1. How Much Does It Cost To Install A Water Heater Expansion Tank

A standard tank water heater can stress your plumbing pipes by the normal thermal expansion that happens during the heating process. A safety device known as a water heater expansion tank (sometimes called a thermal expansion tank) can help minimize the risk of pressure damage to the plumbing system. (This is normally not a problem on modern on-demand, tankless water heaters--only tank-style heaters are subject to this problem.)

The water heater expansion tank serves as an overflow receptacle by absorbing excess water volume created by the tank water heater when heating water, as well as absorbing fluctuations in the incoming water supply pressure. Since water expands when it is heated due to thermal expansion, the water heater creates extra water volume every time it heats water. It's estimated, for example, that the cold water in a standard 50-gallon water heater expands to 52 gallons when heated to 120 F. This extra water volume can create excess pressure in the plumbing system, and if the increased pressure is enough it may, over time, cause damage to the water heater, plumbing fixtures and the water pipes themselves.

Shut the power off to your water heater while you are installing the expansion tank IF YOUR WATER HEATER IS ELECTRIC. However, if you have a gas water heater, UNLESS YOU KNOW EXACTLY HOW TO TURN THE GAS SUPPLY ON AND OFF, do NOT attempt to do so. Dangerous fumes can build up very rapidly, and the smallest spark or ignition source can ignite them.

Closed Water Supply Systems

In an open system where expanding water can push back into the city water supply, there is rarely any problem. However, many homes have a closed water supply system, which is a water system equipped with a one-way valve such as a backflow valve, check valve or pressure-reducing valve. In a closed system, this extra water pressure from thermal expansion can cause the most damage because the extra water pressure cannot push back into the city water supply and therefore has nowhere to go.

How Much Does It Cost To Install A Water Heater Expansion Tank

Most cities require that residential closed plumbing systems be equipped with expansion tanks. If you have some form of backflow preventer installed on the main water line, you may be required by law to also have a water heater expansion tank installed. Check the local building code or call the building and safety department to find out.

How a Water Heater Expansion Tank Is Installed

If you do not have a one-way valve installed on the main water line and therefore do not have a closed water system, you may still benefit from a water heater expansion tank. Expansion tanks are normally installed above the water heater on the cold water line before it enters the water heater; however, they can really be installed anywhere on the cold water line prior to entry into the water heater. Having an expansion tank helps prevent dripping faucets and running toilets by keeping the extra built-up pressure in the system from reaching the fixtures and prematurely damaging them.

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Water heater expansion tank prices start at around $40 and range up to nearly $200; pricing is largely dependent on the size of the tank. For most residential installations with 40- or 50-gallon water heaters, a simple 2-gallon tank is fine. The tank is quite easy to install with a normal 3/4” threaded connection. A tee fitting will have to be installed above the water heater if one is not there already.

If you are hiring a plumber to have a water heater installed, it’s a good idea to get a price for the installation of an expansion tank at the same time. It may not be much more than you are already paying if it is done at the same time. If you are installing a water heater yourself, consider installing an expansion tank even if it is not required, since the benefits far outweigh the work and cost involved.