Thermal expansion is the natural expansion that occurs when water in a water heater heats up. The tank experiences excessive pressure as a result of this expansion, which also raises the volume of water. Previously, this expanding water would just return to its original source in the municipal water system. Nonetheless, check valves in contemporary plumbing systems lower the possibility of contamination by preventing water from flowing backward into the public supply. Your pipes, water heater, and plumbing fixtures may sustain harm if there is no means to release the elevated pressure. The expansion tank comes into the play to ensure safety.
What Does an Expansion Tank do?
People often wonder what this device do and if is it code to have an expansion tank on a water heater? A water heater expansion tank, sometimes referred to as a thermal expansion tank, is a little backup tank that connects to the water heater’s water supply pipe. The water heater expansion tank is transparent and it keeps hazardous pressure from accumulating in your plumbing and water heater system by offering this extra room.
The expansion tank has two chambers: one for holding water and the other for holding air. The air is compressed when the heater’s expanding water moves into the tank. According to Plumbing Solutions, the closed water system’s internal pressure is reduced by this compression.
The Reasons Some Houses Lack Expansion Tanks
Since expansion tanks were not considered standard, many homes constructed before the implementation of specific plumbing rules might not include them. The expanding water in water heaters was able to return to the city’s water lines in earlier open water systems. The modern home with closed plumbing can ensure safety by adding an expansion tank to a water heater.
When an Expansion Tank Should be Added?
Verify your local building codes if you are installing a new water heater. Check valves and other backflow protection devices are now required in many jurisdictions for expansion tanks in residential buildings. An expansion tank may be able to help control excessive pressure if you observe that your pressure relief valve is continuously dripping. As a preventative measure, homeowners who frequently need plumbing repairs for pipes or fixtures might want to think about installing an expansion tank.
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