Where should the 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.

Does expansion tank go on hot or cold side?





Cold side, always. In between the wh isolation valve and the inlet to the tank.

How should an expansion tank be mounted?

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.

What happens if you don’t install an expansion tank?

Now that might not seem so bad but if you don’t have an expansion tank, a closed system doesn’t give expanded water any route for escape, causing damage to your home’s water heater and plumbing. Here’s what we mean: When water is heated inside your water heater, it expands. This is called “thermal expansion”.

What pressure should my expansion tank be set at?

between 50 and 60 PSI





The recommended water pressure is between 50 and 60 PSI. Thermal Expansion Tanks contain an air bladder which is pressurized with air, and expands and contracts to absorb the expanded water from the water heater. needed. Check the air pressure in the Expansion Tank using a tire gauge.

How do you plumb an expansion tank?


Quote from Youtube video: Put on my psi gauge. And we're reading about 50 psi 50 watts thermal expansion tanks are pre charged in approximately or exactly 20 psi. So we need to match the incoming water we need to pump this guy

Can an 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.

Why is an expansion tank installed on the cold water side?

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.

Does 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.

How much does it cost to install an expansion tank?

The job of the thermal expansion tank is to absorb the extra water volume so that the excess pressure does not cause undue wear and tear on the water heater and other fixtures in the home. The cost to install a new Thermal expansion tank can range from $279 to $443.

Do I need an expansion tank with well water?

The bottom line is if your home has well water or a back flow preventer you need an expansion tank for safety (according to current Ohio Plumbing Code). If you’re on city water and have no backflow preventer your home does not need an expansion tank.

Is expansion tank necessary?



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 can I use instead of a expansion tank?

The Thermal Expansion Relief Valve can replace a water heater expansion tank because it functions similarly. Both products absorb the excess pressure in the plumbing system created by thermal expansion.

How big an expansion tank do I need?

As a general rule, the bigger the water heater, the bigger the expansion tank. 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.

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.

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 electric water heater sit on concrete floor?

Water heaters are only required to be raised if they use an ignitable source of fuel to function; if not, you can place them directly on the floor. If you have an electric water heater, you do not have to raise it; the water heater can sit directly on the floor as long as the area is always dry and clean off the dust.

Why do expansion tanks fail?

Some tanks fail when a leak develops in the diaphragm. This usually causes the tank to fill with fluid and become “water logged.” You can check for this by pressing in the stem of the Schrader valve. If a stream of liquid comes out the tank is toast.

Can an expansion tank explode?

As water heats up, it can expand dramatically, and if it’s hot enough to turn into steam, this can add even more pressure to the water heater. If the relief valve is malfunctioning, this can lead to an explosion.

How often should expansion tank be replaced?



Between five and 10 years

Between five and 10 years is the average lifespan of your tank. If your home’s water pressure matches the air pressure in your expansion tank, you can extend the life of your tank. You’ll need to replace it in some cases.