Water Heater Thermal Expansion Tank

Expansion tanks when water is heated it expands due to a phenomenon known as thermal expansion.

Water heater thermal expansion tank.

Common residential expansion tank looks like a small propane tank. A water heater expansion tank is another small tank that is attached to the water supply pipe of the water heater. The water heater expansion tank serves as an overflow receptacle by absorbing excess water volume that occurs when water is heated as well as absorbing fluctuations in the incoming water supply pressure. When your water thermally expands a water heater expansion tank prevents unwanted increases in pressure.

The thermal expansion tank is certified to nsf ansi 61 dhot 140 f and pressures to 150 psi. With a properly installed tank the system pressure will be maintained and will help prevent added stress to various components saving you headaches and money down the road. The sizing chart will allow you to choose the correct size expansion tank for your application. We offer a range of expansion tanks for potable and non potable applications.

You install the expansion tank down the line from the inlet valve that sends hot water into your home. Expansion tanks are designed to safely absorb the excess water created and prevent relief valves from triggering. Usually they are the same size as basketball depending more or less on the size of the water heater they serve. This water heater expansion tank stops hot water from backflowing into the cold water line and prevents hot water from escaping through the pressure relief valve and onto the floor.

New or larger expansion tanks may be needed due to pressure reducing valves check valves and backflow preventers added to the community s water system. Do not use a standard tank. The expansion tank serves as a backup system to prevent overworking your plumbing. They are used to absorb excess water pressure which can be caused by thermal expansion as water is heated.

The tank has two sections that are separated by a rubber valve. The expansion tank is designed to handle the thermal expansion of water as it heats up in the water heater preventing excessive water pressure. This ultimately protects it from damage. At the bottom there is a threaded pipe connection.

Since water expands when it is heated due to thermal expansion the water heater creates extra water volume every time it heats water. A water pressure gauge sizing expansion tanks for water heaters can be a complex engineering challenge but residential expansion tank sizing has been simplified through the use of calculators. What is a thermal expansion tank like. Water heater thermal expansion tanks.

At the top it has an air valve like the one seen on most tires called schrader. Water expands by roughly 2 as it heats up from 50 f to 120 f. A thermal expansion tank is designed to help protect potable drinkable hot water systems helping to maintain them and keep them working efficiently.