Installing an Expansion Tank on a Waterheater

The thermal expansion valve on the cold inlet side of my water heater line got stuck open so I needed to replace it. Current code states an Expansion Tank is the preferred method of dealing with thermal expansion so I decided to install one myself. Here is the step by step on how I did the install. See below for links to specific parts of the video. Hope this helps and Thanks for Watching.
Problem - 1:04
Code Related Issues - 3:29
Tools/Supplies - 9:10
Step by Step Install - 11:18
Closing Remarks - 18:10

[@Rebel-Rouser]

this is a simple and easy job to complete. plumbers make big profits off of this specific repair. it might take an experienced plumber an hour at most to complete.. $450 easy dollars... of course they are going to push back against a DIYer sharing a video on his to complete this super easy install... those guys can kick rocks.. good job!

[@RoughRidersTV]

Thanks. I totally understand if someone didn't want to try the job themselves but for those that don't mind a little DIY work, it's pretty easy. It's why I made the video...to help those that might want to take a crack and doing it by themselves.

[@sleektoneofficial]

Yeah well honestly when you pay a plumber 450$ your paying for their knowledge and experience. And i hope your plumber does not charge you 450$ and use sharkbites. Cause they leak the plastic breaks down after a few years ive fixed it many times.

[@Jame6999]

​@@sleektoneofficialthe best way to do things is welding. Just practice a few then get good and

[@Stevehab2]

My new water heater was installed with shark bite flexible hoses, shutoff valve and fittings. 12 + years ago. Best looking pipe in my 36 yo home.

[@kirkgibbard6093]

Good job. I would have put a bolt through hole in the to secure better. And you can do all your work on your own home. Good job again.

[@jamesbelfiore6973]

Good job on the code review and your research. I have found that for code questions its OK to ask others (even "experts") but best to do your own research specifically as the code applies to your location as you did. Good video!

[@RoughRidersTV]

Thanks. I was just surprised by the "experts" telling me it was not to code when in fact it was. The real objection was that I did it myself instead of hiring a plumber and that I used shark bites. I know a lot of plumbers hate shark bite fittings and say they fail prematurely. I am sure if they are installed incorrectly, they will fail but if you take time to do the job right, they will hold up just fine over time.

[@grberendzenproductions312]

With the flex line and sharkbite fittings, you left the tank fairly loosely supported. I would have wrapped the strap around the tank completely before screwing both ends to the joists above or possibly bolt the strap, through the holes to securely grab the tank. I would, however, have used all solid pipe and either sweat fittings or threaded fittings no matter what code says is "usable". I've never seen one installed by a professional plumber without those things and I've worked construction for over 40 years. Mind you, with all the crimp on fittings now in use, pro plumbers are always ready and willing to do things the "easier" way. I'm sure they want to reduce call backs for leaks, so they use the absolutely certain, trusted way to install them.

[@RoughRidersTV]

I am certainly open to constructive criticism. Perhaps doing a full wrap on the strap is a good idea. My complaint was that I was repeatedly told it was not to code but that was not accurate. But I do thank you for your comment and feedback.

[@luismolina2973]

Excellent video nice job 👍 👏 👌

[@RoughRidersTV]

Thanks.

[@tlawson1409]

Thank you for the info nice job 👍 he'll with others

[@alexeimiloslawsky2978]

Very good stuff buddy. I'm about to replace my old water heater, and I want to try sharkbite expansion valve. If you have had heard of.

[@RoughRidersTV]

Thanks. The sharkbites seem to be working fine so far, no leaking or any other problems. have not tried the expansion valve, that may have saved me time instead of installing the tank but I would think it would be just fine. There is a trick though to installing these fittings, make sure that your pipe cut is clean and free of any burs, nicks, scratches, etc. that might prevent the rubber gasket from sealing properly. As long as you do that, I think you will be fine. I'm guessing that people that have problems with sharkbite fittings failed to ensure their cut was clean and nothing on the pipe that would cause a problem. Good luck on your install.

[@nickromano8851]

Hi, on that shark bite tee where the expansion tank screws in to female 3/4" do you use a rubber washer & then screw in with teflon tape & pipe dope? or just the tape & dope? thanks

[@RoughRidersTV]

I don't recall if there was a rubber washer in the shark bite.

