What Does a Water Heater Expansion Tank Do?
When it comes to water heater maintenance and repair, many homeowners are unaware of the importance of having a water heater expansion tank. But what exactly is a water heater expansion tank, and do you need one? Let’s break down the basics so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to install an expansion tank on your own water heater. What Is a Water Heater Expansion Tank? A water heater expansion tank is a small container that holds pressurized air in order to prevent hot water from expanding when heated up. This tank is usually made of steel or aluminum and connected to the cold-water supply line near the top of the water heater. It’s also connected to the hot water outlet pipe on the side of the unit. The primary purpose of an expansion tank is to maintain pressure in your plumbing system so that your pipes don’t burst or become damaged as a result of excessive pressure buildup when hot water expands during operation. Expansion tanks are also used to reduce noise from thermal expansion, which can be quite loud if left unchecked. How Does It Work? When hot water expands, it needs somewhere