Water Heater Expansion Tank

You install the expansion tank down the line from the inlet valve that sends hot water into your home.

Water heater expansion tank. The expansion tank is usually installed horizontally though it is acceptable to install it vertically if it is necessary because of space limitations. Expansion tanks when water is heated it expands due to a phenomenon known as thermal expansion. What size expansion tank do i need. Water expands by roughly 2 as it heats up from 50 f to 120 f.

Expansion tanks are designed to safely absorb the excess water created and prevent relief valves from triggering. We offer a range of expansion tanks for potable and non potable applications. The expansion tank is designed to handle the thermal expansion of water as it heats up in the water heater preventing excessive water pressure. Then hang the expansion tank above the cold water supply line where it will be accessible to the horizontal part as well as the water heater.

The excess water volume instead of causing too much pressure on the plumbing rushes into the expansion tank and lowers the pressure in the water heater to safer levels. The water heater expansion tank serves as an overflow receptacle by absorbing excess water volume that occurs when water is heated as well as absorbing fluctuations in the incoming water supply pressure. This ultimately protects it from damage. When your water thermally expands a water heater expansion tank prevents unwanted increases in pressure.

The tank has two sections that are separated by a rubber valve. Make sure your expansion tank is securely fastened to the wall or other support from which it is hanging. The expansion tank serves as a backup system to prevent overworking your plumbing. An expansion tank is generally installed directly above the water heater by means of a tee fitting installed in the cold water delivery pipe.