Show of hands: How many know what an expansion tank is? Better yet, how many know what it does? If your hand stayed down, you’re not alone. Allow us to explain.
An Water Heater Expansion tank looks similar to a propane tank. It sits on top of your water heater and plays a vital role in the water heating process. That’s the simple answer. Now, read on to learn more about what expansion tanks do and how to know if yours is acting up.
What Is An Expansion Tank?
A standard residential expansion tank is similar in size and shape to a propane tank you may have connected to your gas grill. But that’s where the similarities end. The tank has an air valve on top like you’d see on a car tire. Underneath the tank, you’ll find a threaded pipe connection.
How Does An Expansion Tank Work?
Water expands as it heats up. Think of heating water in a tea kettle – once it reaches a boiling point, the pressure inside the kettle causes it to blow out steam and your tea kettle to whistle. Although the water inside a water heater tank doesn’t get nearly that hot, it too expands as it’s heated. The extra pressure created has nowhere to escape and becomes trapped inside your home’s plumbing system. This puts extra stress on your water-using appliances, fixtures, and plumbing supply lines. An expansion tank is designed to absorb that excess pressure.
Half the tank is filled with water from your home’s water supply and the other half with compressed air. The tank also has a rubber bladder in the middle. As the water in the water heater tank heats up and expands, it pushes up against the rubber bladder causing the air inside the expansion tank to further compress, thus absorbing excess pressure. Pretty nifty, huh?
How Long Does an Expansion Tank Last?
Much like anything else, there are numerous factors that determine how long an expansion tank may last before replacement is needed, such as water quality, tank quality, proper inflation, and more. Some tanks fail in as little as 2 years while others deliver 7 years or more of trusty service.
Signs of Failure
Most expansion tanks will fail in one of two ways. First, the connection between the water pipe and tank will corrode and result in a leak. Or the rubber bladder will erode until the tank can no longer function.
Whether your water heater or expansion tank is showing signs of wear or you’re no longer getting the steady and dependable supply of hot water you depend on, contact Norhio Plumbing today so we can ensure you have the most reliable source of hot water possible.
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