What is a primary reason to bypass the water heater when winterizing the coach?

Bypassing the water heater when winterizing the coach is primarily done to prevent nontoxic antifreeze from damaging the anode rod in the water heater. The anode rod is a crucial component that helps prevent corrosion inside the water heater tank by attracting and sacrificing itself to the corrosive elements in the water. However, when nontoxic antifreeze is introduced into the system, it can potentially harm the anode rod, diminishing its effectiveness and leading to premature failure.

By bypassing the water heater, you ensure that the antifreeze is primarily circulating through the plumbing system, protecting the anode and the integrity of the water heater, thus prolonging its lifespan. This practice helps avoid any unwanted chemical reactions or damage that may arise from inappropriate exposure during the winterization process. Additionally, keeping the water heater in its normal operational state requires flushing out any remaining water before adding antifreeze, which is not necessary when the unit is bypassed for winterization.