How can you tell if the bladder in an expansion tank is either leaking or has ruptured and filled with water? The tank is used in a hot water baseboard heating system. Impossible to tell by weight when piped. I assumed that you put a air guage on the valve at the bottom and check the pressure. However one heating supplier told me that you should not check pressure as it may cause air to leak out. I think they hold between 12 to 15 lbs. I can’t see no other way. (I should also point out the the tank is isolated from the air scoop which has a short nipple and ball valve above it.) Of course I could remove it and tell immediately if it is full of water but is there a visual way to check without removing the tank?
Would a leaking vent at the top of the air scoop be a sign? Or any variance in the pressure guage?
Ciao,
The Sicilian
Replies
If you're really concerned that the bladder has ruptured why not just give the valve a tiny "burp" you shouldn't lose too much pressure and if the bladder has ruptured water should come out rather than air. I think its a schrader style valve if its anything like mine, so you should be able to burp it without losing too much air.
Its an Extrol expansion tank and has a valve at the bottom which is similiar to a tire valve
The Sicilian
However one heating supplier told me that you should not check pressure as it may cause air to leak out.
That's about as stupid a comment as I have ever heard on this subject. Using the same logic you should never check the air in your car tires because air might leak out. Sheesh! Tell your supplier to shut up until they know what they are talking about.
Now to your problem. Tap on the tank. Does it sound full over the entire length? If so do the little spurt thing as another person mentioned here. If you get water replace it. If you get air get your tire guage out. Check the pressure and fill it to 12 to 15 pounds depending on your system.
Hey WHW, haven't heard from you in a while. Funny thing is, I thought about you today. I was installing a vanity in a bathroom, trying to pipe up the drain. The drain going into the floor is 1 1/4", and all my supplies were for 1 1/2". While shaking my head, I had to ask myself, not what would the Wet Head Warrier do?
How was Alaska the second time around?
Keep in touch. BTW, I used a PVC 1 1/4-1 1/5 adapter. T'ain't pretty, but it doesn't leak, neither.
I never met a tool I didn't like!
The leaking vent at the top of the air scoop is not unusual. The vent is supposed to let air out, but they frequently leak, especially as they get older.