Expansion Tanks | Water Heater Repair Fort Worth
Expansion tanks are used in conjunction with residential hot water heaters to prevent the buildup of excessive pressure. Within a tank water heater, as the water is heated it expands in a process called thermal expansion. Water density decreases, while the volume expands as water is heated. If you have an expansion tank installed, the expanding water enters it. By preventing excessive pressure on the water heater, the need for water heater repair in Fort Worth, and potential leaks are reduced.
Water heaters have a component called a pressure reducing valve (PRV), commonly called a “pop-off valve”. The PRV will remain closed until activated to reduce pressure by releasing hot water through a discharge line outside of the home. The problem is, PRV’s commonly fail, resulting in tank rupture and a leaking hot water heater, or a burst water line. An expansion tank will prevent this from occurring, by allowing expanded hot water to flow into the expansion tank, thereby relieving the pressure on the water heater before damage occurs and preventing damaging leaks into the home, and the need for water heater repair in Fort Worth.
In homes without an expansion tank, it is not uncommon for excess hot water in a tank with a failed PRV to backup into the supplying water lines. You may notice the cold water being warmer than usual, and before you know it the water heater is damaged or a pipe has burst and flooded your home. If you note warmer than usual water you may need water heater repair in Fort Worth.
Recent federal legislation requires the use of backflow preventers on public water supplies. These devices prevent expanded water from your hot water tank from backing up into the municipal water lines. This closes the avenue of escape for excessively expanding hot water in your water heater.
If a backflow preventer has already been installed on your municipal water supply an expansion tank may be required. If not, it is recommended that one is installed to prevent damage to your water heater, and to reduce the risk of burst water lines connecting to your tank. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing provides expansion tank installation, as well as water heater repair in Fort Worth.
Residential hot water heaters are typically closed systems. When an expansion tank is used in conjunction with water heaters, increased water pressure forces a diaphragm in the expansion tank to retract. Once retracted it allows hot water to enter the expansion tank reducing the pressure in the water heater, and the risk of damage to it or hot water pipes. The hot water collected in the expansion tank will be released into hot water pipes to be used as needed.
As water providers upgrade their systems to conform to federal legislation, it is highly likely they will require the installation of an expansion tank when the following occur:
- Replacement of a water meter with a dual backflow valve.
- Replacement of a hot water heater.
- New home construction.
- With the installation of a backflow prevention device on the water meter.
- With the installation of a new pressure regulating valve.
The 2004 Federal legislation was intended to prevent contamination in public water systems due to backflow. As public water systems respond to the legislation of bringing their water systems to compliance of the law, local and county authorities are increasingly recommending or requiring expansion tanks.
Installing an expansion tank is the safest option for providing protection for your water heater and hot water lines from the damaging effects of thermal expansion. High temperature regulators and pressure relief valves are prone to failure, even in new water heaters. Having an expansion tank is the best and safest option to provide for your family’s safety, the integrity of your home and to reduce the need for water heater repair in Fort Worth.
You can depend upon a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing professional plumber in Fort Worth to install, repair or service of expansion tanks. Our experienced and prompt plumbers provide full service plumbing include water heater repair in Fort Worth. We are a member of the BBB, and stand behind our 100% satisfaction guarantee or we redo it for free.