All water heaters, regardless of whether they use heating oil, natural gas or propane or even electricity, can suffer the negative effects of thermal expansion as the cold water coming into the tank turns to hot heated water, increasing the overall water volume via expansion and increasing pressure inside the tank.
A hot water expansion tank is a very important part of a water heater. When water is heated it expands and needs a place where it can safely overflow to. If there is no expansion tank, the pipes could begin to leak or burst.
Installing a hot water expansion is job you can do yourself, with the right tools and this guide you will be able to successfully install your hot water expansion tank. Step 1 – Shut off the Water Supply The first step in installing a hot water expansion tank is to shut off the water supply to your heater. If you have a shut off valve located on the supply line for your water heater, close it or shut off the water from the main supply line to your home. Step 2 – Turn off the Power Supply If your water heater uses electricity, turn off the breaker that supplies electricity to your water heater. Step 3 – Turn off the Gas If your water heater uses gas to heat the water, you will need to turn off the gas supply to the heater. If you do not know how to turn off the gas supply, contact your gas company and seek assistance.
Step 4 – Size of the Expansion Tank Decide on the size of the expansion tank you are going to buy, a good idea is to check the capacity of your water heater and buy the expansion tank. You can verify the right size at the hardware store.
Step 5 – Other Accessories While you are at the hardware supply store, buy the Teflon tape and the tee fitting. You might also need to buy the mounting brackets and a couple of 1 ½ inch screws. Step 6 – Cold Water Supply Line Find the cold water line and check which one is horizontal to the hot water heater.
This is the water supply line you will need to connect to your water heater. Step 7 – Placing the Expansion Tank Position the expansion tank above the cold water supply pipe. From there it should be assessable to the water heater.
Step 8 – Fix the Tank Mark the place where the mounting brackets will go on the wall and drill holes. Fix the expansion tank on the wall. Step 9 – Tee Fitting Connect the tee fitting to the pipe that supplies cold water. Step 10 – Connect the Tank Wrap Teflon tape around the end of the connector of the expansion tank and fix it to the tee fitting. Tighten it with a wrench but make sure you do not over tighten it and break it.
Step 11 – Water and Power Supply Turn on the water supply and switch on the breaker that supplies electricity to the heater. If you use gas for your water heater, reconnect the gas piping and turn on the gas.
Step 12 – Check the Expansion Tank Once the tank is filled and the heater is on, open a faucet and check if hot water flows from the faucet.
Subscribe To Our RSS Feed Water heater expansion tank Hot water heater expansion tanks The addition of a hot water heater expansion tank can both resolve and prevent high water pressure. If either undetected or unresolved, excessive pressure can seriously compromise the durability, performance and the efficiency of the system. Is an important water heater maintenance procedure that should be performed periodically. A storage tank with pressure that exceeds 80 psi (pressure per square inch) when the heating element is on and hot water is not in use will require an expansion tank in most cases.
With that said, storage tanks that don't experience high water pressure stand to benefit as well. Before installing an expansion tank consider the following;. Warning - High Water Pressure and Gas Powered Storage Tanks Overtime excessive pressure can become a serious safety concern in gas water heating tanks. High water pressure can ultimately compromise, or even collapse, the internal flue that's immersed within the storage tank.
Internal flue damage can result in the build up of carbon monoxide, which is very dangerous. If your water heating storage tank has high water pressure and you suspect that the internal flue may have been damaged or compromised, consult with a local water heating professional immediately.
Thermal expansion Thermal expansion occurs in all systems. When the heating element significantly raises the temperature of the domestic water, the volume of the water increases.
The additional volume created by thermal expansion must be accounted for. If the additional volume is not accounted for and hot water is not being used, excessive pressure can build up within the systems' storage tank. High water pressure can compromise the durability (and the performance) of the system, potentially causing the tanks to leak as well as shower heads and faucets. A hot water heater expansion tank is the cost effective solution to thermal expansion and high water pressure.
Expansion Tanks and Plumbing Codes The developed the Uniform Plumbing Code. The Uniform Plumbing Code, and many local building and plumbing codes, require a storage tank to be equipped with a hot water heater expansion tank to control thermal expansion in closed water systems. Unfortunately many existing homes with closed water systems are not equipped with expansion tanks. The same is true with new water heating storage tanks.
Often times thermal expansion tanks are not installed during replacement, even though local codes often recommend thermal expansion protection. What's Recommended When installing a new storage tank water heater, protect your investment and follow the manufacturers recommendations. If the manufacturer recommends an expansion tank, then install one regardless of local plumbing or building codes. Homeowners with closed water systems should check the existing storage tank and verify whether or not an expansion tank is present.
If an expansion tank or a pressure reducing valve is not present, referencing the owners manual or the local plumbing codes (with regard to thermal expansion control) would be wise. Homeowners with closed water systems and high water pressure exceeding 80 psi (when the heating element is activated and water is not being used) should install a hot water heater expansion tank, unless the manufacturers guidelines specifically recommend not installing one. Even if the manufacturer doesn't specifically recommend installing an expansion tank, it's important to note that the thermal control provided rarely compromises the existing product warranty, and it will further protect the tank from failure. How expansion tanks work Water heater expansion tanks are generally small and light weight.
These tanks often contain a pressurized internal compartment (often referred to as a bladder) along the bottom, and a polypropylene lined internal compartment along the top. In most cases, in between both compartments is a flexible diaphragm. When thermal expansion occurs the additional hot water volume fills the internal compartment along the top of the tank. As the pressure increases, the flexible diaphragm compresses the pressurized bottom compartment, making more room for the additional water volume. Sizing expansion tanks Hot water heater expansion tanks are small, but there available in several sizes. There are two important considerations to make when sizing an expansion tank; the incoming or supply water pressure and the volume of the storage tank.
Determining Incoming or Supply Water Pressure A homes' incoming water pressure is largely determined by the local municipality or the local water source. From mile to mile, the supply water pressure can vary significantly. Determining a homes' supply water pressure is fairly easy. Pressure can be determined by fitting a water pressure gauge on a faucet or an outdoor fixture, 40 psi to 80 psi is generally considered an acceptable range. The local municipality can be contacted to perform an on site evaluation as well. Selecting the Right Expansion Tank In an attempt to assist would be consumers determine which expansion tank is best suitable, many reputable manufacturers display sizing and selection guides (as well as labels) on their products.
These guides and labels are broken down by incoming or supply water pressure and water heater storage tank volume. Many manufacturers offer tanks that are internally pre pressurized as well. In some instances, additional pressure can be added to accommodate those systems with higher water pressure. Expansion tank installation Installing a hot water heater expansion tank is a relatively easy project. Detailed installation instructions and guidelines are generally provided.
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It's always wise to follow the manufacturers' instructions and guidelines as carefully as possible. Horizontal Installation or Vertical Installation? Many industry professionals recommend installing expansion tanks on horizontal pipe runs if possible. With that said many manufacturers insist a horizontal or a vertical installation has no tangible effect on the amount of protection the tank will provide.
When in doubt, refer to the manufacturers' installation guidelines. More on water heater maintenance.; how to extend the life of an old or recently purchased storage tank.; periodically inspecting the sacrificial anode rod is a maintenance procedure that protects the storage tank from corrosion.; draining or flushing the storage tank removes sediments that can compromise efficiency and volume.; inspect the drain valve on the tank for potential leaks and drips. Energy efficient water heating. Energy efficient water heating options.