Is an expansion tank really necessary?
Table of Contents
- 1 Is an expansion tank really necessary?
- 2 Is an expansion tank required by code?
- 3 What can I use instead of a expansion tank?
- 4 Where should the expansion tank be installed?
- 5 Do you need an expansion tank on a chilled water system?
- 6 How big an expansion tank do I need?
- 7 What type of expansion tank is required in the chilled water loop?
- 8 Do you need an expansion tank for a closed plumbing system?
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.
Is an expansion tank required by code?
California Plumbing Code Section 608.3 requires an expansion tank to be installed on the water heater when it is a closed system. A closed system is one that has a check valve, or backflow prevention device.
Where do you put an expansion tank in a chilled water system?
The typical location for the expansion tank is on the suction line of the chilled water pump, near or on the fill line. Another possible location that is used less often is at the highest point in the system.
What is the purpose of expansion tank?
The expansion tank is designed to handle the thermal expansion of water as it heats up in the water heater, preventing excessive water pressure. If water pressure gets to high it can damage valves in plumbing fixtures, joints in supply pipes and the water heater itself.
What can I use instead of a expansion tank?
The Thermal Expansion Relief Valve can replace a water heater expansion tank because it functions similarly. Both products absorb the excess pressure in the plumbing system created by thermal expansion.
Where should the expansion tank be installed?
An expansion tank is generally installed directly above the water heater by means of a tee-fitting installed in the cold water delivery pipe. The expansion tank is usually installed vertically, though it is acceptable to install it horizontally if it is necessary because of space limitations.
Does a water heater on a well need an expansion tank?
If you have a private well water system, you may also be wondering if a water heater expansion tank is required? Most well water systems have a check valve between the pressure tank and the house. In this case, your well water system is closed, and an expansion tank will be required on your water heater.
How big should an expansion tank be?
In fact, if unsure that your expansion tank will be able to safely accommodate your system, it is common practice to choose an expansion tank that is one size larger than the required size. As a general rule of thumb with expansion tanks, it is better to oversize than to undersize.
Do you need an expansion tank on a chilled water system?
Expansion tanks are required in a closed loop heating or chilled water HVAC system to absorb the expanding fluid and limit the pressure within a heating or cooling system. The expansion tank uses compressed air to maintain system pressures by accepting and expelling the changing volume of water as it heats and cools.
How big an expansion tank do I need?
General Guidelines for Sizing an Expansion Tank
| Water Heater Capacity | Supply Pressure (psi) | Expansion Tank Size |
|---|---|---|
| 40 to 60-gallon | 40-50 psi | 2-gallon |
| 40 to 60-gallon | 60-80 psi | 3.2-gallon |
| 80-gallon | 40 psi | 2-gallon |
| 80-gallon | 50-60 psi | 3.2-gallon |
What is the purpose of expansion tank in chilled water system?
Expansion tanks are required in a closed loop heating or chilled water HVAC system to absorb the expanding fluid and limit the pressure within a heating or cooling system.
How much does it cost to install an expansion tank?
The job of the thermal expansion tank is to absorb the extra water volume so that the excess pressure does not cause undue wear and tear on the water heater and other fixtures in the home. The cost to install a new Thermal expansion tank can range from $279 to $443.
What type of expansion tank is required in the chilled water loop?
An expansion tank is required in the chilled water loop to allow for the thermal expansion of the water. Expansion tanks can be open type, closed type with air-water interface or diaphragm type. Tank location will influence the type. Open tanks must be located above the highest point in the system (for example, the penthouse).
Do you need an expansion tank for a closed plumbing system?
A closed plumbing system prevents water from flowing in the reverse direction (i.e., water won’t flow back into city lines once it enters your home’s pipes). Since most new homes are built with a closed plumbing system, chances are, you’ll need an expansion tank. We’ll explain why below. In this article, we’ll cover the following topics:
What are the key concepts in the expansion tank design?
The key concepts are: 1. Pressurizing the air side of the tank to equal the static pressure of the water at the expansion tank location and before adding water to the system. This prevents cold water from partially compressing the air in the tank.
How do I increase the static pressure in my expansion tank?
Pressurizing the air side of the tank to equal the static pressure of the water at the expansion tank location and before adding water to the system. This prevents cold water from partially compressing the air in the tank. The diaphragm only begins to compress when the water temperature rises. 2.