Installed heater bypass on new HP, but was it really necessary?

Ball valves are far from ideal. A better option is a quality 3-way diverter and a check valve. But what's done is done. If you do some plumbing renovations in the future, I would recommend switching to that configuration.


When you aren't using the HP, open all the valves. The vast majority of the water will flow through the bypass, a little bit will flow through the HP.
Ball valves are just fine for my situation. Like I said basic bypass. For the limited amount of use it will get, it will be fine.
 
Ball valves are just fine for my situation. Like I said basic bypass. For the limited amount of use it will get, it will be fine.
That is why you should open all the valves now. In a few months, you likely will not be able to actuate them anymore.