Gas Water Heater Expansion Tank Replacement

Once identified record the dimensions and connections to ensure when you purchase the new one it is going to fit and work properly.

Gas water heater expansion tank replacement.

Step 1 identify your old expansion tank the first step to replacing the water heater expansion tank is to locate it. Where there is heat there is expansion. If your unit is fixed to a supply line with a shut off valve switch off the water flow from the supply line to your building. Expansion tanks are installed down the line from the inlet valve that supplies the water heater in your home.

It could lead to leaking pipes as they are not used to or meant for such pressure and temperatures. For most residential installations with 40 or 50 gallon water heaters a simple 2 gallon tank is fine. Think of the expansion tank as the prevention of a major problem a pipeline disaster. Water heater expansion tank prices start at around 40 and range up to nearly 200.

The expansion tank is a crucial aspect of plumbing in regards to the water heater. Disconnect the water and power supply turn off the water supply to your water heater. Without it you would be at risk for damage to your water lines fittings and water heater. The tank is quite easy to install with a normal 3 4 inch threaded connection.

Most water heaters that are 50 gallons or smaller should use a 2 gallon expansion tank such as an amtrol st 5 or a watts plt 5. This is a great diy how to change a potable water expansion tank. An expansion tank is used to prevent issues related to excess pressure from your home s hot water supply. With an expansion tank the pressure will be regulated and excess water can be stored.

We hope to be able to provide you with a complete guide on how to install an expansion tank on a gas water heater. So as the water heats the pressure increases which could lead to water that is too hot which could be a safety hazard and cause other plumbing problems. How to install water heater expansion tank step 1. But if you have two water heaters hooked together or a water heater that s larger than 50 gallons go for a 4 4 gallon expansion tank like the amtrol st 12 or watts plt 12.