Water Heater Bypass

[Swishewk]

I just purchased a used 2006RT210V. My manual talks about three valves on the hot water tank. My hot water tank has three ball valves BUT the lower ball valve is not attached to what appears to be a cold water intake port marked COLD. Is the his normal? I’ve attached a photo. Thanks

 

[hbn7hj]

Nope. If your water system is working then the bypass is active. It could be as simple as reattaching the line to the water heater. It is probably detached because something is wrong with the water heater. At the moment you have no hot water, for sure.

 

[Swishewk]

Rusted

The cold water inlet was rusted and completely rusted through. Thanks for the info. I ordered a new water heater today and will replace it soon.