF6STNlTWt4UUpXcU5paG5mUENDbVElM0QlM0Q.)
    - [Escape Trailer Calendar](https://escapetrailer.com/escape-trailer-calendar/)
- Contact
  
  Show submenu for Contact

    - [Sales Supports](https://escapetrailer.com/contact-us/)
    - [Aftersales Support](https://escapetrailer.com/after-sales-support/)
    - [Careers](https://escapetrailer.com/careers/)

Open main navigation

Close main navigation

- Trailers
  
  Show submenu for Trailers

    - [Escape 5.0](https://escapetrailer.com/21ft-5-trailer/)
    - [Escape 23](https://escapetrailer.com/23ft-trailer/)
    - [Escape 21](https://escapetrailer.com/21ft-trailer/)
    - [Escape 19](https://escapetrailer.com/19ft-trailer/)
    - [Escape 17](https://escapetrailer.com/17ft-trailer/)
    - [Escape 13](https://escapetrailer.com/13ft-travel-trailer/)
- Build My Escape
  
  Show submenu for Build My Escape

    - [Compare Models](https://escapetrailer.com/comparison-chart/)
    - [Online Builder](https://escapetrailer.com/escape-model-prices/)
    - [Endless Personalization](https://escapetrailer.com/personalization/)
    - [Finance Your Escape](https://escapetrailer.com/financing-lp/)
    - [Configuration Guides](https://escapetrailer.com/option-locations/)
    - [360 Virtual Tours](https://escapetrailer.com/virtual-walkthrough/)
- Our Difference
  
  Show submenu for Our Difference

    - [Are Fibreglass RVs Better?](https://escapetrailer.com/are-fiberglass-rvs-better/)
    - [Escape Community](https://escapetrailer.com/community/)
    - [Our Thanks for your Service](https://escapetrailer.com/our-thanks-for-your-service/)
    - [Buying Direct from Escape](https://escapetrailer.com/direct-to-consumer-rvs/)
    - [Touring & Education](https://escapetrailer.com/blog/)
    - [Pick-up & Delivery](https://escapetrailer.com/delivery/)
    - [Manage Your Order](https://escapetrailer.com/cancellation/)
    - [Rallies & Shows](https://escapetrailer.com/upcoming-rv-events/)
    - [Escape History](https://escapetrailer.com/escape-history/)
    - [Tariffs](https://escapetrailer.com/tariffs/)
- Videos
  
  Show submenu for Videos

    - [How It's Made](https://escapetrailer.com/videos-how-its-made/)
    - [Personalization](https://escapetrailer.com/videos-personalization/)
    - [Tips & Hacks](https://escapetrailer.com/videos-tips-hacks/)
    - [Base Features & Options](https://escapetrailer.com/videos-base-features-and-options/)
    - [Walk the Talk](https://escapetrailer.com/walk-the-talk/)
    - [Behind The Scenes](https://escapetrailer.com/video-behind-the-scenes/)
    - [Trailer Talk](https://escapetrailer.com/videos-trailer-talk/)
    - [Epic Escapers](https://escapetrailer.com/epic-escapers/)
    - [Epic Adventures](https://escapetrailer.com/epic-escape-adventures/)
    - [Trailer Showcases](https://escapetrailer.com/videos-trailer-showcases/)
    - [Orientations](https://escapetrailer.com/videos-orientations/)
    - [News & Updates](https://escapetrailer.com/videos-news/)
- Owner Experience
- Owners
  
  Show submenu for Owners

    - [Escape Club](https://escapetrailer.com/ambassadors/)
    - [Photo Contenst](https://escapetrailer.com/escape-contest/)
    - [In-House Service Specials](https://escapetrailer.com/after-sales-promo/)
    - [Warranty](https://escapetrailer.com/warranty/)
    - [Owner's Manual](https://escapetrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Escape-owners-manual-WEB.pdf)
    - [Recalls and Advisories](https://escapetrailer.com/recalls/)
    - [2026 Escape Rally](https://escapetrailer.com/rally-registration/)
    - [USA Sales Tax Survey](https://escapetrailer.com/tax/)
    - [Register Pre-Owned](https://share.hsforms.com/1ZiWVGXslRMSIFQAnxnL1mw39bzu?__hstc=117869782.aacb850b0f95cd4373067c352cbf8b45.1772816617420.1773864003781.1773867644377.40&__hssc=117869782.1.1773867644377&__hsfp=39095a0be8cddec54b258f14f978c596)
    - [Switch & Hitch](https://escapetrailer.com/switch-and-hitch/)
    - [Repeat Customers](https://escapetrailer.com/repeat-customers/)
    - [Merch Store](https://shop.escapetrailer.com/?_gl=1*ce9egc*_gcl_au*NzY0MTY5NjAuMTc3MjgxNjYxNg..*_ga*MTc1MDIwMTc4LjE3NzI4MTY2MTc.*_ga_PSF7S4N6S3*czE3NzM4NjY2NTEkbzM3JGcxJHQxNzczODY3NjQzJGo2MCRsMCRoMA..*_fplc*TjglMkZoa2tFUWtFbzVzQ0JUQWRwbFFTaDJlSVNWMiUyQlltRXdmRWZ3NHdHVHFWVzRGMG1OaFpxRE1HenZCWkhjNlUxYXglMkZyUnZEcmxtR0RIMHdCczR6Y2hJMjk2QVN2OFJ3JTJGanFoZlBvUzF6STNlTWt4UUpXcU5paG5mUENDbVElM0QlM0Q.)
    - [Escape Trailer Calendar](https://escapetrailer.com/escape-trailer-calendar/)
- Contact
  
  Show submenu for Contact

    - [Sales Supports](https://escapetrailer.com/contact-us/)
    - [Aftersales Support](https://escapetrailer.com/after-sales-support/)
    - [Careers](https://escapetrailer.com/careers/)
- [Shop Now](https://escapetrailer.com/buy-an-escape/)

[Shop Now](https://escapetrailer.com/buy-an-escape/)

 How can we help with your Escape Trailer?

- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

1. [Support Hub](https://academy.escapetrailer.com/support_hub?hsLang=en)
2. [Water & Plumbing](https://academy.escapetrailer.com/support_hub/water-plumbing?hsLang=en)

# How do I use the water heater bypass valves on my trailer for normal use and winterizing?

Please take a moment to watch the video below for step-by-step guidance, or follow the step-by-step written directions.

If you need additional help, our After Sales team at Escape Trailer will be happy to assist you. You can submit a support ticket [using this form](https://escapetrailer.com/after-sales-support/). 

<iframe data-hsv-src="https://play.hubspotvideo.com/v/5474298/id/212189462379" referrerpolicy="origin" sandbox="allow-forms allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups" allow="autoplay; fullscreen;" style="position: absolute !important; width: 100% !important; height: 100% !important; left: 0; top: 0; border: 0 none; pointer-events: initial" title="HubSpot Video" loading="lazy" data-hsv-id="212189462379" data-hsv-style="" data-hsv-width="3840" data-hsv-height="2160" data-hsv-autoplay="false" data-hsv-loop="false" data-hsv-muted="false" data-hsv-hidden-controls="false" data-hsv-full-width="false"></iframe>

**1. What a water heater bypass valve does**

- A bypass valve system lets you redirect water so it either:
  
    - goes through the water heater (normal use), or
    - goes around it (winterizing)
- It’s mainly used to save antifreeze when winterizing an RV or trailer.

 

**2. Step-by-step: Normal (summer/camping) mode**

- Locate the 3 valves:
  
    - Cold water inlet valve
    - Hot water outlet valve
    - Bypass valve (connects the two lines)
- Set valves for normal use:
  
    - Open the cold inlet valve
    - Open the hot outlet valve
    - Close the bypass valve
- Result:
  
    - Water flows into the heater
    - Water is heated
    - Hot water comes out normally

 

**3. Step-by-step: Winterizing (bypass mode)**

- Turn off or drain the water heater if needed.
- Set valves for bypass:
  
    - Close the cold inlet valve
    - Close the hot outlet valve
    - Open the bypass valve
- Connect antifreeze to the system (if using RV antifreeze).
- Result:
  
    - Water/antifreeze flows through the plumbing lines
    - It skips filling the water heater
    - You use much less antifreeze

 

**4. Valve position tip (ball valves)**

- Handle pointing along the pipe = open
- Handle turned across the pipe = closed
- (Some setups also use handles pointing toward each other or away depending on layout, so confirm flow direction.)

 

**5. Important seasonal check**

- Before each trip or season:

- - Check valve positions
    - Make sure:
      
          - Summer: bypass is OFF (heater in use)
          - Winter: bypass is ON (heater skipped)
- Why it matters 
    - Using the bypass correctly: 
          - Prevents wasting antifreeze
          - Protects your water heater in freezing weather
          - Makes seasonal setup faster and easier

- [Common Customer Questions](https://academy.escapetrailer.com/support_hub/common-customer-questions?hsLang=en)
- [Winterizing](https://academy.escapetrailer.com/support_hub/winterizing?hsLang=en)
- [Orientations](https://academy.escapetrailer.com/support_hub/orientations?hsLang=en)
- [Power & Electrical](https://academy.escapetrailer.com/support_hub/power-electrical?hsLang=en)
- [Safety & Essential Use](https://academy.escapetrailer.com/support_hub/safety-essential-use?hsLang=en)
- [Interior & Living Area](https://academy.escapetrailer.com/support_hub/interior-living-area?hsLang=en)
- [Exterior Components](https://academy.escapetrailer.com/support_hub/exterior-components?hsLang=en)
- [Propane & Appliances](https://academy.escapetrailer.com/support_hub/propane-appliances?hsLang=en)
- [Water & Plumbing](https://academy.escapetrailer.com/support_hub/water-plumbing?hsLang=en)

[![EscapeTrailer\_Logo\_White](https://academy.escapetrailer.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EscapeTrailer_Logo_White.png?width=150&height=46&name=EscapeTrailer_Logo_White.png "EscapeTrailer_Logo_White")](https://escapetrailer.com)

<https://www.facebook.com/TakeYourEscape/> <https://www.instagram.com/takeyourescape/> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdauP0Tq5LC0nKVxB6wYrWg>

Copyright © 2026, Escape Trailer Industries LP

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "VideoObject",
  "caption" : {
    "@type" : "MediaObject",
    "contentUrl" : "https://academy.escapetrailer.com/media-transcripts/212189438382/en.vtt",
    "inLanguage" : "en",
    "name" : "en Captions"
  },
  "contentUrl" : "https://5474298.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/5474298/video_assets/212189438382/inherited/web_optimized.mp4",
  "dateModified" : "2026-05-04T04:23:02.899Z",
  "duration" : "PT1M44S",
  "height" : 2160,
  "name" : "EP57 - Bypass Valves Explained",
  "thumbnailUrl" : "https://5474298.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/5474298/Aftersales/EP57%20-%20Bypass%20Valves%20Explained.mp4/medium.jpg",
  "uploadDate" : "2026-05-04T00:37:06.067Z",
  "width" : 3840
}
```