Thermal expansion always occurs in water heaters. Like most substances, water expands as it is heated. Since water is non-compressible, it will increase in pressure and needs room to expand.California Plumbing Code Section 608.3 requires an expansion tank to be installed on the water heater when it is a closed system.
Is an expansion tank required by code for a water heater?
The California Plumbing Code (Section 608.3) and the California Mechanical Code (Section 1005.0) requires a thermal expansion tank, or listed equivalent, to be installed to water heating systems to relieve excessive building pressure during the heating process.
Do I really need a thermal expansion tank?
An expansion tank is always highly recommended if you have a ‘closed-loop system’ caused by any kind of check valve or pressure regulating valve installed on your house’s water supply line.However, the long-term wear and tear of this excess pressure can reduce the life expectancy of everything in your plumbing system.
Is a water heater expansion tank required by code in Florida?
Water heaters installed in compliance with the current plumbing code will have the required T & P Valve and thermal expansion tank. For public health protection, the water purveyor may require the installation of a check valve or backflow preventer downstream of the water meter.
Is a water heater expansion tank required by code in Georgia?
Yes, section 607.3 Thermal expansion control – A means of controlling increased pressure caused by thermal expansion shall be provided where required in accordance with Sections 607.3. 1 and 607.3. 2.
What is the purpose of an expansion tank on a hot water heater?
The expansion tank is designed to handle the thermal expansion of water as it heats up in the water heater, preventing excessive water pressure. If water pressure gets to high it can damage valves in plumbing fixtures, joints in supply pipes and the water heater itself.
How much clearance do you need around a water heater?
A clearance area of 12 inches is required on all sides of a hot water heater. A certain amount of airflow is also required for proper combustion and ventilation. The building code states that proper airflow for these functions must be provided according to the manufacturer’s specifications for the unit being installed.
What can I use instead of a expansion tank?
Dependability. There’s no guesswork with the Thermal Expansion Relief Valve. Installed in the same place as an expansion tank, it’s a combination of a ball valve with a relief valve that opens and drains water to a pipe drain once water pressure hits 125 psi.
How much does it cost to install an expansion tank?
$145 $350, Installed
The cost to install a water heater expansion tank ranges from $55 and up for the rare DIY project, to about $350 when a pro adds an expansion tank to a large residential water heater.
Why do I need an expansion tank?
The expansion tank serves as a backup system to prevent overworking your plumbing. The excess water volume, instead of causing too much pressure on the plumbing, rushes into the expansion tank and lowers the pressure in the water heater to safer levels. This ultimately protects it from damage.
Do water heaters need to be double strapped in Florida?
The double-body strap is the system of choice wherever water heater bracing is required. The code specifies that strapping must be installed at two locations, within both upper third and lower third of the unit’s vertical dimension.
Do water heaters need to be accessible?
Water heaters connected to a piping system shall have an accessible, approved manual shutoff valve with a non-displaceable valve mem- ber, or a listed gas convenience outlet installed within six (6) feet (1.8 m) of the appliance it serves.
Do tankless water heaters require drain?
Every major brand of tankless requires a drain pan if the unit is installed where a leak can cause damage to the home or building. Architects and engineers understand that when a tankless water heater reaches the end of its life it will likely leak, just like a tank.
Are expansion tanks required in Georgia?
Here in Georgia, water heater expansion tanks (aka Thermal Expansion) are required on new water heaters. So, the next time you have your water heater replaced – you will be required to also install an expansion tank if you don’t yet have one.
Do you need a permit to replace a water heater in Georgia?
A Plumbing permit is required when you: Replace water heaters and underground piping; alter piping inside a wall or ceiling, or beneath a floor,Emergency repair, alteration, or replacement of freeze-damaged or leaking concealed piping, if new piping exceeds 5 feet.
What plumbing code does Georgia use?
The INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE, 2018 Edition, published by the International Code Council, when used in conjunction with these and any other Georgia State Amendments to the INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE, 2018 EDITION, shall constitute the official Georgia State Minimum Standard Plumbing Code.
Why would expansion tank explode?
Water Expands When It’s Heated in Your Water Heater
As water heats up, it can expand dramatically, and if it’s hot enough to turn into steam, this can add even more pressure to the water heater. If the relief valve is malfunctioning, this can lead to an explosion.
How do I know if my expansion tank is working?
The tank should be full of air and therefore sound hollow. If it makes a dull thud rather than a hollow sound, your tank is full of water and needs repair or replacement. You can also gauge this by feeling the tank, which will be cool where it’s holding air and warm where it’s holding water.
What size expansion tank do I need for a 40 gallon water heater?
General Guidelines for Sizing an Expansion Tank
| Water Heater Capacity | Supply Pressure (psi) | Expansion Tank Size |
|---|---|---|
| 40 to 60-gallon | 40-50 psi | 2-gallon |
| 40 to 60-gallon | 60-80 psi | 3.2-gallon |
| 80-gallon | 40 psi | 2-gallon |
| 80-gallon | 50-60 psi | 3.2-gallon |
Do hot water heaters need ventilation?
All water heaters that burn natural gas or liquid propane (LP) gas require a venting system. The process of burning of the gas is called combustion and it creates heat, exhaust gases (including highly poisonous carbon monoxide), and moisture.
How much space should be between water heater and wall?
There must be a minimum of 6 inches (153 mm) clearance between single wall vent pipe and any combustible material. For other than single wall, follow vent pipe manufacturer’s clearance specifications. Failure to have required clearances between vent piping and combustible material will result in a fire hazard.
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