BBB Review of All Around Plumbing in Frisco, TX

BBB Review of All Around Plumbing in Frisco, TX

Water Heater Expansion Tanks

Why do I need and expansion tank? Water heaters are
fitted with expansion tanks to control thermal expansion created when water is
heated by your water heater. They prevent water heater damage and malfunctions
in closed loop systems. If water heater failure occurs you can have property
damage from water. If your water heaters internal flue collapses your water
heater can give off deadly carbon monoxide. Which can poison you and make you
very ill or worse you could die.  

  What is closed loop system? A closed loop system
is any domestic water system that does not have a way for water to flow back
towards the meter or city supply. This is done when you or your city places a
backflow devise in the domestic system after or in your water meter.  These are
more common than you might think. Todays newer homes have PRV’s pressure
reducing valves which only let water flow one way. Double check valves which do
the same thing for your sprinkler systems to keep you from poisoning your self
by adding lawn chemicals to your lawn only allow water to flow in one direction
also. Some cities place check valves in the water meters to protect the public
water supply.

  So if you have a closed loop system your water heater will
heat the water in the water heater and the water pressure will increase. This is
thermal expansion. This not only affects your water heater but all your
appliances. When your water heater heats the hot side of the system it also puts
pressure on the incoming cold side of the system to. This can lead to all kinds
of system failures like faucets, toilets, washer machines, ice makers,
dishwashers and any thing else connected to the water supply in your
home.

  Expansion tanks work very simple. Your water heater
heats the water and it expands. Your expansion tank has a rubber bladder that is
filled with air. This air filled bladder acts like an air cushion that gives the
water somewhere to go. Remember water is not compressible. It is that simple but
could make a big difference in the life of your plumbing fixtures and your water
heater.

  Where do I install an expansion tank and what size do I get?  Each manufacture has
recommendations as to the location and orientation of the expansion tank. The
other information you will need when installing an expansion tank for your water
heater are? The size of your water heater and the water pressure at residents or
place of business. The reason this is important is the more water your water
heater holds the greater the volume your expansion tank has to handle. An
average 40 gallon water heater when it heats water from 50 degrees to 120 will
add about ½ gallon of water from thermal expansion. The reason you need to match
the water pressure is so the air bladder function properly in your expansion
tank. If the pressure coming in is greater than what your tank is rated for it
will fill up and do nothing but fail prematurely.

This is nothing new expansion tanks are requires by all plumbing codes where you have a closed loop system. If you have questions call us today.

  When was the last time your water heater was changed? Can you afford water
damage a water heater makes when the tank starts leaking. Even if your insurance
covers it there are things that can’t be replaced at any cost when a water
heater goes out. Even if you are covered you still have a deductable. Have you
ever been on vacation and came home to a home flooded by a hot water heater? When you’re looking for a new water heater, keep in mind that the money you spend now
may well be an investment that pays off in the long run.

  Did you know water heaters require a city inspection? Did you also know over 500 water
heaters explode in Texas each year, due to improper installations? No wonder the State of
Texas requires an inspection on water heaters. Don’t let your families well
being and safety depend on any plumber. Statistics provided by TSBPE

All Around Plumbing  http://mytxplumber.com/
Frisco, Texas