Are you looking for a hot water heater expansion tank in Edmond, OK? Contact Champion Plumbing for a look at what’s on offer!
How often do you think about your property’s water heater? Unless it isn’t working properly and you’re suffering through cold water showers, probably not often. However, while water heaters aren’t at the forefront of daily maintenance considerations, they play an important role in keeping your family comfortable, so they deserve some proper attention every now and then.
One way to keep your water heater working properly year-round is by installing a water heater expansion tank. So, as a provider of water heater repair in OKC, Champion Plumbing explains the mechanism behind expansion tanks and the benefits they offer.
Water Heater Expansion Tanks: What Are They, and How Do They Work?
What is a water heater expansion tank? Most homeowners don’t know what a hot water heater expansion tank is until they need one.
These expansion tanks first appeared on the scene in 2007 or 2008, when videos of water heaters exploding went viral. At this time, countless homeowners expressed concern about the safety of their units because heaters were exploding due to thermal expansion. That’s when building codes changed to incorporate some preventative measures, including hot water heater expansion tanks.
How do water heater expansion tanks directly address the threat of thermal expansion to keep your water heater and home safe? When the temperature of water increases, it expands outwards to cause excess pressure within the water heater. Without release, this can end up damaging valves, plumbing, and the water heater itself, so a water heater expansion tank does just that—it relieves the pressure by accommodating water overflow.
Also known as a thermal expansion tank, these smaller tanks attach to the water supply pipe of the main water heater. Whenever the water temperature rises, and the water expands, it overflows into this smaller tank. It’s a simple mechanism, but it effectively prevents damaged water heater valves and serious hazards like explosions.
Does My Home Need a Water Heater Expansion Tank?
While water heater expansion tanks prevent major issues, not all water heaters require them. In fact, since expansion tanks weren’t a building requirement until recently, many homes still don’t have them or have a check valve on their water main instead. Depending on the specific layout of your home’s plumbing, a tank with a check valve may be safe from excess pressure buildup.
So, how do you know if your water heater is a type that requires an expansion tank? The main sign is deterioration in your plumbing fixtures or pipe system. Thermal expansion tanks offer an affordable backup plan, protecting your home from expensive repairs and safety hazards.
Are you seriously considering an expansion tank? A consultation with a plumber is a great idea. These plumbing professionals will assess your home’s pipes, water heater, and overall plumbing system to determine if an expansion tank could be beneficial.
The Advantages of a Thermal Expansion Tank
Having a water heater expansion tank offers numerous benefits. For example, expansion tanks come with the following benefits for your plumbing system:
- Another layer of security on top of the pressure relief valves
- Stops leaks caused by pressure buildups
- Saves you money on plumbing repairs
- Keeps your water heater functioning, ensuring warm water for your home
On the plus side, these expansion tanks are also incredibly easy to install. They’re small units that take up very little space, so the installation is typically uncomplicated.
How Much Do Hot Water Heater Expansion Tanks Cost?
The exact cost of a thermal expansion tank’s unit and installation varies depending on several factors. If your plumbing system is particularly complicated, this may increase the overall cost of your hot water heater expansion tank because it takes a longer time to get right.
Installing the tank on your own is a risk, however. Improper installation often creates further issues down the line, leading to expensive repairs, voided warranties, and more.
Are Expansion Tanks Permanent?
Water heater expansion tanks don’t last forever, and these units require replacement every five to ten years, depending on their condition. You can extend the lifespan of your expansion tank with proper care. For example, it’s important to ensure the tank’s pressure and incoming water pressure match.
If you can protect the durability and function of your backflow prevention device and prevent leak issues with the valves, the expansion tank will last a long time. Regular maintenance is a great way of addressing issues before they arise, but almost all tanks will still require replacement after about a decade.
How Can I Check That My Water Heater Expansion Tank Is Working?
Your expansion tank will eventually deteriorate and lose function. Checking that it works properly is essential and lets you know it’s time for replacement. Perform the following tasks to confirm your expansion tank is working correctly:
Observe Water Pressure
Has it been a while since you’ve run hot water? Observe how it flows the first time you use it. Water that shoots out faster than normal indicates pressure buildup.
Check the Air Valve
Thermal expansion tanks contain air valves called Schrader valves. Check your tank by releasing a small amount of air. If only air comes out, your tank is working properly (if water leaks out, the tank has a ruptured bladder and needs repairs).
Tap the Outside of the Tank
Tapping the outside of the expansion tank with a metal object is a simple way of checking its function. The top of the tank should sound different from the bottom of the tank when tapped because, in a functioning tank, the top contains air and the bottom contains water.
Champion Plumbing: The Leading Hot Water Heater Expansion Tank Installers in Oklahoma
Installing a hot water heater expansion tank safeguards your home from costly damage. Why not see how Champion Plumbing can help you as a leading provider of water heater expansion tank installation and other plumbing services in the area?
If you have questions or notice signs of bad plumbing in your Edmond, Oklahoma, home, call Champion Plumbing at 405-433-6745 today!
