A small thermal expansion tank mounted on the cold water line above a water heater

A little room to grow

Water Heater Expansion Tank Installation

A small tank that absorbs the extra volume of heated water, easing pressure on your heater, relief valve and plumbing in a closed system.

Water Heater Expansion Tank Installation for Snellville area homes

Water expands when it is heated. In older homes, that extra volume could push back into the city supply. Many homes now have a check valve or pressure reducing valve that stops water from flowing backward, creating what is called a closed system.

In a closed system, the extra volume has nowhere to go, so pressure rises every time the heater runs. Water heater expansion tank installation in Snellville gives that water a place to go, which can protect the tank, the relief valve and fixtures throughout the house.

Signs pressure may be building

A dripping relief valve

A relief valve that discharges after heating cycles can point to thermal expansion.

Banging or hammering pipes

Pressure spikes can make plumbing noisy.

Faucets or toilets that run or drip

Repeated high pressure can wear out washers and fill valves sooner.

A recent heater replacement

Many newer installations call for an expansion tank on closed systems.

What installation includes

Checking whether your plumbing is a closed system
Measuring static water pressure
Sizing the tank for heater capacity and pressure
Setting the tank precharge to match house pressure
Mounting and supporting the tank on the cold supply line

The installation steps

1
Measure
House water pressure is checked so the tank can be set correctly.
2
Size
The tank is chosen based on heater volume and pressure.
3
Precharge
The air side of the tank is adjusted before installation.
4
Mount and test
The tank is installed and supported, and the system is checked for leaks.

Support and placement

A full expansion tank is heavier than it looks. Hanging one from a pipe without support can strain the connection over time, so a strap or bracket is a simple and worthwhile addition.

Expansion tanks are most often added during a water heater replacement, since the plumbing is already open. If your heater is newer and the relief valve is dripping, it can also be added on its own.

This service is available in Snellville and the nearby communities listed on our service areas page. For broader questions, the water heater FAQ covers the basics.