How does a bypass water valve work?

Author: Grayson Kihn DVM  |  Last update: Sunday, September 7, 2025

Such a valve usually has three taps that can be opened and closed. If all taps are closed, water will not flow through any of the outlets or inlets. If the middle tap is opened and the two outer taps are closed, the valve is on bypass and the water flows from right to left like a "normal" pipe (based on the picture).

How does a bypass work in plumbing?

Bypass interceptors allow a portion of the fluid to temporarily bypass the main flow path. They are commonly used in plumbing systems, particularly for applications like water softeners, filters or chemical treatments. Bypass interceptors typically consist of valves or adjustable diverters.

Should the bypass valve be open or closed?

The bypass is normally only moved when doing maintenance, winterizing, or leaving home for an extended period of time. When in normal service, the handle should stay in the OUT position. When in normal service, the bypass handle should stay in the pulled OUT position. That means the water softener is being used.

What is the point of a bypass valve?

Bypass valves are important in any system through which water or oil is pumped to maintain an even pressure and keep the system operating.

What is the purpose of the bypass valve on a water softener?

Locate Your Bypass Valve. Every softener we install has a bypass valve. It allows the water coming into your home to “bypass” the softener should you have a problem or want to use hard water to water your lawn or garden. Culligan uses three main types of Bypass valves.

How Does a 3 Way Plumbing Bypass Work?

Is it OK to leave water softener on bypass?

When in bypass mode, your unit will no longer be functioning. However, water will still be able to enter your home, bypassing the water softening process. It's ideal to set your machine to bypass mode while you're away if someone will be coming over and need water access for plants or your landscape.

What problem does the bypass valve prevent?

The Bypass-Relief-Valve is designed with a preset opening pressure to allow free flow of oil when the filter gets clogged and the lubricant is unable to flow through the filter's media. Without a bypass valve or if the valve doesn't open properly, pressure could build up causing the filter to burst and the oil to leak.

Where does a bypass valve go?

The by-pass should be installed between the flow and return with flow in the direction of the arrow. If a higher capacity is required for large installations it is possible to install two or more valves in parallel.

What is the function of a bypass?

Coronary artery bypass surgery creates a new path for blood to go around a blocked or partially blocked artery in the heart. The surgery involves taking a healthy blood vessel from the chest or leg area. The vessel is connected below the blocked heart artery.

Is it necessary to have a bypass valve?

The bypass helps the boiler pump the water round getting rid of the heat away from the heat exchanger. Without a bypass the heat has nowhere to go and the pump is pumping against a dead end so you can shorten the life of the pump and shorten the life of the heat exchanger as the heat will be trapped.

Will water softener regenerate in bypass mode?

Since most water softeners meter your water usage to determine when they should regenerate, putting your system in bypass mode will stop your water softener from metering any water, and therefore the system will not regenerate unless it has an override feature.

How is a bypass valve activated?

Typically, a bypass valve operates based on flow demand. It can be manually controlled or automatically actuated depending on the system design.

How does a water bypass work?

By closing the bypass valve and leaving open the inlet and outlet valve, water flows to the plumbing fixture. If you close the inlet and outlet and open the bypass that means the fixture has been isolated with no water flowing in or out; however, the rest of the house has water flowing as usual.

Is the bypass valve open or closed?

If you twist the valve counter clockwise as much as it can (up to 6 times,) it will be considered OPEN - meaning you are letting hard water in. When you twist it clockwise as far it can go, it is considered CLOSED - meaning you aren't letting hard water in.

What is the function of a bypass valve?

A by-pass valve is a component that allows fluid to flow into a secondary system when the pressure exceeds a certain preset value. In pressure washers, this component is essential to regulate water pressure and protect the pump from damage caused by excessive pressure.

Why would you need a bypass?

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is done to treat a blockage or narrowing of 1 or more of the coronary arteries. It can restore the blood supply to your heart muscle when nonsurgical procedures are not a choice. Symptoms of coronary artery disease may include: Chest pain.

What is the function of bypass valve and why is it in normally closed position?

The bypass valve will sense the upstream pressure reducing and will close to force the additional required flow to the critical equipment. Even though the bypass valve is a pressure device, it's acting as a flow control device to divert bypass flow to required system components.

What is a bypass valve in plumbing?

What is a bypass in plumbing? In a nutshell, it is a device that diverts water around a section of your plumbing system. A bypass valve is used to prevent a backflow of sewage into your home when a portion of your plumbing system is blocked or in need of repair.

Why is my bypass valve leaking?

Common Causes of Bypass Valve Leaks

Worn out seals or gaskets: The seals and gaskets inside the valve may wear out over time, causing water to escape.

How do you adjust a bypass valve?

While the system is heating at full capacity, gradually turn the adjustment knob of the bypass valve towards 0.1 bar until you begin to feel the outlet pipe from the bypass valve begin to feel warm. Once this heat is felt, turn the setting back towards 0.5 bar by half a turn to prevent constant flow.

What happens when the coolant bypass valve fails?

However, if this valve malfunctions, the coolant will pass through the radiator before time, making it impossible to heat an already cool engine. Without its heat, the engine cannot perform its functions.

How much does it cost to replace a bypass valve?

The average cost for an Air Injection System Air Bypass Valve Replacement is between $348 and $367. Labor costs are estimated between $71 and $90 while parts are typically priced around $277. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

Previous article
What is the maximum gap for grout?
Next article
How to create spa smell at home?