How to Professionally Replace Expansion Tank & Auto Air Vent on Burnham ES26 Gas Boiler

[@cllewis1]

Steve Lav posted a video this week poking a hole in an expansion tank with a screwdriver this week...coincidence?

[@heck2r27]

I’ve seen him do that too but after he has taken it outside though

[@arseniym3185]

@@PipeDoctor >>>He is sloppy. Rude. And makes stupid mistakes... Like he says himself: good enough for this neighborhood... Not going to fly here on Long Island.

[@cllewis1]

@@PipeDoctor Thanks for replying. For context, I'm in the south and am a DIYer/homeowner for the small jobs but don't hesitate to call the pros so I don't get in over my head. Being in the south I know next to nothing about boilers. I do have an expansion tank on my water heater (thanks for explaining the difference between the one on the boiler vs the one on the water heater) and have learned when they fail, they fill up with water. I thought Steve's concept to break the vacuum to drain the tank seemed inelegant but effective, but your procedure is definitely what I'll use when mine fails... Much cleaner, to be sure. I don't want to be involved in a flame war on YT as I am simply a guy who is interested in how all the stuff works while doing my IT pro job every day. I pick up useful tidbits I can use working around the house but don't have a heck of a lot of useful info to add to the conversation.

[@jimmyr9468]

Thanks for this video. One question, How do you know that the expansion tank was bad, rather than just in need of being re-pressurized? Thanks.

[@mcalvinscott]

I have to replace my extrol tomorrow. I'm going to install a ball valve before it. Thanks for the great videos.

[@thefort88]

I have never seen that expansion tank trick with the air compressor until I started watching your channel. Always would pull them full. Keep the videos coming gotta love Mikey Pipes

[@brothersar5957]

yeah that is a neat trick. I took the unnecessary baths occasionally - but w/plenty customer provided garbage so the boiler jacket never got wet, lol

[@tylersimpson5541]

@@brothersar5957 I took one off in the class the other day at main line pressure and shot water across the shop, good times, had to do it once! I drained all the zones and obviously have my water main off but the pressure was trapped in between the regulator and the tank I guess? How do you clear that trapped pressure out if you do not have a compressor? I want an answer so I can avoid doing that in the future. Thanks in advance

[@tylersimpson5541]

I think I had the the expansion tank valve shut by accident when I was draining is actually what it was ... just remembered that!!!

[@brothersar5957]

@@tylersimpson5541 You're having major fun brother😂 when I was in the field I would depress the Schrader valve, drain the boiler to reduce the pressure then slowly unthread the extrol tank, wiggle that bastard until I think it'll just super soaker spray me then put the new 1 on. Mind u now, I covered the customers valuables and had the new tank tefloned and ready to go 🤣by btw the old tank may be very heavy, hope u had your wheaties that job, peace brother - you'll find your way🙏

[@chadrayl9648]

I’m 2 years in, starting to train on boilers. Glad I found ya, excellent vids, great personality! Look forward to seeing more videos. Thanks for taking the time too do this, cheers🍻

[@michaelcottrell7545]

Great job buddy!! Used the air pump trick the other day and it worked like a charm. I have been doing this for 20 years never thought of using an air pump to drain a tank. Just wish I thought of it.

[@CRV1958]

New York my man....... Westchester county here,......... Thanks for the video, really clear and well done.

[@edgardovibarjr6888]

This is absolutely the best educational video I’ve ever watched online on how to replace an expansion tank. Thank you, Mikey!!!

