Comparing Pressure Fluctuations Before and After Installing Thermal Expansion Tank to Water Heater

This video demonstrates the effectiveness of thermal expansion tank in stabilizing water pressure in the home plumbing system by measuring and comparing the water pressure fluctuations before and after installing the thermal expansion tank to the water heater.
The main items used for installing this thermal expansion tank are listed below:
2 gal. Thermal Expansion Tank
www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-...
3/4 in. x Close MIP Brass Hex Nipple Fitting
www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-...
3/4 in. FIP 90-Degree Brass Elbow Fitting
www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-...
3/4 in. FIP x 3/4 in. FIP x 24 in. Stainless Steel Water Heater Supply Line
www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-...
3/4 in. Brass FIP x FIP Full Port Threaded Ball Valve
www.homedepot.com/p/Watts-3-4...
3/4 in. x 4 in. MIP Brass Nipple Fitting
www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-...
3/4 in. FIP Brass Tee Fitting
www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-...
3/4 in. x Close MIP Brass Hex Nipple Fitting
www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-...
Pro Dope 8 oz. Pipe Joint Compound
www.homedepot.com/p/Oatey-Pro...
1/2 in. x 260 in. Thread Sealing PTFE Plumber's Tape
www.homedepot.com/p/Harvey-1-...
HoldRite QuickStrap Universal Expansion Tank Water Heater Wall Mounting Bracket, Stainless Steel, QS-U
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...

[@shinola228]

Interesting video. Thanks for making it.

[@happydiytime]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your comments.

[@RVail623]

Good video. However, two improvements: 1. Replace the rotary cold water shutoff valve with another ball valve. 2. Invert the expansion tank so that the water intake is located at the bottom. Which, in theory, would tend to maximize the durability of the rubber gasket inside the expansion tank.

[@pilot0208]

Question, do i need to replace the rotary valve with a ball valve to pass inspection? does expansion tank needs to be secure to wall or can it be without it as long as is connected directly to the pipe, thank you

[@RVail623]

@@pilot0208 Not required to replace the rotary valve, but a simply good idea to, since they often get gummed up & fail to work properly. The tank will likely need some kind of added support, in case it gets water-logged and the extra weight could make the pipes fail.

[@ericjane747]

Also having the air valve accessible on the top lets it be checked for pressure and bladder rupture.

[@happydiytime]

Thanks for your helpful suggestions!

[@pilot0208]

@@RVail623 thanks for the info. I am trying to do this on my own. I understand that you are supposed to match the water pressure your water valve regulator outside the house is set to , to the expansion tank, I replaced mine but did not really tested it before I replaced it so I don’t really know what was the pressure it was set to before, so the question is what is it supposed to be set to? Does it goes based on how big the house is? How the city says is supposed to be set to? Reason I ask is because I have seen some videos and their houses were set differently, some were 80psi and some 50. Any help on this is greatly appreciated

[@stevem1081]

Taking a bath or a very long shower could increase that peak pressure, unless you have a small leak or use some water shortly after using the shower. Also, people on a well do not need an expansion tank, as the tank acts as one.

[@happydiytime]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@kevingray8616]

I've been wondering why I don't have an expansion tank. Duh! I'm on a well with a pressure tank.