Water usage is among the most crucial factors you keep in mind when purchasing a water heater. Considering that you have a good quality water heater, it will last for more than 6 to 8 years. But during this time, water usage is likely to increase.

It can be because there are more individuals in your home than at the time of purchasing, or you may have rented a portion of the house. You don’t have to go for purchasing and installing a brand new water heater for that, but a water heater expansion tank will do the job.

A water heater expansion tank is considered a critical part since it prevents excessive water pressure by managing the expansion of water that is caused when the water heats up by the heater. Seems like a valuable addition. Why not find out more about it?

How does a water heater expansion tank work?

When you already have a tank with a water heater, why do you need an additional tank? A fair question to be asked.

To better understand the science, you need to know what happens when the water heats up.

As the heater starts heating water, it expands, and the pressure increases. The increased pressure needs to be handled, or else it may cause a burst.

Well, an expansion tank is smaller than a water heater tank, and it is connected to the line that supplies water to the water heater.

The purpose of the expansion tank is to handle the thermal expansion of water and does not allow pressure to build up.

During expansion, water flows from the heater’s tank into the expansion tank.

High water pressure can cause damage to the entire plumbing system and joints and can also result in an explosion. Thus, an expansion tank is considered a piece of safety equipment as well.

Is it necessary to have an expansion tank with a water heater?

As a matter of safety, an expansion tank is valued and must be installed with a water heater.

However, if you have any other technique to prevent or control the pressure inside the water heater, you can avoid using the expansion tank.

Till now, there is no such technique known to us unless you have an open-loop water supply system. An open-loop system pushes back the water to the main supply. However, in today’s world, plumbing assembly is done on a closed-loop pattern.

Anyway, the expansion tank should be connected if you notice the plumbing fixtures are deteriorating rapidly or if you spot a leak in the water heater.

This can save you a great deal of money in terms of repairing.

While the water heater cost is much higher, the expansion tank is available within a price range of $50 – $200. It varies largely because of the size. So, when you are installing a water heater, adding an expansion tank won’t be a burden on a pocket.

When it comes to fitting in the expansion tank, you can do it on your own, and it can be installed anywhere on the main water line before the water enters the heater. Do consult experienced professionals if you are not sure how to do it.

Not to forget, there is no need for an expansion tank if you have a tankless water heater installed at your home.

Conclusion

Your water lines, fittings, and water heater will be at risk of damage if you don’t have an expansion tank connected with the water heater. It is because when the water heats up, it expands, and it needs a way to go somewhere. The expansion tank will accommodate the expanded water, and as a result, pressure will not build up. But, if there is no expansion tank, you can imagine the risk associated with it.

Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that the water heater expansion tank is well maintained alongside the water heater itself.