Benchmark 44LFT Bypass Valves for Winterization

[ABarrett]

We just got our Benchmark a few weeks ago and it is winterized. It is time to de-winterize it. The owner's manual shows steps for winterizing it, bot not the reverse. The pictures of the valves show a check valve, which I cannot see under the stairs. I see a valve that is bypassing the cold water going into the hot water heater, but not one for the hot. In this position the water flows up to the hot water outlet and continues on. I am not sure if the check valve is hidden on the water heater side. The antifreeze intake hose does not appear to have a valve. Does anyone have any experience with the Benchmarks? I may need to take a mirror out there. Also, I have seen 2 and 3 valve setups for this. I would think for the money these cost, they could have at least labeled these and fixed them where they are more accessible.

 

[BryanValRox]

We just got our Benchmark a few weeks ago and it is winterized. It is time to de-winterize it. The owner's manual shows steps for winterizing it, bot not the reverse. The pictures of the valves show a check valve, which I cannot see under the stairs. I see a valve that is bypassing the cold water going into the hot water heater, but not one for the hot. In this position the water flows up to the hot water outlet and continues on. I am not sure if the check valve is hidden on the water heater side. The antifreeze intake hose does not appear to have a valve. Does anyone have any experience with the Benchmarks? I may need to take a mirror out there. Also, I have seen 2 and 3 valve setups for this. I would think for the money these cost, they could have at least labeled these and fixed them where they are more accessible.

Congratulations and welcome to the forum.
Would you be able to share the type and model of water heater you have?
Sometimes the hot water heater has an integrated check valve in the outlet fitting.