When you are moving into a new home or want to make your home feel more modern, it is essential that everything is up to date with the latest codes and regulations. This includes the water heater.
Water heaters are often neglected until they are not working, or worse, an explosion occurs. The need for an expansion tank was brought in to relieve the pressure caused by thermal expansion.
In this article, we discuss if you really need an expansion tank for your water heater and how to test for a faulty tank. Keep you and your family safe by knowing when you need to adhere to codes and how to treat your water heater properly.
What Is A Water Heater Expansion Tank?
A tiny overflow tank that accounts for the thermal expansion of water inside a water heater is referred to as a water heater expansion tank (also known as a thermal expansion tank).
The expansion of water is a function of its rising temperature. If there is no release of pressure, the water heater’s internal pressure will rise and harm valves, the plumbing, or perhaps the water heater itself.
Before check valves were necessary, excessive pressure would push water back into the public water pipes.
The use of check valves or other similar devices was required by backflow regulations to prevent contamination of the public water supply, but they also increased the strain on water heaters.
This issue is resolved with thermal expansion tanks, which can hold the excess water created by the increased pressure.
Is An Expansion Tank Necessary?
Yes, an expansion tank is necessary by code for all new water heater installations in closed systems.
To stop water from being sucked back into the public water supply, a closed water system uses check valves, backflow prevention devices, pressure-reducing valves, or other devices on the supply line.
Municipal water providers were mandated by the EPA in 1992 to safeguard their pipes against backflow contamination.
This means that check valves are required in homes to stop water from backing up into the supply pipes.
Because of this, these residences are closed-loop systems, necessitating the addition of a thermal expansion tank to every new water heater installation.
Your water heater may not be equipped with an expansion tank but the installation of one could benefit the system greatly.
High-pressure water heaters can cause various issues such as leaks, ruptures, and corrosion. An expansion tank will relieve pressure which may be a large payment now but will certainly save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
What Is A Closed Plumbing System?
All homes are either equipped with a closed or open plumbing system. A closed plumbing system means that water cannot flow back into the city water lines once it is in your home system.
That might not seem like a big deal, but if you don’t have an expansion tank, a closed system prevents expanded water from finding a way out, which might harm your home’s water heater and plumbing.
Homes with closed plumbing systems require water heaters to have an expansion tank as water heaters are not designed to expand and contract in order to handle thermal expansion and will inevitably burst or explode.
An expansion tank gives the excess water somewhere to go until the water heater can accommodate it.
Benefits Of Water Heater Expansion Tanks
It is important to ensure your water heater is equipped with an expansion tank to remain up to code. And they also come with a range of benefits, including:
Prevent leaks, water damage, and burst pipes.
Adds another layer of security to your water heater’s Pressure Relief Valve.
Inexpensive purchase.
Are relatively small.
Cons Of Water Heater Expansion Tanks
You might be wondering whether an expansion tank has to be put in your current system if your home does not have one because the system was set up before they were necessary.
Many elements are prone to failure. If installed incorrectly, the entire system can fail.
A water heater expansion tank is a dependable safety element of any water heater when installed and calibrated correctly.
Even if an expansion tank malfunctions, it will be less expensive and troublesome than a plumbing failure in a house. As a result, the advantages of thermal expansion tanks exceed the drawbacks.
Do You Need To Replace An Expansion Tank?
While water heaters are known to last around 20 years or more with proper care, thermal expansion tanks will need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years. However, its lifespan can be extended with proper care.
Making ensuring the expansion tank’s pressure is equal to the water pressure flowing in is the greatest approach to extending its lifespan.
By doing this, the bladder’s lifespan is extended and valve leak problems are avoided. No matter how carefully a tank is cared for, it will need to be replaced after ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can A Water Heater Be Installed Without An Expansion Tank?
Any installation of a water heater must have an expansion tank. This is especially true if there are multiple appliances in the house that use the hot water supply line.
Do All Heating Systems Have An Expansion Tank?
Most household pressurized heating systems use expansion tanks or vessels, which are also referred to as expansion vessels.
You will have an expansion vessel if you have a combi boiler. This container serves to maintain the proper amount of pressure in the central heating system by containing air and water from the system.
Takeaway
Since the early 1990s, all water heaters must be equipped with a thermal expansion tank. This provides relief to the overall water heater as it is not designed to handle the expanding and contracting of heating large amounts of water.
Expansion tanks are relatively inexpensive to purchase and install and they can save you thousands of dollars over the years.
So, bite the bullet and ensure your water heater is up to code with a thermal expansion tank!
Hi everyone! My name is Jason, and I am the founder of HeaterWise.com. Having run my own business as a Heating Engineer for 21 years, I have picked up a few things along the way.
I wanted to create Heater Wise as a place where anyone could come, from far and wide, to find the information that they need.
I hope you will join us here at Heater Wise, to get started on your own journey, to expand your knowledge, and make the best heating choices for you and your family.