[@RVail623]

Others may have a different opinion, but it seems better (maximizing product longevity) to have the water inlet at the bottom & Schrader valve at the top. Thus having the water assisted by gravity to drain back out. And so that, the rubber bladder needs less effort to push against any water present in the holding tank, since it 's not impeded by the weight of the water above it (if the tank was installed in the upside-down orientation: with water intake at top).

[@johndibert5509]

Why not cut out the old expansion valve vs leave in and plug?

[@jbrous3602]

Good job...nix the shark and do a better job on the tank hanger...use a strap at both ends?

[@kennylavay8492]

Good enough job but you took the water pressure that was in the water tank not the cold incoming water before the tank.

[@RoughRidersTV]

Actually, I also checked it at my outside faucets as well to confirm the pressure was the same throughout. I got the same readings as at the tank. I just didn't show that in the video.

[@readmore3634]

The reason shark bite is so scrutinized is because the total amount of surface area making the seal is the where the O-ring actually touches the pipe inside. Probably less than a 1/16 th of a Sq. inch of surface. I'd never use it inside a dwelling...maybe out in the garden. First: 100% water will not expand at all until it begins to boil. Only the air (or any other gases within the water column) will expand as it's heated. Older water heaters that pop and tick when the burners on produce steam pockets due to build-up on the bottom of the tank but that's another subject. Second: Municipal water, spring water and well water all have different amounts of air in them, so the amount of expansion will vary. Third: If the street pressure is above 80 lbs. you should have a regulator...if below, no need for one. Regulators close when the desired pressure is reached....leaving no place for expansion to go. Expansion tanks should be installed on all systems with regulators along with hot water producers of any kind. Otherwise the water can travel backwards. In California I've never seen houses with check valves at every meter. Some had regulators (mistake) but now they're installed at the house cuz they only last about 10-15 years. Municipal water is always running somewhere....so thermal expansion produced in homes is not an issue at less than a quart here and there at a time. It's a very slow process but needs to be addressed at the particular site. If you put 80 lbs of air in the expansion tank and the street street pressure is also 80....The diaphragm will not center it's self and defeat it's purpose. You should put in HALF of what ever the current pressure is. Always use a somewhat liquefied pipe dope along with the Teflon tape, keeps all malleable metals from balling up inside. Good luck!

[@brucerock271]

First: 100% water will not expand at all until it begins to boil. Not true UP or DOWN. Going up the expansion is about 4% from 4 degrees C to 100 degrees C. Going down, it expands into ice.

[@readmore3634]

@@brucerock271______ I know, I know.... Technically yes, 4% at boiling and 9% freezing, Einstein... But normally a water heater is under pressure right? "The temperature must be higher before the vapor pressure reaches the surrounding pressure, so water under pressure boils at a higher temperature." And we are discussing water at a far less temperature than boiling right?. ..and it is under pressure. So your scenario doesn't fit this particular situation. Nice of you to chime in tho.

[@hildebertocarreiro9232]

The expansion tank should keep the water pipes from busting from to much hot pressure

[@keithkeithkeith9874]

Whats the link to the water heater code?

[@RoughRidersTV]

Since there are multiple different codes compliance organizations to consider, there is not just 1 link. For example, I looked at the UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code), the International Plumbing Code, my local city and county codes, the ANSI standards, and more. Furthermore, links frequently change so it is best to do a new search so that you get the most current link to the codes. However, if you do a search for "Uniform Plumbing Code" put out by the IAPMO, you will find several sites that have published that code. Likewise, if you do a quick search for "International Plumbing Code", it too will give you several links that have the code published. Once you pull the docs up, you can then find the sections of code that apply. In the video for example, I do reference the specific sections of code that apply to water heaters, fittings, flex hoses, etc. I also point out which sections in both the UPC or the IPC that apply. I used both UPC and IPC primarily as those were the 2 most prominent Industry Bodies that define regulations that others follow (like my local city and county). I did check multiple years of the code 2018, 2019, 2021 and the sections did not really change from year to year but it's best to reference the most recent year. Most of the stuff is in Chapter 5 and 6 with a lot of it in Chapter 6. Hope that helps.