[@danobrien3109]

Thanks Mike for that info on the expansion tank to get the water out. I have learned something new today which makes this a good day. Even at 65 you should hope to learn each day. That’s what life is a learning experience so everyday that you learn is a day that was productive. I have never understood the why of guys who install those tanks up side down. Your explanation is the simplest of of all, the writing is upside down. Don’t really need to think much past that. Good call on not replacing the pump too. If it isn’t malfunctioning while your there , it isn’t in need of replacement. Good video , thanks.🇨🇦👍

[@b3d3g69]

Great video. Another tip if you don't have a pump is to take the schraeder pin out of the tank. It is not as quick but still cuts down on the mess it makes and easier to drain the expansion tank

[@MarkJones-no2zf]

We install the valve on the horizontal pipe put a tee on after valve put tank on the branch and boiler drain on other end of the tee. that way close valve open boiler drain don't have to drain boiler. I do need to remember the air pump great idea thank for that tip

[@RA-sz5tu]

not to bust your balls, but that valve could have went on the horizontal section of the piping, and that sir is from a retired carp/suppie, lol, love your work ethic, professional work being done by Mikey Pipes

[@gurban333]

lmfao

[@songsfromthelord888]

Thanks for the great info video guys! Very helpful 🙂 We just had a situation where our pressure relief valve just broke suddenly which we replaced, and we had some questions about the expansion tank, which you guys professionally answered in your video . . . thank you! 🙂 I watched a number of videos online, which didn't really help me any. Thanks again! and ,remember that God loves you! He wants you to love Him too . . . and, believe or not, that's professional advice that's been hard come by, through a number of hard knocks over a period of time. 🙂

[@emilio820]

great video just changed my expansion tank and blew the water out with an air compressor worked great. very little water spilled out. thanks for sharing

[@Geebee246]

Remove shredder valve from expansion tank after isolating system . Vacuum will break and water will flow . Good video.

[@PipeDoctor]

Thanks

[@ldr4278]

You are really good on camera. You are excellent at explaining things. Thank you.

[@PipeDoctor]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@bkoz319]

never gets old seeing the red carpet roll out

[@nolanharris640]

I switched to knipex a few years ago from the old blue trusty channel lock, my forearms thanked me for the change

[@harrygilbert4593]

Good call with the toilet. I never realized that. Recently I was on a job and a coworker told the apprentice to do that. And no I’m not going to play catch an ?? Expansion tank ever again. Very professional and clean and neat.

[@williamorourke9627]

always check charge before installing tank, they don't always have correct pressure. But I know you did because you are the master man

[@kangaroogod]

I said it on the last expansion tank vid but it amazes me how many times I have dropped that heavy sob tank over the years when such a simple pump works magic. 💪🏼

[@NYCBugkiller]

Once you started bragging about your pound of gold and your Rollie, at that point I just had to end the video. Real modest guy.

[@bobsmith1101]

Watts ETX hot water heating system Expansion Tanks says can be installed in vertical or horizontal positions.

[@tomsanders3032]

Expansion tanks can be installed in any direction. Whether oriented uprightly, horizontally, or even upside down, the expansion tank will function properly without any adverse effects.

[@MARIUSBAAR]

If seen people messure the water pressure and then fill the expansion tank to that pressure on the ST12 how would i find out what pressure my boiler system is working on?

[@franciscocastellanos9157]

I wonder, If the expansion tank is upward, the water weight will rest on its own and preserving the life of the diaphragm. Gravity always wins. Great tutorial. Thanks for sharing your expertise

[@mchristopher]

Great video. How can I check and the pressure on an existing expansion tank? I assume the tank has to be empty to charge it? How long do they last? Or what interval should they be replaced? Thank you!

[@robertdecker146]

Hi. I live in a mobile home. I have serious issues with a fumey furnace. I'm trying to deal with it, the best I can, but Sheesh, is it Horrible..!! 🤔 Do I switch to kerosene..?? It has oil in it, presently, and with treatment fluid, but to No Avail..! 😒

[@Keegeth]

I did the same exact thing with the xtank on Monday. Had to re work the pipes so that it wouldn't be upside down. The dolt that installed it had a perfect spot for it on an air separator and it had a ball valve right after the l separator. It was a hack install.

[@anthonyocchuizzo9109]

Those two items just went on my boiler. Thanks for the video. I’m going to attempt to do it myself.

[@jasondematos9314]

how did it go ?

