Water Heater Expansion Tank Installation in Gatineau
When water heats up, it expands. In older plumbing systems, this expanded water could flow back into the municipal water supply. Modern plumbing codes require backflow prevention devices that create a "closed system," trapping the expanded water in your home's plumbing. Without somewhere to go, this thermal expansion can stress pipes, fittings, and your water heater tank. The solution is a water heater expansion tank. Plombier Gatineau installs and services expansion tanks throughout the Gatineau region.
What Is an Expansion Tank?
The Basic Concept
An expansion tank is a small tank, typically 2-5 gallons for residential use, that connects to your water heater's cold water supply line. Inside the tank is a rubber bladder or diaphragm that separates an air chamber from the water side.
How It Works
When water in your water heater expands due to heating, the excess water flows into the expansion tank, compressing the air in the air chamber. This absorbs the thermal expansion and prevents pressure buildup in your plumbing system. When you use hot water, the compressed air pushes the water back into the system.
Why You Need an Expansion Tank
Closed System Requirement
If your home has a pressure reducing valve (PRV), a check valve on the water main, or a backflow preventer, you have a closed system and likely need an expansion tank. Most newer homes and many older homes that have had plumbing updates have these devices.
Protecting Your Plumbing
Without an expansion tank in a closed system, thermal expansion can cause the pressure relief valve on your water heater to discharge repeatedly, shorten the life of your water heater tank, stress pipe joints and fittings, cause dripping faucets and running toilets, and potentially burst pipes or the water heater tank in extreme cases.
Code Compliance
Current plumbing codes require expansion tanks in closed systems. If you're replacing a water heater or having plumbing work done, an expansion tank may be required for code compliance.
Signs You Need an Expansion Tank
You may need an expansion tank if your water heater's pressure relief valve frequently discharges, you hear banging or knocking in pipes when the water heater is heating, faucets drip or toilets run for no apparent reason, you notice fluctuating water pressure, or your water heater is failing prematurely.
Installation Considerations
Location
Expansion tanks are typically installed on the cold water supply line above the water heater. They can be mounted vertically or horizontally, depending on space constraints.
Sizing
The expansion tank must be properly sized based on your water heater capacity and system pressure. An undersized tank won't adequately absorb expansion.
Pre-Charge Pressure
The air pressure in the tank must be set to match your home's water pressure before installation. This ensures proper operation.
Maintenance
Checking the Pre-Charge
The air pressure in the expansion tank should be checked annually during regular maintenance. It should match your home's incoming water pressure.
Signs of Failure
A failing expansion tank may feel completely heavy with water (indicating the bladder has failed), show signs of corrosion, cause the pressure relief valve to discharge again, or cause water pressure fluctuations.
Lifespan
Expansion tanks typically last 5-10 years. They should be replaced when showing signs of failure or when replacing the water heater.
Related Services
We also install and service pressure reducing valves to control incoming water pressure, backflow preventers to protect water supply, and complete water heater maintenance.
Areas Served
We install expansion tanks throughout Gatineau, Hull, Aylmer, Chelsea, and the surrounding Outaouais region.
Protect Your Plumbing System
An expansion tank is an inexpensive way to protect your plumbing and water heater. Call Plombier Gatineau at (819) 317-0262 to have your system evaluated and an expansion tank installed if needed. Our experienced plumbers ensure proper sizing and installation.