What Is the Purpose of a Water Heater Expansion Tank?

As water heats up in a water heater, it naturally expands, a process known as thermal expansion. This expansion increases the volume of water, leading to excess pressure within the water heater's tank. In the past, this expanding water would simply flow back into the municipal water supply where it originated. However, modern plumbing systems are equipped with check valves that prevent water from flowing backward into the public supply, reducing the risk of contamination.

The check valve ensures that the water inside your home stays separate from the external supply, but it also traps the expanding water within the system. Without a way to relieve the increased pressure, this can lead to damage in your pipes, water heater, and plumbing fixtures. This is where the water heater expansion tank comes into play.

What is a Water Heater Expansion Tank?

A water heater expansion tank is a small, secondary tank that attaches to the water supply pipe leading to the water heater. Its primary role is to absorb the extra volume created when water heats up and expands. By providing this additional space, the expansion tank prevents dangerous pressure from building up in your water heater and plumbing system.

How Does It Work?

The expansion tank is divided into two chambers: one filled with air and the other meant to hold water. As the water in the heater expands, it flows into the tank, compressing the air in the other chamber. This compression relieves the pressure within the closed water system. By regulating pressure in this way, the tank protects vulnerable components like:

• Valves in plumbing fixtures
• Joints in supply pipes
• Seals and gaskets within the water heater itself

Without this pressure relief, over time, these components can fail, resulting in leaks, broken pipes, or a damaged water heater.

How Does Thermal Expansion Occur in Water Heaters?

Thermal expansion is a basic principle of physics. When water is heated, its molecules move faster and spread out, increasing the volume. In a confined space like a water heater, this expanded water has no room to go unless an expansion tank is present.

The amount of expansion depends on the temperature change:

• Water expands by approximately 4% when it heats from 40°F to 212°F. While this may seem like a small increase, in a closed system, even a slight expansion can cause significant pressure buildup.
• In homes without an expansion tank, this pressure can manifest as water hammer, leaking faucets, or even burst pipes.

What if my water heater doesn't have an expansion tank?

Why Some Homes Don’t Have Expansion Tanks

Many homes built before certain plumbing codes were enacted may not have an expansion tank, as they were not a standard requirement. In older systems, open water systems allowed the expanding water to flow back into the city’s water lines. However, in most modern homes with closed water systems (due to check valves or pressure-regulating valves), this is no longer possible.

Potential Risks Without an Expansion Tank

If your home doesn’t have an expansion tank, you could still be at risk of pressure-related issues. Here's what you might notice:

• Rapidly deteriorating washers in faucets and fixtures
• Frequent dripping from the water heater’s pressure relief valve
• Increased water hammer (loud banging sounds in the pipes)

These symptoms may indicate that your system is struggling to manage the excess pressure. Installing an expansion tank provides a low-cost solution to mitigate these risks, protecting your plumbing system from costly repairs.

When to Consider Adding an Expansion Tank

• New Water Heater Installations: If you are installing a new water heater, check your local building codes. Many municipalities now require expansion tanks in homes with backflow prevention devices like check valves.
• Pressure Relief Valve Dripping: If you notice that your pressure relief valve is constantly dripping, it could be a sign of excessive pressure that an expansion tank could help regulate.
• Frequent Plumbing Repairs: Homeowners experiencing frequent repairs to plumbing fixtures or pipes may want to consider adding an expansion tank as preventive maintenance.

If you have a problem with your water heater, give the pros at ABC Plumbing a call at (888) 868-6667 now.