[@Trainman0401]

Great tip on removing water from expansion tank, especially when tanks are installed high above boiler. I’m very surprised others don’t do it as a common practice. Have to agree, very professional job.👍👍

[@AndyFromNH]

Love it! Blew my mind. Doing this from now own. Can't believe I didn't think of it

[@joeymac4302]

@@PipeDoctor That trick only works with a completely shot bladder, right? I have a system (my own home) that keeps killing bladders. Pretty sure the operating pressure is too high (single story, but runs around 20-25), Some time I should probably actually address that issue, before I get too good at replacing tanks.

[@davidmerkrebs9967]

is an expansion tank required on a water heater by code hear on long island

[@ABDELFIX]

Thanks Mikey I just replaced my expansion tank. No more leakage at the relief valve. The nipple/fitting seems to have had some kind of valve inside of it which snapped. I'm guessing a fully operational valve is supposed to automatically open and let water out the air scoop to the tank. Anyways, I put the fitting back on the air scoop without that valve inside the fitting since I couldn't find that specific fitting at the store. Hopefully the fitting is not a big deal! Someone told me that you can just hook your tank right below air scoop without an extra fitting in between, so I guess I'm good!? Heating is working properly so far... Thanks in advance!

[@MyGodzilla33]

You don't need to put air in the tank at all? as the water pressor ? Thanks

[@gillbujold1918]

Amtrol Rep told us they prefer vertical down but they as long as it’s vertical they are good. Had a contractor mount one horizontal that was a problem that we made them change.

[@gillbujold1918]

@@PipeDoctor yup it’s was an issue at some sites that’s why I reached out to Amtrol directly to confirm. They explained it was like that just so their sight glass feature works. As far as the function of the tank is concerned there was no issue. Also why Watts does not speak to it in their docs. Actually for their PLT tanks they even show it horizontally... lol..

[@lambition]

What is the reason for expansion tank orientation having to be downward position? I only have experience with DHW tank since I don't do boilers and I use Watts and Proflo. Both says it can be installed upside down or horizontally. I just looked up Amtrol and their manual says to install downward position only. To me, installing threads at the bottom made more sense as that will keep sediments out of the tank..

[@lambition]

@@PipeDoctor Yes. I realize that is true for Amtrol, but others say it can be in any orientation. I was wondering if you knew the reasoning behind it.

[@guytech7310]

it can trap air if installed upside down.

[@tomtome21]

Out of curiosity why didn't no put the shut-off value on the horizontal since the vertical wouldn't work ?

[@hacksaw413]

Might not get an answer but if the expansion tank was in the right orientation could you just unscrew the bottom nut?

[@Mando2593]

Have a water heater 40 gallons. I need to have one spansion tank or no ?

[@jo-ty1um]

Let some pressure off spin that thing off on the fly put the new one on. No need for a pump screw driver hole. Good work love your channel

[@jimmyjamesl2318]

Ever change 007 cartridges as maintenance after system is 10 years old? Also expansions tanks and air vents? ...its about 2 hours for 3 cartridges, a tank and 1 or 2 vents...and can cut off a very simple fixes

[@JohnSmith-cp2yg]

So is that blue monster Teflon tape works the same as the blue monster pipe dope so you don't need to get the pipe dope just the Teflon tape good enough thank you in advance

[@readysetsleep]

Weird my circulator pump is on the return to the gas boiler ( hydronic baseboard). The expansion tank is on the supply (away) before the zone valves, no air vent. But then again this is a setup from 1986, did they do things the opposite way back then?

[@stumpynubs5387]

Type of air vent? Did you replace a toco 400?

[@sportykev]

I literally just ordered from supplyhouse, didn’t realize you both were also on the island.

[@awesomeswag123]

I know this option is not as clean but could you also drill a hole to help relieve the pressure in the tank if you don’t have an air compressor on site?

