Is an expansion tank necessary on a hot water heater?
When is it required? 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. A common illustration compares having high water pressure in your home to having high blood pressure.
Is expansion tank required by code?
The California Plumbing Code (Section 608.3) and the California Mechanical Code (Section 1005.0) requires a thermal expansion tank, or listed equivalent, to be installed to water heating systems to relieve excessive building pressure during the heating process.
When were water heater expansion tanks required?
2008
Expansion Tanks – In 2008, the California Plumbing Code began to require expansion tanks for a ‘closed plumbing system.
Why put an expansion tank on a water heater?
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 side of the water heater does the expansion tank go on?
Although expansion tanks can be installed on the hot side, we strongly recommend they be installed on the cold line, downstream of the shutoff valve.
When do you need an expansion tank for a water heater?
An expansion tank would be required if a check valve / back flow preventer has been installed on a cold water supply line creating what is referred to as closed water system.
Do you need an expansion tank in Texas?
If you live in Texas, you need an expansion tank as well as a pressure regulation valve. Texas has a statewide law about these matters, and it’s part of the overall building code for any home in the area. Do I need more than one water expansion tank for the multiple heaters that I have?
What should the pressure be on an InterNACHI water heater?
The design pressure for which a tank is rated is marked on a label on the tank, commonly 150 pounds per square inch (PSI) for a residential tank. InterNACHI inspectors should check that tanks are positioned high enough above the water heater that water will easily drain back down into the water heater tank.
Why does water pressure increase in an expansion tank?
These fluctuations occur because water expands in volume as it gets hot and loses volume as it cools. Expanding water volume in a closed system can create dangerously high water pressure.
An expansion tank would be required if a check valve / back flow preventer has been installed on a cold water supply line creating what is referred to as closed water system.
If you live in Texas, you need an expansion tank as well as a pressure regulation valve. Texas has a statewide law about these matters, and it’s part of the overall building code for any home in the area. Do I need more than one water expansion tank for the multiple heaters that I have?
What are the requirements for a water heater inspection?
The following general requirements stated in UPC might vary in your area: “Strapping shall be at points within the upper one-third (1/3) and lower one third (1/3) of its vertical dimensions. At the lower point, a minimum distance of four (4) inches (101.6 mm) shall be maintained above the controls with the strapping”
What happens if your water heater expands too much?
Your water heater is this paper clip; given enough pressure from the expanding and contraction, the tank itself can start leaking or possibly even burst. There are some homes that run on an open water supply system, where the water pushes back into the city water supply and there is no additional strain on the home’s plumbing.
