Do U Need An Expansion Tank For My Water Heater

Depending on where you live an expansion tank might be required by the city regardless of the water pressure in order to pass plumbing inspections such as you would get upon the installation of a new water heater.

Do u need an expansion tank for my water heater. If you do not have a one way valve installed on the main water line and therefore do not have a closed water system you may still benefit from a water heater expansion tank. So the adopted municipal code must be determined to ascertain whether a thermal expansion tank is required. However they can really be installed anywhere on the cold water line prior to entry into the water heater. The uniform plumbing code requires thermal expansion tanks if there is a check valve pressure regulator or backflow preventer installed in the main supply line regardless of the type of water heater.

Even if you do not have a closed system asking about a water heater expansion tank is still a great idea. You can usually get an expansion tank for under 50. If you have a closed system then you ll likely be required to install an expansion tank. Because it reduces pressure an expansion tank prolongs the life of your water heater.

You don t need a water heater expansion tank if you have a tankless water heater since there is no tank and no buildup of pressure. In fact some manufacturers may void your water heater warranty if you have a closed plumbing system without an expansion tank. It is installed between the water heater and the check valve to absorb the water and pressure out of the water heater caused by heating the water. Likewise if your home runs on an open water supply system where excess water goes back into the municipal water supply it won t place any strain on your home s plumbing system.

The expansion tank serves as a backup system to prevent overworking your plumbing. A leaking t p valve indicates time to replace. The excess water volume instead of causing too much pressure on the plumbing rushes into the expansion tank and lowers the pressure in the water heater to safer levels. Expansion tanks are normally installed above the water heater on the cold water line before it enters the water heater.

The thermal expansion is not related to the well pressure tank. Expansion tanks aka thermal expansion tanks are essentially safety devices to help you minimize the risk of damage to your hot water tank they are an add on to your existing hot water heater and are often installed on the water supply pipe to the water heater normally this is on the wall next to or very close by your hot water tank.