this post was submitted on 08 Aug 2023
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What's an expansion tank? I set it up like the old one was set up. Oh I did was disconnect the old one and reconnect the new one to the same pipes coming out of the wall.
https://www.thespruce.com/water-heater-expansion-tank-information-2719063
An expansion tank is necessary for water heaters, because the process of heating water causes it to expand. Without an expansion tank, pressure could build to unsafe levels
All tanks are equipped with a safety release for the pressure and the only time when that delta in pressure can be problematic is when you go from completely cold to hot due to the higher amount of water that can fit in the tank at lower temp.
Otherwise I've never seen a house in Canada with an extension tank attached to the water heater and the water come in ice cold in the winter.
If it's necessary then how did my last tank make it 20 years without one?
The expansion tank isn't just for the water heater. That increased pressure puts undue strain on the entire plumbing system in your home. It will cause toilet fill valves to fail, supply lines to rupture, and possibly even pinhole leaks. A lot of plumbing issues are solved by installing an expansion tank.
If you are on municipal water and there is no check valve between you and the water meter then the municipal water supply is acting as the expansion tank. It may not be to code in your area but that's how many homes were built in the past.