For many homeowners, the water heater is an essential tool which works round the clock to provide a more comfortable living. We all need hot water, and it has to be constantly available until any problem causes the water heater to fail. However, some parts of the heater make it more long lasting and reliable in functionality.
You will have to provide regular maintenance, and knowledge of all components will help you understand the way a water heater works. The water heater expansion tank is a crucial part of the equipment, but what is the function of this component? We will discuss tis in detail for your understanding.
What is An Expansion Tank?
An expansion tank in the water heater is a small tank attached to the water supply pipe of the heater. Tis tank is designed to handle the expansion due to the heating of the water. This tank is in place to avoid any malfunction due to the expansion of pipes or the buildup of pressure in the pipes.
All the new water heater systems in the USA have to have an expansion tank because it is necessary to avoid pipe bursts due to pressure. Expansion tans are usually required for a longer life of water heaters and can save users from unwanted accidents.
Why is an Expansion Tank Necessary?
If you fill a pot with water and place it on the stove, the water expands as it heats. This expansion causes the water level to rise, and it can overflow if you use a small vessel. This principle of thermal expansion applies to your water heater as well. When water inside the tank heats, it expands in volume. The older models of water heaters and plumbing systems were risky because they did not have expansion tanks. Expansion tanks are usually required, but the law has made them a necessity because of the accidents that you can avoid with them.
The Expansion Tank is A Safety Net
Water heater expansion tanks were introduced in the 1950s, and since then, the reduction in pipe bursts and serious water heater accidents have made this tool an integral component. This tank is made of steel and is installed on the cold supply line. There is a place inside the water heater for the expanding water, and the tank’s interior is divided by a rubber diaphragm, which is also called the bladder.
As the water heats and expands, it enters the tank, compressing the air trapped within the bladder. When hot water is used, and the temperature decreases, the compressed air pushes the water back into the main water supply. The design of this tank is such that it safeguards the pipes and prevents pressure in the pipes. As the water is pushed back into the main supply, your water heater will use less energy to heat the water inside.
What Makes Expansion Tank A Must?
As mentioned earlier, expansion tanks can avoid accidents such as pipe bursts, but is that all the reason? Expansion tanks are usually required to provide consistent hot water. The tank also acts as a reservoir, which ensures that when the tap is on, you get a consistent supply of hot water instead of getting a few minutes of hot water followed by a shocking drop in the temperature of the water.
In many areas, water heater expansion tanks are usually required by plumbing codes for water heating systems with specific features like backflow prevention devices, pressure-reducing valves, or check valves. These valves can trap pressure in the pipes, which can be disastrous if the pressure builds up and the pipes burst. However, the need for an expansion tank may vary depending on your specific setup. For instance, open plumbing systems, such as open-loop solar heating or gravity-fed systems, may not require an expansion tank.
Getting an Expansion Tank Installed
Some homeowners who can work on the plumbing in their homes might be able to install an expansion tank in the water heater. However, we recommend that you get some help from a professional plumber. The installation process can be technical as it starts with shutting off the water supply and then dissembling the heater. The plumber will have to drain the water from the heater and connect the cold water line to the expansion tank. Improper installation can compromise the tank’s effectiveness and may even be dangerous to use.
What Can Cause an Expansion Tank to Fail?
Several factors can contribute to an expansion tank’s demise over time. Here are some common culprits:
• Corrosion: The internal components of the tank can succumb to corrosion due to chemical reactions with the water.
• Waterlogging: If the tank becomes saturated with water, it loses its ability to regulate pressure effectively.
• High Water Pressure: Excessive pressure within the system can lead to the tank’s rupture or failure.
• Improper Installation: Incorrect positioning or faulty connections can compromise the tank’s functionality.
• Age: Like all mechanical components, expansion tanks have a lifespan and eventually require replacement.
We always recommend homeowners to hire professional plumbers to ensure that there is no risk involved. Installing an expansion tank in a water heater might look like an easy task, but it comes with some risks and may even be a little dangerous. If the water is heated and something goes wrong, homeowners might not be able to address the issue immediately. Expansion tans are an integral part of the water heater, and it is best to get it installed and fixed by professional plumbers.
Conclusion
A water tank is an integral part of the home equipment because it can promise a more comfortable daily life for all of us. The expansion tank inside the water heater is a crucial component and can save you and your home from disastrous accidents that can ruin the plumbing and obstruct the water supply for a long.
We have discussed all the reasons why expansion tanks are usually required. Whenever you have to get this tank installed or repaired, hire a professional plumber to get an efficient job done.
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