Poor water heater bypass valve placement

[Angus]

As I was setting up camp for the first time, I crawled in behind the water heater to switch the bypass, prime the W/H and fire it up. I noticed that the (outlet?) valve was installed almost flush with the floor. When I opened it, it raised the pipes, putting tension on the setup and digging into the vinyl floor. I didn't see anyway to avoid this. Is this standard set up? Anyone else dealt with this? I'm thinking of possibly fabricating to get the valve up a bit higher.

[Cosmik Debris]

Originally Posted by Angus

As I was setting up camp for the first time, I crawled in behind the water heater to switch the bypass, prime the W/H and fire it up. I noticed that the (outlet?) valve was installed almost flush with the floor. When I opened it, it raised the pipes, putting tension on the setup and digging into the vinyl floor. I didn't see anyway to avoid this. Is this standard set up? Anyone else dealt with this? I'm thinking of possibly fabricating to get the valve up a bit higher.

Is it fairly accessable? I'm assuming, as everything I'm seeing, is 1/2" pex. I've replaced and added several valves. If you don't have the crimp tool look at sharkbite fittings. I'm using quarter turn brass ball valves.

[Angus]

I'd have to take the housing apart to get at where it connects to the W/H. I'll have to take a pic. Just seems that who ever put it in should of went "that seems a bit tight. Let me move that."

[ctbailey]

the valve "Dug" into the vinyl floor?

I wouldn't worry about damaging the floor. Its in a cabinet, right?

The work needed to get in there and reconfigure the valves could be spent on other projects. Shark bite fittings are easy, no doubt. I have used them myself. But why try to "fix" something that isn't broken? Given enough messing around with trying to reposition valves, you're likely to actually create a problem.

I'm sure you can find something that really is screwed up, not just an issue that makes you a little uneasy.

Close the door to the WH and have fun camping.

[Skaling]

Take it back to dealer and have them fix it.. I believe you have 90days for defects to get fixed.. I am sure you will find more as you camping and packing up from your trip..