Meetze Van

Water Heater Expansion Tanks

Your water heater is an essential part of your plumbing that probably don’t think about it until it’s time to wash dishes or take a shower and the water stays cold. Meetze Plumbing can help you continue to take your water heater for granted by making sure it works perfectly whenever you need it.

One way we do this is with water heater expansion tanks, which protect your water heater and entire plumbing system from serious damage.

To learn more, contact Meetze Plumbing online or call (803) 732-3747 today!

What Is a Water Heater Expansion Tank?

A water heater expansion tank is a small safety tank joined to your water supply pipe. Expansion tanks are unnecessary with tankless water heaters, but standard water heaters create enormous pressure through normal functioning. Fifty gallons of cold water expand to at least 52 when hot, thereby outgrowing the tank.

In an open plumbing system, this increased pressure and volume will flow in reverse through the water supply line, and eventually re-enter your city’s water system. Current plumbing regulations protect the public water supply from contamination by mandating a closed plumbing system that prevents this backflow. If you have a closed system without an expansion tank, your plumbing is at risk from excess thermal expansion.

Why do I need an expansion tank?

Without a water heater expansion tank, the best-case scenario is increased water pressure straining your water heater, pipes, and appliances. This leads to otherwise avoidable problems to repair and a shortened service life for everything connected to your hot water line.

Worst-case scenario, the excess pressure causes hot water appliances to break down completely and pipes to leak and burst. If the damaged pipe is in your walls, your home could suffer water damage before you know what’s happening. You could end up replacing your water heater, a large section of plumbing, and hiring a contractor for structural repairs.

You can avoid this with a water heater expansion tank, which contains a pressurized air bladder that expands and contracts according to the degree of thermal expansion, absorbing excess water volume to regulate water pressure.

To protect your home from thermal expansion, let Meetze Plumbing install your water heater expansion tank. Contact us online, or call (803) 732-3747 today!

Choose Meetze Plumbing for Your Water Heater Expansion Tank Installation

If you need a water heater expansion tank, Meetze Plumbing can show you the top brands with the best warranties. We also provide written warranties to guarantee all our installation services. We work with you to find the best water heater expansion tank for your home and budget, discussing features, and answering questions so you can make an informed decision.

For friendly on-time service and guaranteed plumbing solutions, contact us online, or call (803) 732-3747 today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, and all manufacturers of water heaters specify that you’ll void your warranty coverage if you have a closed plumbing system without a water heater expansion tank.

Your expansion tank only needs to be drained once or twice a year, but don’t try to do it yourself, as a mistake can result in serious injury. Arranging for periodic water heater maintenance with Meetze Plumbing will include draining your expansion tank, as well as a range of other water heater maintenance tasks to keep your hot water flowing and extend the life of your water heater and expansion tank.