An expansion tank is a small tank used to protect closed hot water systems from excessive pressure due to thermal expansion. Thermal expansion is the characteristic of water to expand when it is heated. In a closed system, the expanded volume of hot water has nowhere to go, resulting in increased pressure on the system. Consequently, the pressure can result in damage to any component of the plumbing system. Expansion tank installation will provide the protection of your home’s plumbing in Fort Worth.
Before federal legislation requiring backflow preventers on the municipal water supply, cities had open systems. Open systems allowed the expanded hot water to escape from the home’s plumbing system, into the municipal water system. As a result, the pressure was reduced within a home’s plumbing in Fort Worth.
The backflow preventer isn’t the only device capable of creating a sealed hot water system. A check valve or a pressure-reducing valve is also responsible for creating a closed plumbing system.
Symptoms of Excessive Pressure in a Hot Water System
Elevated pressure in a plumbing system can cause damage to any fixture connected to it, including faucets, toilets, washers, dishwashers, water heaters, etc. It can also lead to leaks, and even a burst pipe. A common sign of an over pressurized system is an unusual surge of water when a faucet is turned on. The surge will quickly dissipate, and won’t return until water is undisturbed for a sufficient time to allow the pressure to rebuild.
Homeowners also have experienced excessively warm water when turning on a cold-water tap.
How It Works
When the pressure rises within the hot water system due to expanded hot water, a diaphragm in the expansion tank retracts allowing hot water to enter, effectively reducing the pressure. This prevents damage to the water heater, and pipes, preventing leaks in the home’s plumbing in Fort Worth. The water entering the expansion tank is eventually released to mix with water when a tap is opened.
An expansion tank requires sizing specific to the home’s hot water system, and includes factors such as water heater capacity, and incoming water pressure. If you anticipate replacing a water heater in the near future, consider expansion tank installation at the same time. It will protect the new appliance, adding an extra layer of protection for extending its lifespan, and preventing leaks in the home’s plumbing.
Other situations when expansion tank installation is recommended include:
- The replacement of your water meter
- With water heater replacement
- During the construction of a new home
- With the installation of a pressure-reducing valve
Benjamin Franklin’s licensed plumbers will provide the professional installation of an expansion tank for your home. You can depend on Benjamin Franklin’s plumbers in Fort Worth to install, repair, or service an expansion tank. In addition, we provide a wide range of expert plumbing services for residential and commercial plumbing in Fort Worth. We serve Fort Worth, Arlington, and the surrounding areas. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.