Many people, even homeowners, are unaware of the role an expansion tank plays in maintaining a home’s hot water supply. And most are unaware of what to do when an expansion tank needs to be repaired or replaced. That’s the perfect time to contact Vines Plumbing as we can repair expansion tanks in Myrtle Beach, SC and the surrounding areas.
An expansion tank is a smaller tank right near your water heater. One of its pipes is connected to the cold-water supply and its function is to maintain the set water pressure of the water heater. Without it, your water heating process will not work correctly.
Expansion tanks are also a necessary part of pretty much all plumbing codes as it is required when a hot water heater is installed. This is done for safety purposes as
Virtually, every modern plumbing code requires the installation of an expansion tank on hot water heater installations. The reason is simple. Water expands when heated. This extra volume of water needs to go somewhere. Before the widespread usage of backflow preventers, check valves and pressure reducing valves, this expanded water simply pushed the cold water back into the city water main. If your house has one of the above-mentioned devices, you could have problems. These devices prohibit the flow of water from your house back into the public water system.
Potential repair problems
Expansion tanks can run into problems, but there is no life expectancy like there is with water heaters. That makes it difficult to get even a rough idea when a tank is about to falter. One thing that is important to know about expansion tanks is they have the potential to leak. There are a couple of common ways in which they start to fail, and they are as follows:
- Worn out bladder – Constant use can wear out the rubber bladder in an expansion tank. This is a key component because it controls thermal expansion.
- Corrosion buildup – When corrosion becomes too much on the pipe connecting to the tank, a leak can start to emerge.
Water heater issues are not uncommon and you should not feel overwhelmed when something goes wrong. Vines Plumbing will take the time to identify your issue while also explaining it so you can fully understand what you are dealing with. For the best expansion tank and water heater repair Myrtle Beach has to offer, contact the professionals at Vines Plumbing.
