You should have an expansion tank on your potable water system. That tank also functions to cushion the water hammer effect that would otherwise result from your washing machine or dishwasher every time they turned off their internal valves. Not having that tank will cause appliances to fail more rapidly.Jan 21, 2018
Can I use a water heater expansion tank on a boiler?
A: Thermal expansion tanks are designed to work with common household water heaters. Hydronic expansion tanks are used in common boiler systems, which are normally found in areas of the country where the heating load greatly outweighs air conditioning (Northeast, Mid Atlantic, North Central, Mountain and Northwest).
Does every hot water tank need an expansion tank?
Short answer? If your home has a “closed” plumbing system, then yes, you’ll need an expansion tank. You see, homes have either an open or a closed plumbing system.
Can you have 2 expansion tanks?
Do not create multiple connection points: It is fine to use two or more expansion tanks with a combined volume of a single larger tank. However, those tanks should connect to a common pipe, which has a single connection point in the system. Avoid connecting multiple tanks to different parts of the same piping.
Do hot water heaters need thermal expansion tanks?
A thermal expansion tank is only necessary if the water heater is part of a closed system. A closed system is created when there is a check valve in the incoming water supply that prevents the expansion of heated water from flowing back into the water main.
What is the purpose of an expansion tank on a hot water boiler?
The expansion tank is designed to handle the thermal expansion of water as it heats up in the water heater, preventing excessive water pressure. If water pressure gets to high it can damage valves in plumbing fixtures, joints in supply pipes and the water heater itself.
Where should the expansion tank be installed on a boiler?
The expansion tank is installed on the supply-side of the boiler system. Its sealed-in air pre-charge prevents water from entering the tank until the system pressure begins to rise. 2. As the water temperature rises, water enters the expansion tank.
When should a water heater expansion tank be installed?
An expansion tank is always highly recommended if you have a ‘closed-loop system’ caused by any kind of check valve or pressure regulating valve installed on your house’s water supply line. A common illustration compares having high water pressure in your home to having high blood pressure.
What size expansion tank do I need for a 40 gallon water heater?
General Guidelines for Sizing an Expansion Tank
| Water Heater Capacity | Supply Pressure (psi) | Expansion Tank Size |
|---|---|---|
| 40 to 60-gallon | 40-50 psi | 2-gallon |
| 40 to 60-gallon | 60-80 psi | 3.2-gallon |
| 80-gallon | 40 psi | 2-gallon |
| 80-gallon | 50-60 psi | 3.2-gallon |
What size expansion tank do I need for a 50-gallon water heater?
For a 50-gallon water heater, you require a 2-gallon expansion tank. Depending on how high your water pressure is, however, you may need to go up a size to a 4.5-gallon expansion tank.
How should an expansion tank be installed?
The items which should be installed in sequence in the cold water line are (1) the EXPANSION TANK must be installed at least 18 inches away from the cold water inlet fitting on the water heater, (2) the PRESSURE GAUGE, and (3) the PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE, if required, see Figure 1.
Where does expansion tank go on water heater?
An expansion tank is generally installed directly above the water heater by means of a tee-fitting installed in the cold water delivery pipe. The expansion tank is usually installed vertically, though it is acceptable to install it horizontally if it is necessary because of space limitations.
Does an expansion tank need to be supported?
It is best positioned near the water heater and may be installed vertically, either above or below the horizontal supply pipe, but can also be positioned horizontally. Horizontally-hung tanks will need additional support to reduce the stress on the copper piping.
Can a water heater expansion tank be installed horizontally?
Can expansion tanks be installed horizontally? Expansion tanks can be installed horizontally. The recommendation that they are installed vertically is to reduce stress on the (normally copper) pipe, which should be adequately supported even if the tank is suspended vertically.
Does expansion tank orientation matter?
Expansion tanks can be installed in any direction. Whether oriented uprightly, horizontally, or even upside down, the expansion tank will function properly without any adverse effects. When putting an expansion in an abnormal position (specifically sideways or horizontally), make sure to support the tank.
Can an expansion tank affect water pressure?
The expansion tank contains air, which is highly compressible. Expanding water from the water heater can flow into the expansion tank, where the air compresses, making room for the increased volume of water. Water pressure in the system doesn’t increase significantly.
Can a new water heater be laid on its side?
The water heater needs to sit vertical (if possible) to avoid damage to the glass liner inside the water heater to avoid damage to the glass liner. If you must lay the water heater on its side, make sure the water heater has ample padding, and drive cautiously to reduce the chance of damage.
Can you transport a hot water tank laying down?
Transporting a hot water heater can be done safely without damaging the tank. It must be kept upright at all times to avoid damage to the internal liner. Damaging this liner will generally ruin the whole unit.
Do water heaters have glass liners?
Modern hot water tanks are made of steel, with a glass lining within. This glass lining serves to protect the steel of the tank from corrosion due to constant contact with water.