[@tbone587]

Whats the best way to determine the PSI needed on the expansion tank on an oil boiler? I have a slight leak on my pressure relief valve that I replaced a couple years ago so I am thinking my expansion tank may be bad or it needs to be adjusted in terms of pressure. The expansion tank itself is easy to replace in terms of it just threads on, but the potential of having to drain the system is where I lack the knowledge. Do you have any tips in terms of how to get a proper pressure reading on the tank. example: turn main off, turn off valve on expansion tank, take reading. Does the tank need to be removed to get a pressure reading? And then if it does need air, can i fill it with the tank attached?

[@johnnyvivic8730]

If the bladder in the expansion tank is ruptured and you force air into the bladder with a compressor to drain out the water in the tank, would you also be forcing air into the hydronic heating system?

[@johnnyvivic8730]

@@PipeDoctor Ok, thanks

[@rioborzelli7291]

Don't see a wall bracket to hold the expansion tank. When filled with water it weighs a bit.

[@jakobboisclair2790]

Hey Mikey pipes have you seen webstones shut off valve that threads into the air separator and has a shut off for the expansion and threads for you to screw it in? Pretty slick. I never see you use hydrolic separators. Has the air separator built in with supply and returns too. Just curious thats all.

[@brendanlynch2138]

Is bleeding the zones different with those tacos boards over traditional zone valves?

[@PipeDoctor]

Bleeding the zones is a similar process with both Tacos boards and traditional zone valves. The main difference lies in the design and functionality of the two systems.

[@briandolan9123]

What's the deal with the chimney liner flue pipe?

[@Ajcruz913]

That's an awesome tip with the amtrol

[@PipeDoctor]

glad you like it

[@ridethepace6005]

Serious question: why not put that shut off on the run, then 90 down to exp. Tank?

[@ridethepace6005]

@@PipeDoctor i honestly might not have thought of it either, at the time. Just curious if there was a reason. I work on gas only, utility side, so I watch to learn. Thanks for the education, and the entertainment.

[@cmichaelanthonyimages2197]

I have a friend who I have to replace the new tank she got because they put a smaller one, removing the old 30, and now she has a pressure problem. Also never changed the bad vent valve. No valves on the boiler to isolate the feed or return, nor a shut off for the feeder, and he never installed a valve to remove that changed extrol tank. Lazy, shaby work, but said she needed a need system for 12000k.

[@edolas3411]

Mikey, why didn't you add the shutoff valve between the two elbows that you installed?

[@henryt9254]

The pipes in this house is more complicated than a submarine's plumbing system.

[@PostUp_Time]

*PLEASE HELP. WHEN I USE THE FILL VALVE TO PURGE, THE WATER RUNS INTO THE EXPANSION TANK. I SHUT THE VALVE OFF WHILE PURGING, BUT AS SOON AS I OPEN THE VALVE AGAIN, ATTACHED TO EXPANSION TANK, THE WATER FLOWS RIGHT INTO THE EXPANSION TANK. WHAT DO I DO?? PLEASE HELP*

[@PipeDoctor]

Why are you isolating the expansion tank?

[@jasondematos9314]

you are a pretty dam good tech, but you must be the reason i get less resi calls now lol

[@PipeDoctor]

I guess you have more time to spend with your family!

[@KameraShy]

Should have marked the installation date on the expansion tank.

[@RVail623]

Regarding expansion tank orientation: Sorry, your theory of relying on the tank label to determine which is "upside down" vs. "right side up" seems suspect. The question is: which orientation would provide for the maximum lifespan of the rubber membrane? It would appear that: water inlet at the bottom would maximize the lifespan. If you have definitive documentation otherwise for the "officially preferred" method, please post. Thanks.

[@philcore4759]

When working with hydronic piping, teflon tape only instead of tape & dope?

[@AdamDaley1]

Any downsides to having those expansion tanks "upside down" - I just had my entire system replaced. They did a nice job but the tanks are both upside down (5 zone w/indirect, oil fed)

[@hansi6606]

Fact being in Germany all bigger expansion tanks need to be installed "upside down" - water in the lower part, air in the upper. This way the diaphragm doesn't have to carry the water load and can evenly distribute pressure over whole surface. Tanks do last longer installed this way. Any other orientation (air to the side or below) will result in weight-sacks in the rubber. No joke: Back in the days our old made-in-Germany expansion tanks would last decades!

