A Water Heater Expansion Tank and More

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A Water Heater Expansion Tank and More
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An expansion tank is a device that is used in
conjunction with a hot water tank to control
pressure fluctuations in domestic water
distribution systems, in this case inside your
property. The idea is simple, as water gets hot
its molecules expand and as it cools water
molecules compress. Let's get to the bottom of it.
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A residential property has whats called a closed
plumbing system and such system can create
dangerous high water pressures. Therefore, when
such dangerous pressures exist, an expansion tank
can actually help absorb them. An expansion tank
is simply a metal tank with a rubber bladder
inside of it that uses air as a cushion. Think of
it as a pillow. When you rest your head on it you
are creating a pressure and the pillow is happy
to compress and make you feel good. Well, that's
the whole point of an expansion tank because it
likes to help your water pressure system stay
controlled.
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For general knowledge an expansion tank holds
about two gallons in a residential system but the
size can also vary depending on the actual volume
of the hot water tank they serve. Expansion tanks
have labeling on them that specify the design
pressure for which they were built, usually
around 150 pounds per square inch (PSI) for
residential use. A home inspector will generally
inspect that they are properly supported
specially if they are installed horizontally.
Horizontal installations require proper strapping
and bracing.
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With that being said, a home inspector will also
look to see if the expansion tank is installed
well above the hot water tank to ensure that
water will easily flow back down in the direction
of gravity. Another well known aspect to be
checked are for any signs of corrosion. A
corroded tank will lead to leaking and loose
efficiency, so make sure you have a professional
help you to either replace it or fix before
something more serious can happen. Additionally,
the best way to install them would be to position
them in a downward direction just as shown on the
above picture. Needless to say, many people
wonder if they should have an expansion tank and
for that matter it is best to hire a licensed
home inspector, or a licensed plumber to help you.
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Your hot water tank must be equipped with a
protective device called a TPR (Temperature
pressure relief) valve. A TPR valve will bleed
water whenever the pressure system reaches above
150 PSI or the temperature surpasses 210 F.
Water will be discharged in a safe manner. The
purpose of a TPR valve is not to allow water to
become superheated which is usually above 212 F.
Thats why it is very important that homeowners
check their TPR valves periodically at least once
a month
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valve fails, the consequences can be very
damaging. The pressure inside the tank will find
the weakest point where it can rupture the vessel
and once the superheated water is released into
the air and explosion will follow propelling the
tank like a missile and thus creating an
explosion. The resulting damage can range from
property destruction, death and body injuries.
Remember that an expansion tank should be well
supported and installed in a proper location. And
always look for signs of leakage and corrosion.
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