Bypass hose redirect valve

Machine Repairs
#1

I have a Hydrotek 5.5 GPM 3500 PSI. I have installed a homemade winterizing system using RV antifreeze in a small poly tank. My problem is that the unloader bypasses RV antifreeze into the buffer tank while I am running the system to circulate the antifreeze. I can’t easily remove the bypass hose from the buffer tank due to how tight everything is space/plumbing wise.

My question is, can I cut the existing bypass hose at some point between the unloader and the buffer tank, and install a three way valve that I can turn to redirect the bypass water to my antifreeze tank instead of the buffer tank? I’ve heard that messing with the bypass hose length, diameter, etc. can negatively impact the performance of the unloader.

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#2

Could you put the hose into the bypass tank on a camlock? Then you could easily take it on an off. I’m not sure how tight of a spot you’re talking but that may be an option.

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#3

That’s a fantastic idea. Not sure why I didn’t think of that. Thanks!

#4

Just have someone pull the trigger while it’s running.

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#5

Why is it bypassing? Take the gun off and leave the ball valve open if you have one on.

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#6

The only problem is that I need to run some antifreeze through the unloader and bypass hose to get the bypass hose winterized. And I thought that even with the open ball valve, a trickle of water would come out. But I never actually looked to make sure.
I ended up plumbing in a garden hose fitting that I can disconnect between the unloader and tank to redirect to my antifreeze tank. It worked great.

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#7

The bypass hose doesn’t need to be winterized and anything running through your pump will go through your unloader. I don’t believe the trickle is nearly enough to reach your tank in the amount of time it takes to run antifreeze through your pump/hose. Maybe I’m wrong but I think this is being over thought.

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#8

I do approximately the same thing when winterizing. I hold the trigger gun open until I see antifreeze come out, then I let it close for a second until I see antifreeze in the translucent bypass line. Then I shutoff the machine. My bypass has camlocks so I can direct the antifreeze back to the bucket instead of the buffer tank.

#9

I’ve never once bothered to winterize a bypass hose on any rig I’ve ever ran. Never had an issue. Just shut the machine off when antifreeze starts coming out of the end of the hose and you’re good to go.

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#10

How is it not necessary to winterize the bypass hose? It has water in it. If the water freezes and blocks the hose, the unloader couldn’t unload properly right? I’m not doubting you, as I really don’t ever winterize due to having a heated garage. I just don’t understand how it doesn’t need winterized.

#11

Unless you’re running an abnormally long run of bypass hose, if it were to freeze, by the time you fire the machine up, circulate water through to expel the antifreeze, circulate water into the tank while machine warms up, hook a gun to it and start washing the ice will have melted or the first time you let off the trigger it will push the ice right through the bypass hose and into your buffer tank. No biggie there.