Handling the pressure with expansion tanks
Is an expansion tank required?Private, older public, and some other water distribution systems may not require an expansion tank to be installed. This is because these systems may be considered "open", since they lack pressure regulators and/or backflow preventers. Plumbing code changes intended to prevent the contamination of the public water supplies, have made backflow prevention a requirement in most current new builds. While this may be a good change for the water supply, it can be a damaging change to your plumbing system.
Before pressure reducing valves and backflow preventers were used, any excess pressure in your system could easily spread back into the water distribution system. This meant any thermal expansion of the water caused by your domestic hot water (DHW) system, could easily be dissipated back through the distribution system. Now that backflow prevention is required, your plumbing system has become a "closed" system, and a new way must be employed to prevent over pressurization.
This is where expansion tanks come in. Expansion tanks are used to absorb any excess pressure created due to thermal expansion, which prevents an over pressurization of the system. In any situation where water in a "closed system" is heated, an expansion tank is required.
Symptoms of an over pressurized systemHigh pressure in a plumbing system can damage any fixture connected to the system, including faucets, taps, toilets, washing machines, dish washers, water heaters, etc. It can also lead to leaks, running toilets, difficult to operate faucets and taps, and even burst pipes. A frequent symptom of an over pressurized system, is a sudden surge of water when a faucet is turned on. The surge will quickly dissipate, and won't return even if you close and reopen the valve.
If the over pressurization is caused by thermal expansion, you may only notice symptoms occasionally and seemingly randomly. This is because the pressure in the system increases when the water heater is heating, and all fixtures are closed. The pressure diminishes when any fixture is opened, or as the water cools. The problem may only be observed when the system pressure is at its highest, which may only be on rare occasions.
What is an expansion tank? An expansion tank physically resembles a small propane tank.
Normally the tank will be completely filled with air, and the diaphragm will be pressing against the water inlet. As the water pressure increases, it compresses the lower pressure air in the tank, and the tank fills with water. When the system water pressure decreases, the air pressure forces the water out of the tank, and back into the pipes.
How do I install an expansion tank?
Expansion tanks are installed on the cold water supply of a domestic hot water tank, or boiler. The installation process is fairly easy, usually only requiring a tee fitting to be added to the water line.
PositioningThe first step in installing an expansion tank, is to decide where you want it. We already know that the tank must be installed between the cold water shut off, and the water heater inlet. So we know where it has to connect to the system, but we still have to decide where the tank itself will sit.
Up, Down, Left, or Right?
Most tanks can be installed in any orientation, though there are advantages to some positions. For example. If you install the tank vertically with the air side up, and the tanks bladder ever fails. The tank may continue to function (though at a reduced capacity), until the air escapes from the tank. Whereas, if the tank was installed with the air side down, and the bladder failed. The air would immediately move to the top of the tank, and the tank would fill completely with water.
Support
While most smaller tanks can be supported by the plumbing itself, it can be a good idea to support the tank by other means. Water weighs about 8.34 lbs/gallon, which means even a properly functioning tank can weigh quite a bit. Lets look at an example tank.Tank Capacity: 4.4 gallons.Maximum Accept Capacity: 2.5 gallonsTank Weight: 8 lbsMaximum Properly Functioning Weight:
2.5 gallons * 8.35 lbs/gal. + 8 lbs = 28.875 lbs.Maximum Failure Weight:
4.4 gallons * 8.35 lbs/gal. + 8 lbs = 44.74 lbs.Even when the tank is in working order and fills to maximum capacity, you could end up with almost 29 lbs hanging from your pipes. Because of this, it may be a good idea to attach the tank to a nearby structural member. This can be easily accomplished, using straps and/or brackets designed for this purpose.
InstallationNow that we've decided where the tank will connect to the plumbing, and where the tank will spend the rest of its life. It's time to start the actual installation.
Turn off the water
The first thing you'll have to do is to figure out how to turn off the water heater/boiler, and then actually turn it off. Next you'll have to locate the cold water supply shutoff valve, and turn the valve to the closed (off) position. Finally, turn on (open) the lowest hot water tap in the house. This will release any built up pressure, and prevent water from spraying out when you cut the pipe in the next step.
Mark and cut the pipe
Use the tee as a guide, and mark the pipe where you'll be installing the tee. Cut the pipe at your marks, using a pipe cutter.
Check the system pressure
At this point you'll want to close the faucet you opened, and open the shutoff valves (make sure you cap the extension pipe, or close the valve on the extension, or you'll have water everywhere). Turn on all the hot water fixtures in the house until water flows normally (no sputtering), to insure the system is filled and at full pressure. Check for, and repair leaks.
Attach a pressure gauge to any part of your plumbing system. Some gauges contain threads for a garden faucet, or you can attach one to the extension where the expansion tank will be installed. Once the gauge is attached, open the valve to get a reading on the gauge. Note the pressure. If the pressure is not within the normal range of 40 - 80 psi, you'll have to take steps to correct it (which is not covered in this article).
Pre-pressurize the tank
Most expansion tanks come pressurized to 12 - 40 psi, but before you install the tank you have to match the system pressure. Start by removing the protective cover from the air valve on the tank. Use a tire gauge to check the pressure. Use a bicycle pump, or compressor, to fill the tank to match the system pressure you noted earlier.
Mount the tank
Attach the tank to the plumbing, and mount it using your straps and/or brackets. Turn everything on, and check for/repair any leaks. Stand back and revel in your success.
MaintenanceYou can quickly verify the tank is working at any time, with a simple tap. When you tap on the air side of the tank, you should hear a hollow sounding dong. If you hear a solid sounding thud, the tank has failed, and is filled with water. In this case, the tank will have to be replaced.
Check the tank pressure
Once a year (see owners manual for schedule) or so, the air pressure in the tank should be checked. To do this, you'll have to isolate the tank from the water systems pressure (Once again the extra valve and spigot come in handy). As before, you'll have to shut off, open, close, or disconnect things until there is no pressure on the water side of the tank. Once you've accomplished that, use a tire gauge to check the air pressure. Add/remove air as needed. Repressurize the water system, and you're good for another year.
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