Expansion Tanks: Are They Really Necessary?

We all know what happens when water is heated, right? The molecules expand into a vapor form and evaporate! But, if water is heated inside a tank, the steam cannot escape and that steam builds into pressure inside the tank.

An expansion tank is a tank that is connected to your hot water heater and absorbs excess water pressure caused by thermal expansion.  It is partially filled with compressed air that provides a cushion against shock caused by fluid or gas (water or steam) in motion.

In the past, expanding water in the tank would simply drain back out into the municipal water supply where it came from. But, today the water main is designed to prevent the backward release of pressure by using a check valve. An expansion tank will protect your home or business from excess water pressure caused by thermal expansion that can damage valves in plumbing fixtures, joints in supply pipes, and even the water heater itself. 

It’s a really good thing that Bono Plumbing makes an expansion tank a standard part of their installation process for new water heaters. We want to make sure you never have to worry about your water heater or other plumbing fixtures and pipes being damaged due to the thermal expansion inside the tank of your new water heater. If you have any questions, want more information, or would like to request a quote for a new water heater WITH expansion tank, just fill out our contact form or give us a call!! 636-294-9110.