Water Expansion Tanks
Installs and services reliable water expansion tanks properly sized to meet your property’s plumbing requirements.
About This Service
A water expansion tank is a small but important safety device that protects your plumbing system from pressure spikes. Any time a water heater warms the water inside a closed plumbing system, that heated water expands. With nowhere to go, pressure rises and begins to strain pipes, fixtures, valves, and even the water heater itself. An expansion tank absorbs that extra pressure and keeps your system running safely and smoothly.
Purpose of a Water Expansion Tank
The tank acts like a shock absorber. Inside is an air-charged bladder that compresses when pressure increases, giving expanding water a safe place to move. This prevents stress on pipe joints and helps avoid premature wear on valves and appliances.
Signs a Home Might Need One
Homes on city water with a pressure reducing valve usually require an expansion tank. Signs you may need one include pressure fluctuations, leaking relief valves at the water heater, or frequent drips from faucets when no one is using water. If the water heater has been replaced recently, building codes may also require an expansion tank to be added.
Lifespan and Replacement Timing
Most expansion tanks last five to ten years depending on water quality and usage. Once the internal bladder fails, the tank will fill with water and stop regulating pressure. A quick test is to tap the tank: if it sounds full instead of hollow, it is no longer working and should be replaced. Increased pressure at fixtures or repeated leaks near the water heater are also early warning signs.
Problems Caused by Incorrect Installation
Improperly installed expansion tanks can fail early or offer little protection. Common issues include tanks mounted unsupported, incorrect orientation, wrong pressure settings, or installation on the wrong side of the system. Sea Glass Plumbing installs tanks correctly, sets the pressure to match the home’s system, and ensures secure mounting so the tank performs like it should.
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