[@thor6997]

Question, Did you read the manufactures information about the tank? Most manufacturers don't want it installed any closer than 18" away from the inlet to the water heater on the cold line. Also, did you set the pressure on the Thermal Expansion tank? If you don't set the pressure to the correct psi the tank will not work. Yes, I am a plumber no, I don't like the way you installed it but, yes you are 100% correct on those codes. I'm not trying to sound bad and make you look bad. There are reasons professionals don't use those fittings. Mainly because we replace a lot of them due to incorrect installations. All I'm trying to do is help you out. Also, manufactures do not want them installed horizontally. Vertically only and preferably down and not up. Again, only trying to help you out.

[@RoughRidersTV]

The tank did not have any actual instructions with it so I did as much research as I could find and then followed the local codes. I did set the pressure on the tank to match the pressure in the house. I checked pressure both at the tank and at my outside faucets to confirm the correct pressure then used a compressor to pressurize the tank. As for the fittings, I agree if installed incorrectly it will be a problem but that is also true with soldering in pipes as well. Incorrect installation of anything opens you up to problems and why care should be taken when installing the sharkbite fittings. I have some in my 2nd home that were installed 10 years ago and still holding fine. I do agree that installing the tank vertically is probably a better way to go and if I did the job today, I would probably make that adjustment.

[@benjaminvirgin3900]

Tank install works. Best not to point directly to someone exercising. These tanks can blow out like rockets. Point vertically or to a direct wall.

[@RoughRidersTV]

Good tip. Thanks for sharing.

[@jackspade2576]

I have worked on these for 35 years. Never have had these blow up, let alone launch like a rocket! I challenge you to show me one case of that. They fill with water and rot. That is it. The air bladder might pop but then it just becomes a 2 to 5 gallon storage tank, hence the need to strap it

[@RoughRidersTV]

Time Marks for specific topics in video: Problem - 1:04 Code Related Issues - 3:29 Tools/Supplies - 9:10 Step by Step Install - 11:18 Closing Remarks - 18:10

[@hildebertocarreiro9232]

Why is the tank on the side an not straight up...

[@RoughRidersTV]

Based upon local and national code, you can install it up, down or horizontal. I chose this because my space is somewhat limited. I will be finishing out my basement in the near future and will be putting up a wall behind the water heater so I can't extend too far out. In retrospect, I might have done it a little differently and instead pushed out a little and then elbowed up to clear fittings on the heater but still allow for a wall.

[@hildebertocarreiro9232]

@@RoughRidersTV just as long it's on the cold water side of the pipe.

[@hildebertocarreiro9232]

@@RoughRidersTV do still put the pressure cap valve that comes usually with the water tank on along with the expansion tank on the cold water

[@sleektoneofficial]

Idk what size tank that is but i just put the 2.1 gal in my house its mac air charge is 80 psi. I think you should try hooking that gauge to a hose bib.

[@vincentwebster8313]

What the heck is a drill motor! I use an entire drill

[@RoughRidersTV]

Technically speaking, it's only a drill when you are using it with a drill bit to make holes. The drill motor is the head unit...when you attach different tips, the function changes. For example when using the drill motor with a driver bit, you are not drilling anything, you are driving a screw. If you used it with a socket attachment, again, not drilling but tightening a nut/bolt, etc. Therefore, in the application I was doing, I was not drilling any holes, I was driving screws to secure the strap and used the drill motor with a driver bit.

[@darkhawk9]

just a thought of wisdom in the futute when you have some spare cash invest in a lapel microphone it will improve audio quality a ton when your outside and inside

[@RoughRidersTV]

Thanks. Yep, been saving up to get a nice wireless lapel mic. I really hate the audio quality the mic on the camera. Problem is reviews seem to be all over the place so not sure what set to get.

[@sleektoneofficial]

Sometimes local codes vary even though they follow the upc or ipc or etc.

[@sleektoneofficial]

I never advise using sharkbites other then a temporary cap or emergency fix that needs to be addressed later.

[@sleektoneofficial]

Youre measure 100 psi cause its the drain on the water heater.