[@plympytheplumber4605]

Great trick on the expansion tank! You never can hold a full expansion tank firmly enough when it gets passed that final thread and drops right out of your hands.

[@joseorellana9973]

What if the 3/4 nipple tank were installed in place of the 1/2?

[@joseorellana9973]

Thanks... I just read the tag on it like you said in the video lol its says maximum of 200 degrees so yeah I installed the wrong one about a year ago. Also says potable water only 😀.

[@PostUp_Time]

*WHY DO OTHER VIDEOS SAY PURGE WITH POWER OFF? IM REALLY CONFUSED HOW TO DO THIS*

[@PipeDoctor]

Don’t make a difference. They don’t want power to circulators

[@stevenalicea3085]

Bro.Your definitely a good tech. I like learning from the best . 👍

[@AndyFromNH]

Dude. Genius. Just bought a Ridgid 18v inflator. Gonna try it

[@dirt9925]

you could use a cold-shot freeze kit to change the circulator with out making a mess apprenticed

[@kkovler1]

what if the expansion tank bladder was still in tack. you could not drain with pump then?

[@stevebabiak6997]

The pump could only be used to drain the expansion tank alone if the bladder is intact. But then the remaining water in the system has to be dealt with to switch the tank.

[@johnmcweeney205]

Good job on the video and well done on the explanation on the work performed. I’m sure if the customer watches the video he’ll know he got his money’s worth

[@realestateservicessaleshea99]

Dang mike you seem a little pre- occupied with the lavster y'all are not on the same level and that's not a knock on either one of you. You both have the stones to put your work out for all to see ,so take the good with the bad (criticism) And keep it moving the haters will always hate. Those who can't take an expansion tank off without ruining a boiler control board don't need to be in a basement let alone try'n to fix one.🤣😂🤣🍺🥃 2- gold smold be careful I worked with medium/high voltage for 30 years you can get cooked real quick try'n to be cute it took me along time before I wore a wedding ring gold conducts the best. Stay safe. Steve is next level,he's a ONE MAN BAND. Your more or less like a northern(Big) Ted Cook without all the heat pumps. Retired Keyboard super tech. Wear your safety glasses & thanks for not getting me seasick today.🤣🍺🥃😂🤣🤣😂🍺🥃🥃🥃👍

[@gregmiracle9560]

Good job! Plus NO hernia trying to catch a tank full of water! Pump it out👍👍👍

[@mannyvelez4437]

I Fvck!ng love the “red carpet treatment “ you should bring confetti and give “Godzilla” a small trumpet too!!!

[@hvacman77]

Great tip just wouldn't work on the new style with the indicator bulb

[@cheesegoda]

I'm not in the trade and I don't know why I am watching these videos.

[@cheesegoda]

@@PipeDoctor I did help my dad take care of a 10 zone coal/oil furnace growing up. It needed lots of TLC.

[@chadrayl9648]

What kind of pump is that?

[@hvacservicementor]

Love the compressor trick. How well does it work when the tank is nipple side up?

[@hvacservicementor]

@@PipeDoctor I guess that makes sense since it will push up on the diaphragm! Thanks!

[@gidzey4783]

Just curious Mikey Pipes.... inwas taught to use both pipe dope and blue monster on black iron fittings.... it's probably over doing it. Do you ever have issues with leaks years down the road from just using blue monster?

[@raydavidrd]

Who is the camera man jose feliciano?

[@rustyshakleford5230]

I like using a screwdriver than dropping the thing still half full on the customers old rusty boiler then my on my foot. The pump idea is brilliant.

[@rustyshakleford5230]

@@PipeDoctor A pump seems to work better then a wet sweatshirt and shoes.

[@josephkober3734]

I think the way they have it mounted would work better . That way even if the bladder leaked the air would stay in the top of the tank .They way you guys mount them onto an air vent on their top if the bladder gets a slow leak it would go right out the vent . The old tanks were always mounted high with the connection in the bottom so air stays in them . Thats how all well sytem pressure tanks are mounted.

