FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Water Heater Expansion Tank

JLazaro317 | Posted in General Discussion on August 12, 2008 12:58pm

I wanted to get a feel for opinions of water heater expansion tanks. We’ve been seeing water heaters failing at 4-6 years at an alarming rate. They are being covered under warranty but I just think it’s not right. Most plumbers around here do not use them.

Most heaters were A.O. Smith but recently started seeing Bradford Whites doing the same but just not as often. Would an expansion tank cure this? These are all city water jobs and have not put a gauge on to check pressures. We have not seen this problem with well water jobs.

Any opinions (good ones) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

John

J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.

Indianapolis, In.

 

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. BilljustBill | Aug 12, 2008 01:48am | #1

    I saw an 84 yr. old lady have a new hot water heater installed.  The old son-in-law that did it and charged her the same commercial rate that Lowes does that also included store mileage that's 50 miles away.  No expansion tank....When I saw it, I'm already thinking there should have been at least a 1 or 2-gallon size installed.  Had to laugh when I saw the new 3" deep drip pan under the new Water heater but the hole in the side was never plumbed anywhere.....

    Not 6 months later the solder connection in the wall where the city water comes into the house started leaking one night.  The next morning a bedroom- carpet was soaked all the way across and into the hallway where the little old lady's feet found it...

    There is a city check valve to prevent back flow and there is no place for the pressure on the pipes to go except the hot water heater's pressure/temp valve or backed into the house pipes.  Ho-hime Insurance company hardly covered any damage.

      Son-in-law made money on the cleanup, drying fans, and installing new padding under the old carpet.....

       Expansion tank might have prevented all the trouble and wasted money, 

       Bill

    1. JLazaro317 | Aug 12, 2008 02:05am | #2

      I understand, but what I cannot understand is why for years and years I never even saw an expansion tank and see 20 year old plus water heaters and now the newer heaters won't hold up. Is it just that they don't build anything like they used to or what? I'm not trying to avoid doing it, but I guess I want to understand why.John

      J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.

      Indianapolis, In.

       

      1. User avater
        BillHartmann | Aug 12, 2008 02:38am | #3

        I don't know the details, but there are new federal rules that are requiring water companies to put check valves or other kinds of backflow preventers. But you should also have reports of PRV drippling water.Water is non-compressible and when large amounts of water are used and replaced with cold water. Then when the burner heats it up and no more water is being used the water will try and expansion and with no place to go the pressure will build.Check with the water company and see if they are installing backflow preventers. Also use a pressure guage. First if the nominal pressure is more than 80 PSI you need a pressure regulator.And whenever you install a pressure regulator you need an expansion tank.Most pressure regulators also act as checkvalves and won't let excessive pressure backup into the main.
        .
        .
        A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.

        1. JLazaro317 | Aug 12, 2008 05:02am | #8

          So basically, I just need to bite the bullet and tell my plumber to start installing them on all city water jobs.

          That could be the difference that the old meters did not have check valves and the new ones may. I'll have to check into that. In fact, I should know that because I install the meters and pits.

           John

          J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.

          Indianapolis, In.

           

  2. sledgehammer | Aug 12, 2008 04:20am | #4

    An expansion tank on a well water sytem is a waste of money.... But it is code here.

    1. alwaysoverbudget | Aug 12, 2008 04:28am | #5

      i'm on well water and have been thinking of installing one to help cure water hammer at the hw tank when the well shuts off,do you think it would help any?larryif a man speaks in the forest,and there's not a woman to hear him,is he still wrong?

    2. User avater
      BillHartmann | Aug 12, 2008 04:40am | #6

      That is stupid.Tell them that you have one. A BIG ONE.It is the pressure tank..
      .
      A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.

      1. sledgehammer | Aug 12, 2008 04:58am | #7

        I know it's stupid... you know it's stupid....

        But it is code.

        Go figure.

        Edited 8/11/2008 9:59 pm ET by sledgehammer

  3. DanH | Aug 12, 2008 06:05am | #9

    You need an expansion tank if there is a backflow preventer or a pressure reducing valve downstream of the water heater.

    It is an ironic habit of human beings to run faster when we have lost our way. --Rollo May
    1. rich1 | Aug 12, 2008 07:45am | #10

      uhhh assuming that downstream is after the water heater, you wouldn't need one.

      Upstream being before the heater, then you would need one.

      1. DanH | Aug 12, 2008 02:19pm | #11

        Right you are. I had it backwards. The valve "captures" the water in the system, preventing the flow of expanding water back into the main.
        It is an ironic habit of human beings to run faster when we have lost our way. --Rollo May

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Finding Hazardous Materials in a Fixer-Upper

Look closely at these common locations for hazardous materials in older homes.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • FHB Podcast Segment: Can You Have Too Many Minisplits?
  • A Practical Perfect Wall
  • Smarter Stop Block
  • Square Walls Solo

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data