How to operate a plumber's bypass
There are many kinds, sizes, and shapes of bypass. Some are prebuilt and self contained in a single fitting. Some are made of plastic and have a push rod or a single handle to operate. A true plumber's bypass is the most durable bypass configuration consisting of actual valves in the pipe. By installing a valve in a pipe you can control the flow of liquid that runs through that pipe. You can either stop the flow or let it through by simply turning the valve handle to open or shut. When a series of valves are used to control we call that configuration a bypass because it enables the water to bypass or continue to flow to the home, building, etc. while stopping the water from going through the softener, filter, etc. It forces the water to flow by or bypass the unit.
Closed
Opened ball valve.
Softener bypassed
Softener in service
A bypass can be in any direction.
Gate valve bypass

back

back
Ball valve perpendicular to pipe is closed (can occur left or right).
Ball valve parallel to pipe is open (can occur up or down).
Water is directed through top pipe and closed away from conditioner.
Water is directed through conditioner.
A 3-valve bypass can be constructed in numerous ways but always works the same.
Gate valves work the same but open and close by twisting.
Open
Open
Open
Shut
Shut
Shut
Shut
Open
Open