three_jeeps
Well-Known Member
The gas hot water heater in my house rusted through on the bottom - time for a new one (it lasted 19 years!!!)
The plumber that came over said that my system needed an expansion tank. I understand the rational for an expansion tank but not sure my system warrants one.
From what I've read, it is required on a contained system. A contained system is any water system that has a backflow protection device installed on the incoming water supply of the building. Makes sense because you want a buffer to accomodate any excessive expansion.
I checked the incoming line to my house, and the only thing in the main line is a pressure regulator after, and in close proximity, to the water meter. I didn't see any check valve in the line.
I therefore believe that my system is not a contained system...true? I am fairly certain that a pressure regulator is not a back flow device so it makes no sense to install an expansion tank (?).
So the following questions:
1. Does my system require an expansion tank?
2. Is current plumbing practice to make all residential systems a 'contained system'? or is it 'good practice' to install an expansion tank in non-contained systems?- the rational for this escapes me...
Thanks for any insight.
J
The plumber that came over said that my system needed an expansion tank. I understand the rational for an expansion tank but not sure my system warrants one.
From what I've read, it is required on a contained system. A contained system is any water system that has a backflow protection device installed on the incoming water supply of the building. Makes sense because you want a buffer to accomodate any excessive expansion.
I checked the incoming line to my house, and the only thing in the main line is a pressure regulator after, and in close proximity, to the water meter. I didn't see any check valve in the line.
I therefore believe that my system is not a contained system...true? I am fairly certain that a pressure regulator is not a back flow device so it makes no sense to install an expansion tank (?).
So the following questions:
1. Does my system require an expansion tank?
2. Is current plumbing practice to make all residential systems a 'contained system'? or is it 'good practice' to install an expansion tank in non-contained systems?- the rational for this escapes me...
Thanks for any insight.
J