Water heaters are essential in every home. Yet, as helpful as they may be, challenges can also be associated with them. One issue that homeowners don’t always know about is the need for an expansion tank. Mr. Rooter Plumbing explores why installing an expansion tank is smart when you need tankless water heater repair.
Understanding the Purpose of an Expansion Tank
As its name suggests, an expansion tank is a small tank added to your water heating system. Its main job is to handle excess pressure created when water heats up. Water naturally expands as it heats, which is known as thermal expansion. If this expansion has nowhere to go, it can pressure your entire plumbing system.
Think of it like filling up a balloon: as you add more water, pressure builds, and at a certain point, if the pressure becomes too high, something could break or burst. Without an expansion tank, that pressure can wear down your water heater, pipes, and even fixtures.
How Thermal Expansion Affects Your Water Heater and Plumbing
When water heats up inside a traditional or tankless water heater, it needs room to expand. Without an expansion tank, this expanding water has no choice but to put extra pressure on your water heater tank and pipes. Over time, this pressure can cause:
Latest Blog Updates
Nov 15, 2024 When temperatures dip below freezing, pipes become susceptible to freezing and bursting, resulting in serious water damage and costly repairs that must be addressed immediately. You can help safeguard against freezing pipes by taking effective…
Read More 
Nov 09, 2024 Faucets help regulate water flow throughout our homes. Various kinds of faucets are explicitly designed to serve multiple functions. In this article by Mr. Rooter Plumbing, they explore their use and how faucet installers help…
Read More - Damage to the Water Heater: Constant pressure buildup can cause wear and tear on your water heater, leading to leaks or other issues. Whether you have a standard heater or need tankless water heater repair, dealing with this pressure can add up to high repair costs.
- Increased Pressure in the Pipes: High water pressure isn’t just hard on your water heater and affects your pipes and fixtures. Without an expansion tank to handle the extra pressure, your pipes are at a greater risk of leaking or bursting, leading to more expensive repairs from a plumber or plumbing repair service.
Benefits of Adding an Expansion Tank to Your Water Heater
Here’s how it can make your life easier:
- Improved Water Heater Longevity: Installing an expansion tank helps keep pressure down, which means less wear and tear on the water heater.
- Reduced Plumbing Repairs: Excessive pressure can damage pipes, causing them to leak or even burst. An expansion tank absorbs that pressure, which means fewer calls to the plumbing repair service and reduced risk of leaks around the home.
- Better Overall Efficiency: With an expansion tank, your water heater doesn’t have to work as hard to heat water. Reducing strain on the heater and plumbing system will likely result in some energy savings.
- Protection for Tankless Water Heaters: An expansion tank is just as important if you have a tankless water heater. Even though tankless systems don’t store hot water, they still create pressure. An expansion tank can help prevent issues requiring a tankless water heater repair in Cranesville.
When Should You Get an Expansion Tank?
Not every water heating system needs an expansion tank, but certain conditions make them more necessary. Here are some situations when adding one is especially beneficial:
- Closed Water System: If your home has a closed water system with a backflow preventer or pressure-regulating valve, it’s almost essential to install an expansion tank. Excess pressure cannot escape in a closed system, increasing the risk of damage to your water heater and pipes.
- New Water Heater Installation: When installing a new water heater, it’s a good idea to ask a plumbing service if an expansion tank should be included. Many areas have building codes requiring new installation expansion tanks to prevent plumbing issues.
- Signs of High Water Pressure: If you notice your faucets, pipes, or other fixtures are under high pressure, or you hear banging sounds in the pipes, this could be a sign that you need an expansion tank. A plumber can check the pressure levels in your system and let you know if an expansion tank is necessary.
How a Plumber Can Help with Expansion Tank Installation
Adding an expansion tank is generally not a do-it-yourself project; it’s best left to a professional plumber or plumbing service. Installing the tank involves working with your plumbing and ensuring everything is set up to handle the water pressure safely.
Most plumbers can assess your entire water heating setup, from traditional heaters to tankless models, and determine the best way to add an expansion tank. They’ll ensure everything meets local plumbing codes and that your system runs efficiently, lowering the likelihood of needing a tankless water heater repair or other plumbing repair services.
How to Maintain Your Expansion Tank and Water Heater
Once you’ve installed an expansion tank, it’s essential to keep it well-maintained. Here are some tips:
- Regular Inspections: Like your water heater, your expansion tank should be inspected periodically. A quick check by a plumbing service can help catch any issues early and keep everything running smoothly.
- Check the Pressure: The pressure in your expansion tank should match your home’s water pressure. If the pressure is too low or high, a plumber can adjust it to prevent wear and tear on your water heater.
- Flush the Water Heater: Flushing your water heater every six months can help prevent sediment buildup and extend the life of your water heater and expansion tank.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing
Adding an expansion tank to your water heating system may seem small, but it can make a big difference. So next time you talk to Mr. Rooter Plumbing, ask about adding an expansion tank—you’ll be glad you did!
