These symptoms may indicate that your system is struggling to manage the excess pressure. Installing an expansion tank provides a low-cost solution to mitigate these risks, protecting your plumbing system from costly repairs.

However, a brand new installation is trickier and requires plumbing knowledge and experience with how to make adjustments to the main water line. In effect, you might find yourself needing to rework and lower the main water shut-off valve (to allow room for the water pressure regulator). In this case, call your local plumber and get an estimate in advance before any work is done.

If you find that you’re experiencing water pressure that’s too low, check first with your neighbors. The municipal water source in your town may be experiencing (temporarily) low pressure on the system. Knowing this will save you from making an adjustment that isn’t necessary.

These water pressure regulator’s have a purpose, to help reduce the pressure of the water flowing into your home so that damage and leaks do not occur and destroy your property. The amount of pressure can vary depending on how far away you are from the municipal water supply, although it typically ranges from 80 pounds per square inch to 150 pounds per square inch.

A water heater expansion tank, also known as a thermal expansion tank, is a small, secondary tank that attaches to the water supply pipe leading to the water heater. To answer the question 'what does an expansion tank do,' its primary role is to absorb the extra volume created when water heats up and expands. The water heater expansion tank purpose is clear: by providing this additional space, it prevents dangerous pressure from building up in your water heater and plumbing system.

Many homes built before certain plumbing codes were enacted may not have an expansion tank, as they were not a standard requirement. In older systems, open water systems allowed the expanding water to flow back into the city’s water lines. However, in most modern homes with closed water systems (due to check valves or pressure-regulating valves), this is no longer possible.

Sometimes, you need to reduce or maybe even increase water pressure (just a bit). Thankfully, water pressure regulator adjustment often can be made with the turn of a screw.

Replacing an existing pressure regulator (not every home has one) can be relatively easy. We recommend you replace the old regulator with the same make and model to keep installation problems to a minimum. Just shut off all of your water to the home, unscrew and remove the old valve, and install the new one. Then turn your water on. Make adjustments as noted above when establishing your desired water pressure.

As water heats up in a water heater, it naturally expands, a process known as thermal expansion. This expansion increases the volume of water, leading to excess pressure within the water heater's tank. In the past, this expanding water would simply flow back into the municipal water supply where it originated. However, modern plumbing systems are equipped with check valves that prevent water from flowing backward into the public supply, reducing the risk of contamination.

However, that may not always be the case and your home may be the only one experiencing low water pressure. If that’s the case, here are the step-by-step instructions you need to for adjusting a water pressure regulator.

Don’t hesitate to contact or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237). We will immediately handle any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning and drain clearing, and water damage problem, including excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines.

The check valve ensures that the water inside your home stays separate from the external supply, but it also traps the expanding water within the system. Without a way to relieve the increased pressure, this can lead to damage in your pipes, water heater, and plumbing fixtures. This is where the water heater expansion tank comes into play.

Thermal expansion is a basic principle of physics. When water is heated, its molecules move faster and spread out, increasing the volume. In a confined space like a water heater, this expanded water has no room to go unless an expansion tank is present.

If your home doesn’t have an expansion tank, you could still be at risk of pressure-related issues. Here's what you might notice:

Did you know that your home has a water pressure regulator which enable to make your own water pressure regulator adjustment? This bell-shaped device manages the amount of water pressure entering your home from the city’s main water line.

Without this pressure relief provided by an expansion tank for water heater systems, over time, these components can fail, resulting in leaks, broken pipes, or a damaged water heater.

The expansion tank, also referred to as a potable water expansion tank, is divided into two chambers: one filled with air and the other meant to hold water. As the water in the heater expands, it flows into the tank, compressing the air in the other chamber. This compression relieves the pressure within the closed water system. By regulating pressure in this way, the tank protects vulnerable components like:

If you prefer, our professional plumbers can make the water pressure regulator adjustment for you. We can also install a water pressure regulator if you don’t have one.

Don't let expansion tank issues put your plumbing at risk. Whether you need installation, maintenance, or repairs, ABC Plumbing has you covered. Our skilled technicians can quickly diagnose and resolve any expansion tank problems, ensuring your water heater system runs safely and efficiently. Don't wait for small issues to become costly repairs. Call ABC Plumbing at (888) 868-6667 now today for prompt, professional service you can trust.