How To Install Expansion Tank On Water Heater? 5 Easy Steps!

We noticed that you are looking for an answer to how to install expansion tank on water heater. Installing an expansion is not a big deal and does not require professional help. If you are fond of doing work by your hands, this will be an enjoyable experience for you. 

The expansion tank is an essential part of your house water heater if the water system is closed-loop type. This system does not allow the pressure to get out. Thus, the high pressure of 40 to 80 psi damages the supply lines and fittings of the plumbing. 

how to install expansion tank on water heater

When the water inside the heater reaches the boiling point, it expands in volume, which is termed thermal expansion. This expanded water can come out through the temperature and pressure relief valve. A simple solution is installing an expansion tank to maintain the high pressure coming out. Instead of spilling and making your water heater a mess, the water goes inside the tank. In addition, the life expectancy increases vastly after having a connection with the expansion tank, and both of these work as partners to provide you with hot water.

 

Complete Guide On Hookup Of Expansion Tank

We have listed an easy-to-understand guide on how to install expansion tank on water heater. Follow these steps to relieve your water heater from the pressure. 

 

What Do You Need For The Installation?

First of all, you have to buy an expansion tank. Keep in mind that the tank should be 2 gallons if your heater is 50 gallons. A 4-gallon expansion tank would be an appropriate choice if the water heater’s capacity inside your home were 75 or 100 gallons. 

A pair of pliers, plumbing tape, and pipe joint compound are needed during installation. In addition, you will need some fitting parts to complete the task. These parts include, 

  • 3 to 8 inches nipple
  • 3 quarter T
  • I to 2 ½ inches nipple 
  • 90-degree elbow joint

You must make sure that all these parts are made up of brass. Because brass is an excellent choice, it will not leak or rust easily compared to its other counterparts. In addition, the toughness of brass will free you from giving any support to the expansion tank. 

 

Steps To Install Expansion Tank On Water Heater

Here are the steps to install expansion tank on the water heater:

 

Step #1. Shut-off

You have to shut off all the connections to your water heater. You will be saying shut up to any kind of sad incident by doing so. Have you turned off the gas and water connection to your heater? Let’s move to the next step. Know how to turn off water heater.

 

Step #2. Drain the water

Now you have to open the drain valve and allow the water to disperse out through the drain hose. Make sure that the direction of the hose is directed toward the driveway. Are you all done? Turn off the drain valve. Find out how to drain a hot water heater.

 

Step #3. Check the water pressure

Let the water flow through the faucet to remove any additional pressure. Then shut off the valve and connect the pressure gauge with the faucet. Note the water pressure because you have to fill the expansion tank in the next step.

 

Step #4. Pressurize the expansion tank

Connect the compressor with the electrical outlet. Set the pressure of your home on it. Then connect the compressor’s hose with the tank’s threaded pipe connection. The compressor will stop after reaching the set limit.

 

Step #5. Prepare the brass fittings

Take your nipples and rub their ends against the concrete surface to smooth the sharpness that can eventually damage the rubber washers on the supply lines. After this critical step of smoothing the edges, move to the next step, where you have to wrap Teflon tape on one side of the short nipple and both sides of the large nipple. Ensure that the tape has been wrapped almost five times, and don’t forget to coat the tape with the Teflon PTFE solution for a better connection. Also, repeat this procedure on the water inlet of your water heater.

 

Step #6. Connect the expansion tank

Take your pliers and disconnect the pipe on the cold water supply line. Connect the brass T on the water inlet and short nipple on its upper side. Fix the large nipple on the right side of the T and then connect the elbow joint. Now you are almost done. You have to do some final fittings. Connect the expansion tank with the elbow joint, and the flex pipe with the short nipple on the upper side of the T. Tighten all the fittings with the help of pliers until you are satisfied. 

 

How Much Does it Usually Cost to Install an Expansion Tank On A Water Heater?

It can cost you from $65 to $400 depending on the water heating tank; if you are installing an expansion tank to a residential water heater, the cost would be high compared to other heaters.

 

It’s A Wrap!

Finally, we are wrapping up this step-by-step guide on how to install expansion tank on water heater. You have to follow every detail to avoid any inconvenience while hooking up the tank. You may want to find out when to replace water heater.

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