A water-heater bypass keeps RV plumbing antifreeze out of a drained storage-tank water heater. The correct kit depends on the heater's plumbing connection spacing and the number of valves you want to operate. These Camco and Valterra kits look similar but use different crossover hoses and valve arrangements.
Compare the actual replacement products
Select a photo to open the corresponding NewRVParts listing. Check the manufacturer's number and included components before ordering.
35953 — Camco Supreme 6-gallon water heater bypass kitTwo brass three-way valves, 8-inch reinforced bypass hose and thread tape
35963 — Camco Supreme 10-gallon water heater bypass kitTwo brass three-way valves, 12-inch reinforced bypass hose and thread tape
35983 — Camco Quick-Turn permanent bypass kitSingle-turn operating valve, bypass hose and backflow preventer
37463 — Camco brass three-way replacement bypass valveOne valve, not a complete bypass kit
P23503LFVP — Valterra permanent 6-gallon heater bypass kitLead-free, two-valve bypass kit with crossover hose
P23504LFVP — Valterra permanent 10-gallon heater bypass kitLead-free, two-valve bypass kit for a larger heater
P23505LFVP — Valterra EZ-Turn 10-gallon heater bypass kitOne operating valve and a bypass hose; distinct from two-valve kit
Compare the complete bypass kits and service valve
| Part number | Tank / application | Valve arrangement | What the package provides |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35953 | 6-gallon water heater | Two brass three-way valves | 8-inch bypass hose and thread-seal tape |
| 35963 | 10-gallon water heater | Two brass three-way valves | 12-inch bypass hose and thread-seal tape |
| 35983 | Compatible existing heater plumbing | Quick-Turn single valve plus backflow preventer | Valve, preventer, bypass hose and tee fittings |
| 37463 | Compatible Camco permanent bypass installation | Individual brass three-way valve | One replacement valve, not a complete kit |
| P23503LFVP | 6-gallon water heater | Two lead-free valves | Valterra permanent kit with connecting hose |
| P23504LFVP | 10-gallon water heater | Two lead-free valves | Valterra permanent kit with connecting hose |
| P23505LFVP | 10-gallon water heater | EZ-Turn one-valve arrangement | Valterra one-valve bypass kit with hose |
Identify the hot, cold and crossover connections
| Component | Purpose | Check before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Hot water heater outlet | Feeds the RV hot-water plumbing in normal operation | Confirm the water-heater outlet fitting and access |
| Cold water heater inlet | Supplies the water heater when not bypassed | Check port threads and existing adapter arrangement |
| Crossover hose | Connects the cold and hot water plumbing around the isolated tank | Camco 35953 uses 8 inches; 35963 uses 12 inches |
| Three-way bypass valve | Routes water straight through the heater or along the crossover | Match the installed valve body and port orientation |
| Quick-Turn backflow preventer | Part of the single-turn Camco 35983 layout | Not present in the standard two-valve kits |
| Thread seal | Helps seal appropriate pipe-thread connections | Use only as directed for the specific fitting |
| Water-heater drain | Allows the tank to be emptied for winter storage | Bypassing does not drain the tank automatically |
Original illustrated manufacturer reference
Camco's illustrated seasonal, permanent and Quick-Turn water heater bypass arrangements. The full PDF can be enlarged for valve identification and original winterization instructions.
Open the manufacturer's original diagram
Enlarge the PDF in your phone's viewer to see the fittings and valve positions.
Before selecting a replacement or winterizing
Turn off propane and electric heater power, allow the heater to cool, disconnect the water supply and relieve pressure before making changes. The 6-gallon and 10-gallon kits use different hose lengths and cannot be selected by plumbing diameter alone. Confirm the actual heater connections and installation clearance; use the kit instructions to set the valves to NORMAL or BYPASS. Bypassing only isolates the tank—drain the water heater separately using its own manufacturer's procedure.
Original manufacturer instructions and specifications
Camco illustrated water-heater bypass referenceCamco original 35953/35963 and 35983 product catalogValterra P23503LFVP original installation directionsValterra current winterizing product familiesRelated RV water-system guides
See the freshwater system before identifying a water-heater bypass
Identify the correct water-heater anode or drain plug before winterizing