Are you looking for a way to protect your home’s water system from the pressure of expanding hot water? A water heater expansion tank is an essential component that can help reduce the risk of damage caused by too much pressure on your home’s piping.
In this article, we will explore what a water heater expansion tank is, how it works, when someone needs one, and the benefits that come with installing one.
How Does It Work?
A water heater expansion tank works by absorbing the extra pressure that can be created when hot water starts to expand. As the temperature of the water increases, it takes up more space and puts a strain on your plumbing system.
This is where an expansion tank comes in – it’s installed in between the cold supply line and the hot water heater, and it’s designed to absorb any excess pressure that’s created when hot water expands.
The tank will fill with the expanding hot water until it reaches a certain level, at which point the pressure will be released. This helps protect your pipes from damage due to excessive pressure!
When Does Someone Need One?
If your home was built before 1986, there’s a good chance you don’t have an expansion tank installed. In this case, it would be wise to get one as soon as possible. Even if your home is newer, you may still need to install an expansion tank if the water pressure in your pipes exceeds 80 psi.
This is the standard recommendation from most plumbing professionals.
An expansion tank should also be installed if you notice any signs of water hammer or other abnormal noises coming from the pipes when hot water flows.
Finally, if you’re installing a new water heater then it’s best practice to install an expansion tank at the same time for extra protection and peace of mind in the future!
What Are The Benefits?
The benefits of a water heater expansion tank are numerous. For starters, they can protect your water heater from leaks and ruptures due to high pressure and temperature changes.
An expansion tank also helps keep your machine running smoothly without any damage, as well as prevents freezing or bursting in cold climates.
Additionally, an expansion tank is essential for tankless water heaters in colder regions of the country. Finally, having an expansion tank installed can give you peace of mind knowing that you have taken the necessary steps to prevent costly repairs down the line!
Your Water Heater Safe
When it comes to your water heater, safety should always be top of mind. By taking the proper precautions, you can reduce the risk of potential leaks or accidents.
Purchasing and installing a water heater expansion tank is one of the best ways to ensure that your hot water supply is safe and reliable.
Not only will it keep your temperature and pressure levels in check, but it can also protect your tank from freezing or bursting in cold climates. With an expansion tank in place, you can rest assured knowing that your water heater is running safely and efficiently!
How Much Do Water Heater Expansion Tanks Cost?
Water heater expansion tanks are a great way to ensure your water heater is running safely and efficiently, but what does the cost of installation look like? On average, the total cost of an expansion tank installation—including the tank itself—will run you around $200.
This price can vary depending on the size of the tank and how easily accessible your system is. If you’re looking to save some money, you could try tackling the installation yourself.
However, if you don’t know what you’re doing, you could end up causing more damage than good and facing even higher repair costs!
How Often Do You Need To Replace A Water Heater Expansion Tank?
If you have a water heater expansion tank installed in your home, it’s important to know how often you need to replace it. Generally speaking, most thermal expansion tanks need to be replaced every five to ten years.
To ensure the best lifespan for your tank and avoid any leak issues with valves, make sure the pressure in the tank matches the incoming water pressure. This will help preserve the life of the bladder and keep your system running smoothly.
If your expansion tank is more than 10 years old, it’s probably time for a replacement! While replacing an expansion tank can seem like a hassle, it’s important for keeping your system running efficiently and safely.
How To Test A Water Heater Expansion Tank
Testing a water heater expansion tank is important to ensure that your unit is working properly. Fortunately, it’s easy to do and only takes a few minutes of your time.
Check The Pressure
First, you should check the water pressure in your system to determine if there’s an issue with the expansion tank. If you have high pressure, then it’s likely that the expansion tank needs to be replaced or repaired.
To do this, use a simple pressure gauge on your main water line and look for readings over 60 psi (pounds per square inch). If you find anything above 60 psi, then it’s time to get your expansion tank checked out by a professional.
Tap The Outside
To test the integrity of your expansion tank, use a metal object such as a hammer or screwdriver to tap both the top and bottom of the tank. The sounds given off should be distinctly different from one another.
If they’re similar in sound, this could mean that the tank is not filling up as it should and there may be an issue with it.
Observe The Pressure
If you want to check if your water heater expansion tank is functioning properly, one of the first steps you can take is to observe the water pressure coming out of the next fixture where you use hot water.
If the water surges out faster than normal and then calms down shortly after, this might be an indication that there is pressure buildup within your system. This could mean that the expansion tank needs to be checked for any issues.
Check Air Valve
To check if the air valve is functioning correctly, you’ll need to bleed a small amount of air out of it. If air comes out, then your expansion tank is operating as normal.
However, if water leaks out instead, it could mean that the tank’s bladder has ruptured. In this case, you’ll need to replace the entire expansion tank as a ruptured bladder cannot be repaired.
Conclusion
A water heater expansion tank is an important device for any home with a water heater. It helps to regulate the pressure within the system and prevents costly damage from occurring.
The installation of an expansion tank is a relatively simple process and can be done by most homeowners. It is an important part of a home’s plumbing system and should be regularly inspected and maintained.
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.
