Virtually every plumbing code requires an expansion tank on every hot water heater. Water expands when heated, and that extra volume needs to go somewhere! Without an expansion tank, expanding water in your water heater can cause an unsafe buildup in pressure that can cause the heater to fail. Worse, the pressure can cause serious, potentially life threatening problems, especially if you have a gas water heater with a carbon monoxide risk. If you have an older water heater and you want to install a water heater expansion tank, call Magnolia Plumbing today!
What is a water heater expansion tank?
Expansion tanks are small tanks that can be added to the cold water line of your water heater. They are filled with compressed air and a special rubber bladder that lets in water when it expands. When there is room, the expansion tank lets the water back into the piping system.
Expansion tanks come in a variety of sizes. The size of expansion tank you install depends on both the capacity of your water heater (in gallons) and the water pressure in your home’s plumbing system. If you don’t already know your water heater’s size, find the label or plate of the side of the unit – you should find it there. As for your incoming water pressure, you can test it with a pressure gauge or call a Magnolia Plumbing technician to measure it for you.
How do I know if I need an expansion tank?
Water heaters with backflow preventers, check valves or pressure reducing valves could all benefit from expansion tanks. Before these devices were commonly installed, heated water would just push cold water out of the heater when it expanded. Backflow preventers, check valves or pressure reducing valves helped to prevent this backflow, but didn’t always effectively take care of the expansion problem. Fortunately, an expansion tank will solve both problems!
Looking to add a water heater expansion valve to your water heater in Maryland, Virginia or Washington, DC? Contact Magnolia Plumbing today!
Why call Magnolia Plumbing for expansion tank installation?
Headquartered in Washington, DC, Magnolia Plumbing provides Northern Virginia, Maryland and DC area homes and businesses with affordable plumbing, heating and air conditioning, underground utility, drain and camera and construction-related services. Magnolia Plumbing has proudly been providing services since 1950.
Currently using over 200 GPS-enabled vehicles and friendly trained technicians, no job is too small or too large for Magnolia. With Magnolia Plumbing you can expect a quick estimate and swift response to your problem. Let Magnolia Plumbing find a solution for you today. For added piece of mind, consider one of our maintenance contracts.
At Magnolia Plumbing, we are constantly “striving for perfection.” Our aim is to provide a superior customer service experience. Our technicians and staff are ready to provide you the customer service experience you deserve and expect. Give us a call today!