When it comes to water heater maintenance and repair, many homeowners are unaware of the importance of having a water heater expansion tank. But what exactly is a water heater expansion tank, and do you need one? Let’s break down the basics so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to install an expansion tank on your own water heater.
What Is a Water Heater Expansion Tank?
A water heater expansion tank is a small container that holds pressurized air in order to prevent hot water from expanding when heated up. This tank is usually made of steel or aluminum and connected to the cold-water supply line near the top of the water heater. It’s also connected to the hot water outlet pipe on the side of the unit.
The primary purpose of an expansion tank is to maintain pressure in your plumbing system so that your pipes don’t burst or become damaged as a result of excessive pressure buildup when hot water expands during operation. Expansion tanks are also used to reduce noise from thermal expansion, which can be quite loud if left unchecked.
How Does It Work?
When hot water expands, it needs somewhere to go. Otherwise, it will cause excessive pressure buildup in your pipes and could potentially damage them or cause them to burst. The expansion tank provides that additional space for the expanded hot water, allowing it to move freely without causing any harm or damage.
As the hot water flows into the tank, its volume increases and causes pressurized air inside the tank to be pushed out through a valve at the top. As more hot water enters the tank, more pressurized air is released until eventually all of the excess pressure has been relieved and normal operation resumes.
Do You Need an Expansion Tank for Your Water Heater?
The short answer is yes – if you want to protect your pipes from potential damage caused by thermal expansion, then installing an expansion tank on your water heater is essential. Many local codes require them, and even if they don’t, it’s still wise to have one installed for peace of mind. It is important to note that not all tanks are created equal; some are designed for larger systems than others, so be sure to consult with a professional before making any purchases.
How Is a Water Heater Expansion Tank Installed?
Installing a water heater expansion tank is typically best left up to professionals who have experience doing this type of work. The installation process usually involves attaching the hot and cold lines between the main supply pipe and the outlet pipe on the unit itself, as well as connecting it directly to the top or side of your existing hot-water storage tank. It’s also important that you purchase a quality model that can withstand high temperatures and pressures without leaking or bursting over time.
Types of Expansion Tanks
There are two main types of expansion tanks: compression/plain steel and bladder tanks. Compression or plain steel expansion tanks have a thick metal shell, filled with air and suspended by a rope or chain. The heavy metal exterior of these tanks helps protect against outside elements, making them cost-effective but tough to install.
Bladder-type expansion tanks utilize a flexible diaphragm instead of steel walls to keep air in the tank and absorb increased fluid pressure. These tanks are easier to install compared to compression-style tanks, but they are more delicate since they rely on the inner membrane for protection. As you can see, both types of expansion tanks have advantages and disadvantages; it’s important to research thoroughly when deciding which type is right for your water heater system!
When To Replace Your Expansion Tank
As with any appliance or fixture in your home, regular maintenance and upkeep are key for ensuring that your expansion tank continues to function properly over time. If you notice any signs of damage or wear on your expansion tank (such as rusting or leaking) then it may be time to replace it with a new one. Additionally, if you have had your current expansion tank for more than five years then it may also be time to replace it as well.
The Benefits of Installing an Expansion Tank in Your Hot Water System
An expansion tank can help in many ways, from increasing safety to reducing stress on the piping system and saving energy. Here are the major benefits of having an expansion tank installed in your hot water system
Increasing Safety
One of the main reasons why an expansion tank is beneficial is because it helps increase safety in your home or business. When extra pressure builds up in the hot water system, it could cause pipes to burst, resulting in costly repairs and even greater risks if someone gets hurt. With an expansion tank installed, excess pressure is diverted away from pipes and other components which can help prevent accidents and damage.
Reducing Stress on Piping System
Not only does an expansion tank help protect against bursts, but it also helps reduce stress on your piping system overall. The installation of one will help ensure that no part of the plumbing takes too much strain or force by taking some of that burden off other parts of the hot water system. This can be especially helpful for older systems that may struggle with excess pressure more than newer ones do.
Controlling Temperature Fluctuations
An expansion tank also helps to control temperature fluctuations that may occur due to sudden changes in pressure or temperature levels within your hot water system. This helps ensure a more consistent supply of warm water throughout your home at all times, so you don’t have to worry about running out unexpectedly or dealing with cold showers!
Prolonged Pump Life
Having an expansion tank installed also extends pump life by preventing it from overworking itself due to sudden surges in pressure or temperature levels within your hot water system. This can save you from having to replace your pump prematurely due to overheating or excessive wear and tear.
Saving Energy
Installing an expansion tank can help save energy as well as money on utility bills since it prevents pumps from working harder than necessary when managing excess volumes of water within the hot water system. This means that your pump won’t be running unnecessarily and wasting electricity, so you can rest assured knowing that you are saving energy while still enjoying a steady supply of hot water at all times!
Get in Touch With Professionals Today!
Ready for a boiler or water heater that won’t break down? Have clogged drains or pipes you need flushed out? Look no further than Express Plumbing Heating & Air for all of your plumbing, draining, heating, and cooling needs! For decades, Express Plumbing Heating & Air has been providing reliable service to the people of Boise, Nampa and Caldwell, ID and surrounding areas. By keeping up with the latest advances in technology and committing to professional customer service, Express Plumbing Heating & Air is the clear choice for all manner of repairs. Call Express Plumbing Heating & Air today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our services.
