The expansion tank on a tankless water heater should be installed between the cold water inlet and the heater unit itself. It should be placed close to the heater so that any expansion of the heater’s internal temperature can be safely dispersed with minimal impact on water pressure.
It is also important that the tank be securely attached to the wall in order to prevent any instability during its operation. The tank should also be properly vented so that it can properly channel its contents within the system.
Additionally, all expansion tanks must have a pressure relief valve to ensure its safety under high temperatures and pressure changes. With all these safety measures in place, an expansion tank can ensure that your tankless water heater is working at its peak performance, and last for many years to come.
Does an expansion tank go on supply or return side?
Expansion tanks should be connected to the cold water side of the plumbing system, usually on the return side of the circulator. An expansion tank should never be installed on the outlet side of the pressure regulator, as this could cause premature failure of the pressure regulator, leaving the plumbing system unprotected.
An expansion tank should be installed as close to the pressure regulator as possible, with a properly sized check valve separating the two devices. Depending on the application, a direct connection to the pressure regulator may be possible, although a check valve is still recommended to prevent water from going back into the pressure regulator from the expansion tank.
Do tankless water heaters need overflow pipe?
Yes, tankless water heaters need an overflow pipe. This pipe is essential to the safety of the water heater and is designed to control and release excess pressure in the system. Should the pressure build too high, the water will flow out of the overflow and avoid any potential damage to the water heater.
Additionally, an overflow pipe should also be installed and located outside of the home in case of a catastrophic failure of the water heater itself, in order to protect the occupants and home from any potential flooding.
Without an overflow pipe, your water heater could be at risk of costly and potentially dangerous damage.
What happens if you don’t install an expansion tank?
If an expansion tank is not installed, pressure can build up within the closed water system, leading to various issues that can severely damage the system. This pressure can cause the water heater to malfunction.
It can also cause seals and gaskets to leak, eventually leading to the failure of the system. It can also cause pipes to break due to the increase in pressure, leading to flooding. In addition, hot water can escape from the system quickly, causing an increase in energy usage and reduced efficiency.
In extreme cases, not installing an expansion tank can cause the system to burst, leading to a complete replacement of the system.
Do I need a pressure relief valve for a tankless water heaters?
Yes, you need a pressure relief valve for a tankless water heater. This is a safety device that helps to prevent the heater from building up too much pressure and exploding. Its purpose is to open and release any excess pressure that may have built up in the tank, thus preventing a dangerous situation.
Installing and ensuring the proper functioning of a pressure relief valve is key to maintaining the safety of any water heater system and is an important part of keeping your home and family safe.
What size water heater requires an expansion tank?
Any water heater that has a capacity of more than 50 gallons requires an expansion tank. An expansion tank is designed to help control water temperature and reduce the amount of water loss due to thermal expansion.
The tank works by allowing extra thermal expansion of the water that builds up in the system to be absorbed, which helps to protect against the rise of water pressure. In systems with no expansion tank, that pressure could rise to too high of a level, which could cause permanent damage to the plumbing, water heater, and could even put the home’s occupants at risk.
Therefore, it is vitally important to make sure that any water heater that is larger than a 50-gallon capacity has an expansion tank.
Why does my tankless hot water heater go cold?
There can be several reasons why your tankless hot water heater is going cold. The most common causes are:
1. Low water pressure: A tankless hot water heater needs a certain amount of water pressure to work properly, so if the incoming water pressure is too low, your hot water heater may not be able to provide hot water.
2. Too much demand: Tankless hot water heaters are designed to provide a continuous supply of hot water, but if multiple appliances and faucets are turned on at once, the hot water system may become overwhelmed and go cold as a result.
3. Sediment buildup: Sediment can accumulate in your hot water heater and restrict the flow of water. This can lead to a decrease in water pressure, which can cause the water to become cold.
4. Malfunctioning thermostat: If your thermostat is not set correctly or has malfunctioned, the water may become too hot or too cold.
5. Cracked heat exchanger: If the heat exchanger in your hot water heater has a crack, the water may not be properly heated.
If you suspect any of these issues are causing your tankless hot water heater to go cold, it is important to hire a qualified technician to make sure your system is working properly.
Is an expansion tank really necessary?
An expansion tank is actually essential in any closed hydronic system that contains either hot or chilled water, as the water is continually heated or cooled over time it will expand or contract altering the pressure of the system.
This increase in pressure can cause damage to pumps, valves, and other components of the system, or even the pipes. For this reason, an expansion tank is necessary as it acts as a cushion by taking in the excess pressure and releasing it gradually when needed.
