Do I have to bypass the water heater when I winterize my motorhome?
Yes—you absolutely need to bypass the water heater when winterizing your Tiffin motorhome, unless you enjoy paying for a new one. Here’s why and how:
🔧 Why You Bypass the Water Heater:
- Prevent antifreeze waste – Your water heater holds 6–12 gallons. You don't want to fill it with RV antifreeze—it’s expensive and unnecessary.
- Protect the tank – Leaving water in it (without draining or bypassing) can crack the tank if it freezes. That’s a $700+ mistake.
🧰 What You Need to Do:
Drain the Water Heater
- Turn it off (electric + LP).
- Let it cool, then remove the drain plug (or anode rod if it’s Suburban).
- Open the pressure relief valve to vent air and help it drain faster.
Bypass the Water Heater
- Use the bypass valves located near the back of the water heater. Most Tiffin motorhomes have either:
- A three-valve system (hot, cold, and cross-over)
- Or a one or two-valve auto-bypass (especially in newer models)
Then Winterize
- Once bypassed, you can pump antifreeze through the rest of the plumbing without filling the water heater.
⚠️ If You Don’t Bypass It:
- You’ll waste gallons of antifreeze
- You risk damage if water is left inside
- You’ll create a major headache come spring