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Author:
nbrumet (KS)
So I think my water heater is outfitted to have a thermal expansion tank added to it. Since my city doesn't require it, and I have yet to see a water heater in our area with one, I just want to cap the line. The line is currently leaking water non stop so something in the pipe is busted. Is this a job anyone is familiar with?
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Author:
packy
not enough information to be able to even guess..
a picture would help greatly..
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Author:
hj
WHERE is the line leaking "non-stop"?
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Author:
SMSPlumbing (PA)
You should use a thermal expansion tank whether your codes call for it or not. This tank protects your plumbing water supply system from the thermal expansion created by your water heater.
And as for telling you that it is okay to cap it off without knowing more info or seeing a picture, is really tough for any of us to do.
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Author:
LemonPlumber (FL)
Sorry a thermal expansion tank has no outlet feature.So if you have a thermal expansion only valve.it could be capped.NOTE!!!!NEVER EVER CAP THE TEMPERATURE RELIEF VALVE EVER!!!YES I am swearing at you if you do.,..Boom three block walls away.
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Author:
packy
"You should use a thermal expansion tank whether your codes call for it or not."
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if there is no check valve on the inlet to the tank or at the water meter... and if the street pressure is in the moderate range (50-60 PSI) there is absolutely no reason to install an expansion tank since any thermal expansion will be absorbed back out to the street.
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Author:
hj
An expansion tank in an "open" system is a waste of time and money, because thermal expansion CANNOT raise the system's pressure.
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Author:
SimplePlumber (NJ)
I think your leak is actually the relief valve telling you it needs to be replaced.
I would re-install the expansion tank if you intend to live there long term.
(Quote: Author: hj
An expansion tank in an "open" system is a waste of time and money, because thermal expansion CANNOT raise the system's pressure.)
This is true. However, if the City installs a meter with a check valve (yes, they do that) or the owner installs or doesn't know they have a PRV (could be buried), it is no longer a open system, creating the need for an expansion tank.
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Author:
hj
Therefore my original posting still holds. IF it is an open system it is not needed. Put a pressure gauge on the system and see if the pressure goes up when the water heater turns on. If it does not then an expansion tank is not needed.
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Author:
LemonPlumber (FL)
HJ.I prefer a tattle tail gauge ,installed on the heaters drain valve?!
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