[@John_Lee_]

Wrong. Amtrol wants it the way Mike did it. It's in the book.

[@josephkober3324]

@@John_Lee_ Look up how they install them in Europe. I dont know why they think this is right . I guess they sell lots of tanks this way.

[@bugattivi7110]

You starting early I see 😎🙌🙌

[@bugattivi7110]

@@PipeDoctor you the man bro Mikey pipes

[@JohnSmith-cp2yg]

Thank you Mikey pipes you're awesome brother

[@ryanbrady5968]

That expansion tank is ...NOT a leaker now, mama! love it :P

[@petem6291]

Mike , is there a specific name for that ball valve you were going to Install above the expansion tank , the handle looks different???? Also do you run into a lot of rusted out black pipe nipples , for example that boiler had black pipe before the circulators .. seems like a bad choice????

[@jaedentalks]

Mike,I have an Extrol #15 expansion tank on my boiler. The heat has not been on since March meaning the boiler has not fired since that time.BeforeI turn the heat on,I would like to check the charge in the expansion tank which should be at the factory charged 12 psi. Here is my question. Since the boiler has not fired since March, can I just check the tank for 12 psi without draining the boiler and adjust if necessary?

[@jaedentalks]

@@PipeDoctor Can you clarify?

[@jaedentalks]

Crickets.I guess not.

[@steakdave666]

Mikey pipes, whats a decent pipe dope? Im just getting into plumbing(just for home repairs, not professional), so looking for some recommendations

[@seandaley8429]

Did you depressurize the expansion tank with the Milwaukee pump ?

[@Mercmad]

Solar panel repair is the emerging new industry....

[@cwrnmservicesllc510]

They come 40 PSI. They can per factory can be install "upside" down. The scary part is that isn't properly supported. So when it fails, it could take out the pipe. Use them all the time. :)

[@guytech7310]

issue is that upside down they can accumulate air that will later find its into a circulation loop, usually at 9 pm, when the customer calls: "My pipes are banging!"

[@gidzey4783]

Also, if i don't win that Milwaukee compressor.... its going to be the next tool i buy. Such a great idea! Will def help especially when i have a full EX-60 to remove...ha

[@lkw5699]

Cover the boiler with a towel first. Why wasnt the cold line pressure measured then match that to the tank?

[@PipeDoctor]

What are you talking about?

[@vladnada]

@@PipeDoctor Ive been watching expansion tank vids for about 20min and I think I know what hes asking. Water heaters tanks expansion tank PSI is matched to city water PSI. Hydronic systems tanks are pre charged to about 12psi. People are always confused because they dont know what type is system is being worked on.

[@vladnada]

Thats for water heaters. This must have been for a hydronic heating system where psi is listed on the tank.

[@dominicanto17dr]

Just subscribed im a boiler service tech and this was GREAT info!

[@whatamiccallit]

The air scoop is not installed properly

[@tjbee1905]

What about the valve?

[@ronaldjones806]

You could have taking the valve stem out of the pressure tank so air would come in in the water would drain out on the other end right right. By putting the pump did the same thing but you didn't need to use the pump. Plus by putting the expansion tank upside down was a good thing. I'll leave it up to you to figure it out if not have a nice day. Till next time..

[@timthompson427]

Love the channel!! How long did you and Godzilla hang out after the job was finished and play in that awesome Lego room and what did you build?

[@johnsutter1497]

Thank you for showing the tech tip on how to get the water out of the expansion tank. Enjoy your weekend

[@mykrbnsol]

How much would you charge the customer for this? Maybe a price range? Thanks.

[@mykrbnsol]

Looks like you are in New York. I'm in New Hampshire, so not in your service area. Thanks for the informative video and quick reply.

[@kkovler1]

Is that a special Teflon tape you use, with a sealer?

[@guytech7310]

Lowes, HomeDepot & SupplyHouse.com all sell Blue monster tape and Dope.