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| Expansion Tank | Rate Topic |
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| Posted: Thu Jul 15th, 2010 02:06 am |
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1st Post |
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Jeeter Member
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How can I know whether I need an expansion tank? If a new T&P relief valve does not discharge spontaneously, does that indicate I don't need an expansion tank?
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| Posted: Thu Jul 15th, 2010 04:32 pm |
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2nd Post |
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undee70ss Member 
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Jeeter wrote: If a new T&P relief valve does not discharge spontaneously, does that indicate I don't need an expansion tank? No. Are you on city water, well water? Do you have a pressure reducing valve? To find out if you need one, get a lazy pointer water pressure gauge (see pic). Connect it to a hose bib and note the pressure. Leave it connected for several days and note the max pressure that was reached. (red pointer) Anything over 70-80psi, you need one. 
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| Posted: Thu Jul 15th, 2010 04:58 pm |
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3rd Post |
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elenano Member 
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I'd elaborate slightly on that. If static pressure is over 80 psi, you need a pressure reducer, and then if the gauge shows anything higher after that is installed, you need the expansion tank. Randy Schuyler
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| Posted: Thu Jul 15th, 2010 07:57 pm |
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4th Post |
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Jeeter Member
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Thanks for the clear responses and photo. I'm on city water with no pressure reducing valve. In a few days I'll have a value for the maximum static pressure and then take it from there. -- John
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| Posted: Tue Jul 20th, 2010 07:47 pm |
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5th Post |
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Jeeter Member
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Update: Normal static pressure from my city supply is 80 psi, and over a 5 day period it peaked at 95 psi. That's with no water heater installed. I reckon I'll install a pressure reducing valve plus an expansion tank, but first I'd like to get the water heater in and take another reading. Instructions that came with my $10 Watts water pressure test gauge say "Water Pressure Regulators should be installed when pressure exceeds 60 psi." Also, "If the gauge reads 80 psi or higher [after 48 hours], install a Watts Governor 80 or an Expansion Tank." Do they mean in addition to the pressure regulator? Wouldn't the pressure regulator keep the pressure below 80 psi, or can thermal expansion account for an increase from 60 to 80 or more psi? The Governor 80 seems to be a pressure relief valve combined with a toilet ball cock valve whereas an expansion tank is something that would go near the water heater to accommodate thermal expansion with no water loss. Are these equally good solutions? How crucial is any of this? I've lived here 38 years with hot water and been unaware of any problems having to do with water pressure. Thanks for the help, John
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| Posted: Thu Jul 22nd, 2010 03:43 am |
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6th Post |
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Ej Member 
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Even more reason to install a pressure regulator. This should help prevent many plumbing problems that occur in older homes.
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