Do I really need an expansion tank on my water heater?

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. However, the long-term wear and tear of this excess pressure can reduce the life expectancy of everything in your plumbing system.

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

An expansion tank will prevent damage to your water heater and plumbing system. Because it reduces pressure, an expansion tank prolongs the life of your water heater. In fact, some manufacturers may void your water heater warranty if you have a closed plumbing system without an expansion tank.

What is the point of an expansion tank on 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 an expansion tank required by code?

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.

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 much does it cost to install an expansion tank?

$145 – $350, Installed The cost to install a water heater expansion tank ranges from $55 and up for the rare DIY project, to about $350 when a pro adds an expansion tank to a large residential water heater.

Why would expansion tank explode?

Water Expands When It’s Heated in Your Water Heater 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.

Where do you put an expansion tank?

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.

Where should a hot water heater be located?

Most regulations are fairly simply, and require that water heaters be placed against an external wall of the house. This is why most hot water heaters are in garages or basements. You will want to place your water heater next to an outer wall to make room for the flue.

How long do expansion tanks last?

between five and 10 years
But expansion tanks can wear out. The average life of your tank can be anywhere between five and 10 years. You can extend the life of your expansion tank by making sure that your home’s water pressure matches the air pressure in your expansion tank. But in some cases, you’ll need to replace it.

Where is the most common place to install an expansion tank?

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.

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.

Does my water heater need an expansion tank?

Most cities require that residential closed plumbing systems be equipped with expansion tanks. If you have some form of backflow preventer installed on the main water line, you may be required by law to also have a water heater expansion tank installed.

What are the symptoms of a bad expansion tank?

Symptoms of a bad or failing coolant expansion tank. Engine coolant leak. Engine overheating. Coolant may boil over. Illumination of the low coolant warning light.

Why am I required to install an expansion tank?

Why am I Required to Install an Expansion Tank? An expansion tank is installed on the water supply pipe to the water heater. Its purpose is to deal with thermal expansion of water as it heats up in the water heater. If water pressure gets high enough it can damage valves in plumbing fixtures, joints in supply pipes and even the water heater.

What is the purpose of an expansion tank?

An expansion tank or expansion vessel is a small tank used to protect closed (not open to atmospheric pressure) water heating systems and domestic hot water systems from excessive pressure. The tank is partially filled with air, whose compressibility cushions shock caused by water hammer and absorbs excess water pressure caused by thermal expansion.