Inland Empire Water Heater Expansion Tank

Your Water Heater System

Universally, water heaters have both a cold-water line going into the tank, and a hot water line coming out of it. Traditionally, this system was an “open system” which means that water could flow both ways and thermal pressure build-up meant that many times this was the case. However newer systems are called “closed systems” which alludes to the fact that there is a precautionary check valve on the side of the cold water line to prevent water flow being transmitted back out the wrong end. This prevents water that could potentially be contaminated from flowing back into the water source, whether it be a well or city main water line.

Now check valves are necessary and produce good by-products, but they also are not forgiving for thermal expansion and pressure that results from the heating of water inside the tank. With water heaters you have cold water going in and hot water coming out, but in between there is a temperature increase that causes a thermal expansion, and therefore an increase of pressure within the tank.

Every water heater comes with a pressure release valve that allows for water release from the tank upon reaching sufficient psi. This is a safety feature to prevent pipe breakage or other hazardous pressure concerns. The problem is that the pressure release valve is typically insufficient for the demands caused by the continuous heating, cooling, and re-heating that happens inside the conventional water heater.

Thermal expansion negatively affects your pressure release valve and water heater system in the following ways:

• It can cause premature product failure
• It can cause decreased product performance and efficiency
• It can cause noisy water hammer inside your home’s pipes
• And it can be a leading factor in decreasing the life of your home’s water fixtures and appliances