Can a water heater thermal expansion tank be installed sideways/horizontally? Most expansion tanks are designed to be installed vertically (stem up or stem down). You can install one sideways, but it will shorten the lifespan unless it is designed and specified by the manufacturer for horizontal installation.

Can a water heater expansion tank be mounted horizontal?

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.

Can an expansion vessel be fitted horizontal?





The expansion tank may be installed vertically (preferred method) or horizontally.

Can you install a pressure tank horizontally?

Is the horizontal installation of this model a factor to be considered or will it perform the same installed horizontally or vertically? Answer; Yes it is a factor, the tanks are designed to sit air stem up or air stem down.

What position should expansion tank be installed?

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.

How do you mount an expansion tank?

How to Install Water Heater Expansion Tank

  1. Step 1: Disconnect the Water and Power Supply. …
  2. Step 2: Bring Out Expansion Tank and Accessories. …
  3. Step 3: Confirm the Water Supply Line for Cold Water. …
  4. Step 4: Install the Expansion Tank. …
  5. Step 5: Attach the Heater Tank. …
  6. Step 6: Restore the Water and Power Supply to the Heater.

How close should an expansion tank be to a water heater?





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.

Can a expansion vessel be fitted upside down?

When mounted if the in coming part is facing down that is the best way to install. When water enters there may be sediment. With the inlet on the bottom the sediment can drain out.

Can you install expansion tank anywhere?

Your expansion tank can be anywhere on your plumbing system and does not need to be installed in close proximity to the water heater. It is most commonly installed using a “T” at the cold inlet to the water heater. But, functionally, it can be installed anywhere on the cold inlet line.

Can I lay my RO tank on its side?

A Q Series RO unit installed in a tight spot. We were able to work the storage tank behind the drain pipe by placing it on its side. Note that the blue-capped air port is turned outward to make the tank easy to access at service time.

Do expansion tanks need to be supported?



All expansion tanks (even the small 2-gallon tanks) should be supported in some way. There are a few options that plumbers use consistently.

Is it code to have an expansion tank on water heater?

California Plumbing Code Section 608.3 requires an expansion tank to be installed on the water heater when it is a closed system. A closed system is one that has a check valve, or backflow prevention device.

Where do you put an expansion vessel on a heating system?

The expansion vessel should be installed vertically above the pipe with the water connection at the bottom and the air valve upper most.

Where does the expansion vessel go on an unvented cylinder?



If you’ve noticed that there’s a smaller tank attached to your water cylinder, this is the expansion vessel. It may be mounted to the top of the cylinder, or it could be attached in some other location. With some models, it is actually within the casing of the water heater.

Can you have 2 expansion vessels?

The connection point of the expansion vessel is the point of no pressure change in the system, all the other points will experience a pressure change as the pump starts & stops. If you have two expansion vessels, both will have a change of pressure, water leaving one and entering the other.

Do I need an extra expansion vessel?

As we all know, when water is heated it expands and wants to take up more volume. As the system is basically a closed loop, consisting of the boiler, pipework and radiators, it is necessary to provide some space for the water to expand into. This is why the expansion vessel is required.

How many expansion vessels do I need?

A chilled system would require minimal expansion due to the lower temperatures.

System Volume (L) Expansion Vessel Size (L) Boiler Output (kW)
5000 400 417
7500 600 625
10000 800 833

What happens if expansion vessel is too small?



When water is heated, it can expand to between four and nine per cent of its original volume. This means that an expansion vessel that is too small may not be able to perform its job sufficiently and won’t take enough water out of the system to bring the pressure back down.