Hot Water Heater Expansion Tank Pressure Setting

The tank has two sections that are separated by a rubber valve.

Hot water heater expansion tank pressure setting. Expansion tanks on hot water making systems such as a gas oil or electric water heater geyser cylinder used to produce hot water for bathing or washing is used on some systems to avoid. Check your manual for the precise rating for your expansion tank. Water expands by roughly 2 as it heats up from 50 f to 120 f. The water heater expansion tank serves as an overflow receptacle by absorbing excess water volume that occurs when water is heated as well as absorbing fluctuations in the incoming water supply pressure.

Expansion tanks on heating systems absorb the pressure increase caused by heating water in a home heating boiler for heating the occupied space to avoid possible spillage at the relief valve 2. Open the drain valve all the way. If the pressure is less than 12 psi you will need to add some air s. Start by removing the protective cover from the air valve on the tank.

When your water thermally expands a water heater expansion tank prevents unwanted increases in pressure. That is for the increased pressure and volume of water. Most expansion tanks require a psi reading of about 12 psi. Shut off the main and open a faucet.

You don t need to shut off any other valves or do anything else. The system pressurizes and the expansion of the water needs a place to go. Once there is 0 psi on the system you can adjust the tank pressure. To adjust the air the water line must be relieved of all pressure.

You install the expansion tank down the line from the inlet valve that sends hot water into your home. The expansion tank serves as a backup system to prevent overworking your plumbing. Read the pressure setting. Use a bicycle pump or compressor to fill the tank to match the system pressure you noted earlier.

This ultimately protects it from damage. Use a tire gauge to check the pressure. First find the pressure of the water going into your water heater by attaching the water pressure gauge to your water heater s drain valve at the bottom of the tank the same place you d attach a hose when you flush your water heater. The recommended inlet water pressure is 60 psi or less.

Most expansion tanks come pressurized to 12 40 psi but before you install the tank you have to match the system pressure. The first is a mounting bracket that can be placed nearby that uses stainless steel bands to secure and support the tank. Since water expands when it is heated due to thermal expansion the water heater creates extra water volume every time it heats water. The excess water volume instead of causing too much pressure on the plumbing rushes into the expansion tank and lowers the pressure in the water heater to safer levels.

There are a few options that plumbers use consistently. Other then that check to see if you have a pressure reducing valve at the water main. What size expansion tank do i need. The hot water heating system needs an expansion tank to work properly and maintain proper pressure.