Tankless Water Heater Expansion Tank-If you’re shopping for a tankless water heater, one important question to ask yourself is if an expansion tank is necessary. This decision should not be taken lightly and should be carefully considered.
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A water heater expansion tank is a safety measure designed to relieve the pressure created by thermal expansion. It shields your plumbing system from damage, potentially saving you from costly repairs in the future.
Tankless Water Heater Expansion Tank
Water that is heated will expand, creating pressure in the pipes which could lead to leaks or other damages to your home’s plumbing system.
The expansion tank is a small device that can help avoid this from happening. They regulate pressure in hot water pipes to keep everything running smoothly.
They help keep your water moving and prevent sediment buildup that could cause leaks or pipe damage.
When shopping for an expansion tank, make sure you choose one that’s suitable for your home and fits the size of your water heater. There are a variety of sizes to choose from so make sure you find one that works perfectly in your space.
Expansion tanks are an ideal addition to your hot water system. Not only are they cost-effective to install, but they can help you avoid expensive repairs in the future. Plus, expansion tanks help extend the life of your system as a whole.
Does a tankless water heater need an expansion tank?
Tankless water heaters are hot water heating systems without a storage tank, meaning when activated the water is heated quickly and removed from its reservoir. This causes the fluid to expand, increasing pipe pressure.
Due to pressure buildup that can damage plumbing and tankless water heater, having an expansion tank in place is essential. An expansion tank helps lower pressure levels and prevents overheating.
Expansion tanks consist of a small, sealed vessel divided by a rubber diaphragm that connects to your hot water system’s water inlet. One side is filled with water while the other contains air.
As water heats up, pressure builds. But instead of letting this build up, it rushes into an expansion tank where excess volume can be absorbed and then redistributed when needed.
Where does the expansion tank go on a tankless water heater?
Tankless water heaters feature an expansion tank located on the other side of the wall from your heater, helping to avoid any potential leaking issues that could occur if not properly installed.
The expansion tank is a small device that works together with your water heater to regulate its pressure. As hot water warms up, it expands, leading to an increase in your plumbing system’s pressure.
Water heaters that leak can cause significant property damage and even be hazardous for your health. That’s why the International Plumbing Code requires expansion tanks be used on all new or replacement water heaters in homes where a backflow prevention device or check valve has been installed.
If your home doesn’t already have an expansion tank, there are two solutions to address the situation. Either hire a plumber to install one for you or replace your tankless water heater with an expansion tank. Before making any decisions regarding installation of an expansion tank, be sure to understand its advantages.
What size expansion tank for tankless water heater?
If your water heater is tankless, there may not be a need for an expansion tank. That’s because tankless systems only heat water when it’s actually needed.
However, in certain areas, tankless water heaters must be sized properly to avoid a spike in pressure. This could occur if water inside the tank gets too hot and doesn’t have somewhere to go.
Thermal expansion tanks are commonly installed on tankless water heaters to prevent this. Expansion tanks come in two sizes – 2-gallon and 4.5-gallon – for added convenience.
The size of your tank depends on two factors: water pressure and heater capacity. Check your heater’s factory label to find out these numbers.
For small water heaters, 2-gallon tanks are typically the best option. For larger ones, however, you will require a 4.5-gallon tank.
If you’re uncertain of the appropriate size for your water heater, hire a plumber to make the calculations and install the tank for you. They have all of the necessary tools and expertise to get it done correctly. Hiring an experienced professional to install an expansion tank will save money in the long run.
Do water heater expansion tanks need to be replace?
Water heater expansion tanks are essential safety devices that help regulate the pressure inside of your water heater. This is especially essential if your home has a closed plumbing system (i.e., no check valve or backflow preventer in place that prevents pressure from building up into the city water main).
If your water heater expansion tank is nearing its end of its usefulness, one way to extend its life is by checking the air pressure inside and making sure it matches with incoming water pressure. To do this, bleed small amounts of air from the Schrader valve on top of the tank.
It is also recommended to periodically inspect the bladder in your tank. If it ruptures, replace it with a new one.
If you are uncertain whether your current expansion tank needs replacing, consult a knowledgeable plumber for guidance. They can determine the size that works best for your system and suggest an expansion tank if required.
What happens if you don’t install an expansion tan?
Without an expansion tank, the water in your heater could build up too much pressure and burst, causing severe damage to both its components and other plumbing fixtures in your house.
Expansion tanks act like shock absorbers for your water heater. When the capacity of your heater is exceeded, water rushes into an expansion tank to expand.
In the past, pressurized water would simply drain back into the city’s supply system. But that is no longer feasible and so measures must be taken to prevent excess flooding from wreaking havoc.
According to the International Residential Plumbing Code, all closed plumbing systems that use a heating element must have an expansion tank installed. This includes traditional tanked water heaters, heat pump water heaters and any other system using a heating element.
Does an expansion tank extend the life of a water?
Expansion tanks work by absorbing excess pressure and diverting it away from pipes and other components in your water heater, helping to safeguard it against damage and extend its life.
The tank consists of two sections separated by a rubber valve that allows water to pass through one side and pressurized air through the other. The air inside is pressurized to match your home’s water pressure.
As hot water passes through an expansion tank, air inside compresses and causes it to expand – this process is known as thermal expansion, producing extra volume every time the heater heats water.
Without an expansion tank, excess water could overflow into your boiler, creating a safety hazard and major hassle for homeowners.
The latest style of expansion tank features a rubber diaphragm separating the water from an air pocket, which prevents any unwanted transfer of air from the tank to other parts of your plumbing system. This keeps oxygen levels low in pipes and reduces corrosion throughout your system.
Is an expansion tank required by code?
Code requires either an expansion tank or not depending on the type of plumbing system in your home. Homes with closed systems (no one-way valves) need an expansion tank to prevent excessive pressure from damaging both plumbing components and appliances.
Water that has been heated can expand due to thermal expansion, placing immense pressure on its piping. Without an expansion tank, this pressure could lead to leaks or complete ruptures of that piping.
Expansion tanks are designed with half of the tank filled with water from the main system and the other half filled with compressed air. This allows for water pressure against butyl rubber bladder within the tank, compressing air and relieving additional stress on internal components.
This method has long been used to reduce water pressure in plumbing systems, and it is necessary for any closed system plumbing setup. However, if you have a tankless water heater or another way to get rid of excess pressure, an expansion tank may not be necessary.
