Is an expansion tank really necessary?

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.

Where is the expansion tank on a hydronic boiler?

However, there are many hot water boilers with steel expansion tanks that do have automatic air bleeders. Air bleeders are in the system at the highest point in the loop and on risers. The piping for the makeup water on a hydronic loop equipped with a steel expansion tank should be directly below the tank.

When do you need an expansion tank for a water heater?

Any thermal water system, whether it is a water heating system or cooling system in a closed system, needs an expansion tank for expansion and contraction. The ratio of water to the air inside the steel expansion tank is optimal at a 2/3rds water to 1/3 air.

Where is the expansion tank on a Weil McLain boiler?

Above is the Weil McLain gas fired two pipe steam heating system boiler whose hot water feeds a separate hot water radiator and expansion tank with sight glass located in a separate garage on the same property. Photos courtesy of Pennsylvania home inspector Lawrence Transue.

What happens when an expansion tank becomes waterlogged?

In normal use the expansion tank on a hot water heating system is never full – so the bottom of the tank gets hot but the upper tank, wher there should be air, stays cooler. If the tank becomes waterlogged – loses its air charge – then we’ll see dripping or discharge at the boiler temperature/pressure relief valve.

Do all hot water tanks need an expansion tank?

Yes – sometimes. If you have a closed system, then you’ll likely be required to install an expansion tank. Even if you do not have a closed system, asking about a water heater expansion tank is still a great idea.

How do you install an expansion tank on a hot water heater?

How to Install a Hot Water Expansion Tank Step 1 – Shut off the Water Supply Step 2 – Turn off the Power Supply Step 4 – Size of the Expansion Tank Step 5 – Other Accessories Step 6 – Cold Water Supply Line Step 7 – Placing the Expansion Tank Step 8 – Fix the Tank Step 9 – Tee Fitting Step 10 – Connect the Tank Step 11 – Water and Power Supply

Why must a hot water heater have an expansion tank?

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.

Is an expansion tank really necessary for a hot water heater?

From a building code perspective, expansion tanks are not required for tankless water heaters where no storage tank for hot water is installed. In most cases, they are used as a preventative measure to prolong the life of your water heater and reduce the risk of ‘overworking’ your plumbing system.