An expansion tank is an important component of any water heater system, as it helps to maintain the correct pressure within the system and prevents damage from occurring. But with so many tanks available today, how do you know which is best for your home? This article will outline the different types of expansion tanks and advise a professional plumber to choose an expansion tank for your home.
Types of Expansion Tanks
A. Non-Pressurized Tanks
1. Basic tanks
These are the most common expansion tanks, which use a diaphragm or bladder to separate the water from the air inside the tank. Depending on space availability, they come in many different sizes and can be installed either horizontally or vertically. These tanks are most commonly used with boiler systems. They are meant to provide an area of low pressure where thermal expansion can occur without causing significant damage to system components.
2. Flexible tanks
These tanks use a flexible bag or bladder instead of a rigid diaphragm. They are often preferred for their ability to adapt to changes in water temperature by expanding or contracting as needed, thus reducing pressure on system components. Additionally, they take up less space than traditional non-pressurized tanks and can be used in tight spaces where traditional models may not fit due to size constraints.
B. Pressurized Tanks
1. Closed-type pressurized tanks
As the name implies, these tanks use a hermetically sealed chamber filled with compressed air or nitrogen gas at higher pressures than those in non-pressurized tanks. This allows them to handle larger volumes of water while providing greater protection against high temperatures and overpressure incidents caused by thermal expansion. Additionally, these expansion tanks are more efficient at delivering hot water throughout a system as they maintain a constant pressure within the tank regardless of how much water flows into or out of it.
2. Open-type pressurized tanks
These expansion tanks utilize an open chamber with no internal pressure and rely solely on atmospheric pressure to contain the water within its confines. While this makes them less efficient than closed-type pressurized models, they can still handle large volumes of water. They also offer greater protection against high temperatures and overpressure incidents caused by thermal expansion due to their relatively low cost compared to closed-type models.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Expansion Tank
When choosing an expansion tank, it is important to consider the following factors:
Material Options
One of the first things you should consider when buying an expansion tank is the material it’s made from. Three main materials are used: steel, polypropylene, and diaphragm. Steel tanks are usually rust-proof but can corrode over time due to corrosion inhibitors that wear down with age. Polypropylene tanks are lightweight and won’t corrode; however, they can crack or become brittle over time. Diaphragm tanks are made from two layers of rubber sealed together, and they provide better insulation than the other two options but can also be more expensive. You should consult a professional plumber in Grand Prairie, TX for the best material.
Size Considerations
The size of the expansion tank is also important and should be determined based on the volume of water in your system. A larger tank will provide more protection against high temperatures and overpressure incidents caused by thermal expansion. At the same time, a smaller one will be cheaper but less effective at reducing water pressure. To ensure you don’t pick an expansion tank that won’t fit your system, consult a professional plumber to determine the proper size for your needs.
Installation and Maintenance
When choosing an expansion tank, it is important to consider the level of installation and maintenance required. After all, if a tank is not properly installed and maintained, it will likely fail to protect the entire system from potential accidents such as overpressurization or water hammer. Using a qualified plumber when installing an expansion tank is essential since a lack of proper comprehension could lead to disastrous consequences.
Depending on your tank type, maintenance requirements may range from occasional inspections to regular cleaning and maintenance. If a tank is not properly maintained, it can cause damage to the system and reduce its overall efficiency. You should consult a professional plumber in Grand Prairie, TX to determine the maintenance requirements for your chosen expansion tank before making a final decision.
Pressure Ratings
Another factor to consider when choosing an expansion tank is its pressure rating. The higher the pressure rating, the more reliable it will be under high-pressure conditions. It is important to understand your system’s pressurization requirements before choosing an expansion tank to ensure it can handle the pressure and volume of water.
Otherwise, you may call a plumber to replace it sooner than anticipated. You should also check with your local building codes to ensure that any tank you buy meets its minimum safety requirements. When working with a professional plumber, they can recommend an expansion tank that meets your needs and local regulations.
Cost Considerations
Finally, the cost is always something to consider when choosing an expansion tank for your home or business. Of course, you want something reliable and efficient, but you also don’t want to break the bank. Generally, steel tanks tend to be more expensive than polypropylene and diaphragm models due to their high durability and corrosion resistance. However, working with a professional plumber in Grand Prairie, TX can often help you find a model that meets your budget without sacrificing quality or safety.
Let Our Plumbing Professionals Help
At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth, our experienced plumbers are here to help you make the best choice for your home. We understand that choosing an expansion tank can be difficult and should never be taken lightly. Our experts have the knowledge and experience to ensure you choose a reliable, high-quality model for your system. Contact us to learn more about our plumbing services or to schedule an appointment.