Do hot water heaters need an expansion tank?
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. A closed plumbing system prevents water from flowing in the reverse direction (i.e., water won’t flow back into city lines once it enters your home’s pipes).
How far can expansion tank be from 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.
Does the expansion tank go on the hot or cold side?
Although expansion tanks can be installed on the hot side, we strongly recommend they be installed on the cold line, downstream of the shutoff valve.
Where do you put the expansion tank on a 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.
How do you install a thermal expansion tank on a hot water heater?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: And we're just gonna be mounting it right here right after the shutoff valve which you can see right there all about on the wall into the studs somewhere.
What is the difference between an expansion tank and a pressure tank?
The biggest difference between pressure tanks and expansion tanks is in where they’re used. Expansion tanks are installed above a water heater and help to protect it when hot water expands. Pressure tanks are installed near your well pump and help to protect and extend its lifespan.
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.
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 |
How do you plumb an expansion tank?
How to Install Water Heater Expansion Tank
- Step 1: Disconnect the Water and Power Supply. …
- Step 2: Bring Out Expansion Tank and Accessories. …
- Step 3: Confirm the Water Supply Line for Cold Water. …
- Step 4: Install the Expansion Tank. …
- Step 5: Attach the Heater Tank. …
- Step 6: Restore the Water and Power Supply to the Heater.
Can you install expansion tank 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 PEX be used for expansion tank?
Don’t rely on the pex to expand and relieve the pressure. That could cause a pipe to rupture or a fitting to leak. Expansion tanks are typically installed in a “tee” at the cold water inlet for the water heater.
Can you use PEX on a hot water heater?
Can I Connect PEX to My Water Heater? PEX can’t be directly connected to a water heater. First extend a pipe 18 in. from your water heater and connect the PEX to the pipe.
