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Re: Thermal expansion tankFrom: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Plumbing
Remote Name: 67.161.42.13
Date: 10 Oct 2003
Time: 10:24 PM
CommentsA thermal expansion tank installed adjacent to a residential water heater helps to eliminate potential excessive expansion of your water supply system after cool water has replenished the hot water in your water heater. Many plumbing systems have one-way check valves to prevent backflow from contaminating the water supply system. As water heats up, it expands in volume. As the volume increases, pressure builds up within the plumbing system. Excessive pressure can cause premature solder joint leaks, or even damage to your water heater. Excessive pressure can also exacerbate water hammer problems due to valve cycling. The expansion tank generally includes an air chamber with an isolating diaphragm. As cool water enters the water heater and begins to expand as it heats up, the expansion tank picks up the slack, compressing the diaphragm inside the expansion tank. Similarly, as the water cools, the diaphragm releases slightly as the pressure subsides. In extreme cases, the pressure release valve on your water heater may open, forcing a gush of very hot water through a waste outlet. Since these valves are for emergency use only, the expansion tank is good design alternative and, in many cases, a requirement of a properly engineered residential or commercial water supply system. Builders Websource
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