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 the flow 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.

If a ball valve handle is parallel to the pipe (pointing the same direction as the pipe) it is opened. If the ball valve handle is perpendicular to the pipe (pointing away from the pipe) it is closed.