how to install expansion tank
How should an 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 it matter where an expansion tank is installed?
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.
Does the expansion tank go on the hot or cold side?
If using a tank for hot water expansion it can be on the cold feed line, but must be after any check valve. If there’s no check valve, it can be anywhere on the cold side.
When Should 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 pressure should my expansion tank be set at?
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 close should expansion tank be to water heater?
18 inches
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.
What size expansion tank is needed 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. The only two factors to consider when picking your expansion tank are water heater size and how high your water pressure is.
What’s the purpose of an expansion tank on a water heater?
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.
Is expansion tank necessary for tankless water heater?
Most tankless water heaters (electric or gas) do not need a thermal expansion tank. The reason being is that a tankless water heater only produces hot water as requested. When the hot water supply is opened, the tankless unit starts to produce hot water.
Why does my expansion tank keep failing?
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.
Is a bigger expansion tank better?
In fact, if unsure that your expansion tank will be able to safely accommodate your system, it is common practice to choose an expansion tank that is one size larger than the required size. As a general rule of thumb with expansion tanks, it is better to oversize than to undersize.
What happens if expansion tank pressure is too high?
With the required check valves and backflow preventers in place, your water pipes, water heater and even some appliances must deal with the increased pressure caused by thermal expansion. This causes unnecessary wear-and-tear which can result in damage to hot water-use appliances, including your water heater.
Can an expansion tank explode?
In fact, the tank may explode! Thermal Expansion Can Cause Hot Water Heaters to Explode! A typical hot water heater in an “open” sys- tem has only a temperature and pressure (T&P) valve to prevent a rupture of the hot water heater (figure A). Open systems allow expanding hot water to push into the cold water line.
Do expansion tanks need to be drained?
Water is not very compressible and only a small air cushion is available to absorb the system pressure. It cannot absorb as much pressure from the system and so the system PSI rises, possibly triggering the pressure relief valve. Draining the expansion tank should be done periodically, usually once or twice a year.
What size expansion tank do I need for a 100 gallon water heater?
Enter the appropriate information in the boxes below..
| WATTS Model | Tank Volume (Gal) | Tank Acceptance (Gal) |
|---|---|---|
| DETA-42 | 22.0 | 14.5 |
| DETA-60 | 26.0 | 17.5 |
| DETA-80 | 35.0 | 23.5 |
| DETA-100 | 45.0 | 30.0 |
Can expansion tank cause low water pressure?
Before installing an expansion tank, measure the tank’s air pressure charge. When taken from the box, the air pressure in the expansion tanks will likely be lower than your home’s water pressure.
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.
Can a water expansion tank be installed 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.
What is the difference between an expansion tank and a pressure tank?
The most significant difference between expansion and pressure tanks is their functionality. An expansion tank handles water expansion and provides protection for water valves and heaters. On the other side, the pressure tank lengthens the lifespan of the pump.
Where should the expansion tank be installed on a boiler?
The expansion tank needs to be installed on the suction side of the hot-water circulator, on the bottom of the supply line. The boiler system is then re-pressurized and should be checked for any leaks. If leaks are found in the system, they need to be repaired to prevent any pressure drops.
How do I know if my expansion tank has failed?
If it makes a dull thud rather than a hollow sound, your tank is full of water and needs repair or replacement. You can also gauge this by feeling the tank, which will be cool where it’s holding air and warm where it’s holding water. If more than half the tank is warm, you have a problem.
Can you install expansion tank horizontally?
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.