What Is A Thermal Expansion Tank For Water Heater? Read These Awesome Facts!

Are you wondering what is a thermal expansion tank for water heater? Stop wondering, and start reading this article. The thermal expansion tank prevents increased water pressure by handling the thermal expansion of water as it warms up in the water heater.

The force of water that is too excessive may harm piping fittings, supplying line couplings, and the water heater component. Water from the water heater expands and goes into the expansion tank, reducing system water pressure. 

what is a thermal expansion tank for water heater

Whenever you heat water, it expands. Thermal expansion seems to be the technical term for this. That additional water must go somewhere because the water heater can only hold so many gallons. Excess pressure is absorbed by an expansion tank, which relieves stress on the water heater and piping system. It’s better to use a thermal expansion tank to avoid any loss. Friends, this is just a small overview, so let us get into the deep without further ado!

 

What Does Thermal Expansion Mean?

When the temperature of a substance rises, it tends to expand in volume and mass. It was one of those fundamental scientific laws which pertain to almost everything. In one home, water is the most vulnerable to thermal expansion. You should be aware of it because all of the home’s water is kept together by extremely rigid pipelines. Water heaters are among the essential components of the modern environment, and we frequently take them for well. It’s always on, heating water for our toilets, showers, and other equipment. As well as, the water in the tank expands every time it turns on. So, what is a thermal expansion tank for water heater?

 

Basics Of Thermal Expansion Tank

The real heroes of modern plumbing were thermal expansion tanks. These provide a place for all excess water just to go so the rest of the plumbing system may function without worrying about water pressure. The thermal expansion tank seems to be a small tank attached to the water heater’s intake line. Compressed air, as well as a bladder, are contained within the tank. Such compressed air is pressured to meet the water pressure in the house. Whenever the water heater is turned on and the fluid in its tank begins to expand, the water pressure in the tank starts to exceed the compressed air pressure in the expansion tank.

The high-pressure water finds its way into the bladder of the expansion tank. The total water pressure in the pipework begins to drop as the bladder gets full. However, an expansion tank is not infallible. If the water heater gets set very high, there would be too much expansion and not enough capacity in the tank to accommodate all of the water. Because of this, water heater makers install a pressure relief valve on heater tanks. The final line of defense for the water heater is the pressure release valve. They execute their work in a more basic manner, just letting the surplus water run out into a pan or straight onto the ground.

Rising water pressure could also trigger pipe breaks, resulting in significant property loss and destruction. This seems to be particularly true in the wintertime, whenever freezing conditions may lead to ice buildup in pipelines, resulting in increased water pressure. So, the thermal expansion tank plays a vital role in detailing such problems, and you are now well aware of what is a thermal expansion tank for a water heater and its importance. I guess it’s helpful to read about why you need a thermal expansion tank.

 

What Happens To All That Surplus Water?

You’d assume it would effortlessly pour from your home, but that’s not too simple. Most houses have a sealed plumbing system, which means that any extra water is confined. There are two types of piping systems: open and shut. Water will flow in or out of the house via the water main in an available system. Because the entering water is flowing at a lower pressure, water would flow naturally out of the system if the water pressure rises due to thermal expansion. This is impossible in a closed system. 

And in truth, many residences in the United States run on such a secure system. There are several causes for all of this. First, an open network might represent a public health issue related to the public water supply. Drinking water is contaminated by silt or debris from ancient lead pipes. To avoid backflow into the general supplies, check valves are installed in the household piping system. The presence of pressure-lowering valves seems to be another reason why most residences employ closed techniques.

Because city water supplies often pump water at high pressure, pressure controllers are installed in homes to reduce the water pressure to safe limits. This safeguards the pipes and fittings from damage caused by excessive force. So, how does the plumbing system deal with additional force and volume created by the water heater if water can’t exit the home?  A thermal expansion tank must be used here to function. 

 

It’s A Wrap!

We appreciate you learning what is a thermal expansion tank for water heater. The thermal expansion controls the water expansion, so it’s better to install it to avoid any significant loss. Don’t hesitate to know these things too; read about how to know if your portable water expansion tank is damaged and how to install expansion tank on water heater. Thank you, my friends, for staying with us.

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