Expansion tanks also provide a convenient respite of air pressure between the system’s water supply and the air pressure of the surrounding environment. If a closed system is not protected by an expansion tank, then it can become corroded over time due to the pressure build up and changes in temperature.
An expansion tank is designed to extend the life of a hydronic system and can help to reduce maintenance costs.
Can you install water heater without expansion tank?
No, it is not recommended to install a water heater without an expansion tank. The expansion tank helps to keep pressure in the water heater system, which is important for its proper functioning. Without an expansion tank, pressure will build up inside the tank, causing the tank to become overheated and risking damage to internal components, as well as causing more frequent maintenance.
Additionally, an expansion tank is necessary to stop thermal energy from the water from affecting the rest of your home’s plumbing system, which can lead to damaging water hammer or pipe distortions.
In short, an expansion tank is necessary for safety, efficient functioning, and proper maintenance of your water heater, so it is highly recommended to install one.
Can I install an expansion tank myself?
Yes, you can install an expansion tank yourself. However, it is highly recommended that installation of an expansion tank be done by a professional. Expansion tanks are designed to absorb the excess pressure of closed water systems and to protect equipment against the damage that can be caused by rapid changes in pressure in the system.
Installing an expansion tank is not a difficult job, but if done incorrectly, it can lead to serious damage to the system. A qualified technician will be able to inspect your existing plumbing system, select the appropriate expansion tank, and provide proper installation.
They will also be able to inspect and monitor the system on an ongoing basis to ensure proper performance.
When did expansion tanks become required?
Expansion tanks are required on closed loop hydronic heating systems that utilize a boiler. The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials adopted Chapters 6 (elevated pressure relief tanks) and 8 (pressurized expansion tanks) of the 2018 edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code, which require that an expansion tank be installed on closed loop systems whenever a circulator pump is installed.
This regulation ensures that the water in the pipes remains in a constant pressure state and minimizes the risk of thermal expansion damages to the system’s components. Expansion tanks need to be fully charged with air pressure to maintain system integrity.
The current requirement for expansion tank sizing requires that all closed loop systems be sized at least 4 gallons (15 L) per square inch (psi) of system pressure.
How far away from a water heater can you install an expansion tank?
The installation requirements for any hot water tank, including those heatsource-type water heaters that are equipped with an internal expansion tank, will vary depending on the regulations specified by your local municipality or the requirements laid out in any applicable building codes.
Generally speaking, however, a water heater expansion tank should be installed as close to the water heater as possible, but not directly attached to the heater itself. This is necessary to avoid damage to the heater or tank due to excessive vibration or heat transfer.
As a general rule of thumb, it’s generally advised to install an expansion tank at least two feet away from the water heater if the region in which it’s being installed has adopted additional safety regulations.
However, it’s important to check with your local municipality to determine if any special requirements apply to expansion tank installation in your area.
How do I check the water pressure in my house?
The easiest way to check the water pressure in your house is to purchase a water pressure gauge from your local home improvement store. Once you’ve installed the gauge, attach it to an outside faucet with a garden hose.
Then turn on the water and read the gauge. Pressure should range between 25 and 55 psi (pound-force per square inch). If it is within this range, your pressure is good. If it is outside of the range, you may need to adjust the pressure regulator that is usually located inside near your water meter.
Generally, this can be adjusted with a wrench set. If adjusting the pressure regulator doesn’t work, you may need a professional plumbing service to check the main water line at the street.
Why do expansion tanks explode?
Expansion tanks explode when pressure builds up in them. This pressure can be caused by a number of factors, including a faulty or clogged pressure relief valve, a malfunctioning temperature and pressure (T & P) relief valve, a water heater that is not adequately ventilated, an old or faulty water heater, or an excessive amount of pressure in the system.
If too much pressure builds up, a rupture or explosion of the tank can occur. To avoid this, it is important to maintain the correct pressure in an expansion tank, inspect it regularly, and replace it when necessary.
Additionally, water heaters should be checked and serviced regularly, and T & P valves should be tested twice a year to ensure they are operating properly.
Can expansion tank be installed anywhere?
No, an expansion tank cannot be installed anywhere. Expansion tanks need to be installed near the water heater where changes in water pressure can be monitored. The tank should be placed between the water heater and the incoming water line.
Expansion tanks should be equipped with cooling coats so that they do not come into direct contact with the hot water produced by the heater, which can cause them to overheat and break. It is also important to secure the tank securely to a wall or floor to prevent it from falling.
Additionally, it is recommended to install the tank in an area with enough space to service the tank and the water heater quickly if needed.