Expansion Tank Pressure Gauge

Jones scenario of no expansion tank.

Expansion tank pressure gauge.

Irc 2009 p2903 4 thermal expansion control. Use a tire gauge to check the pressure. To test the pre charge of your expansion tank all you need is a standard tire pressure gauge. Expansion tanks are used to absorb any excess pressure created due to thermal expansion which prevents an over pressurization of the system.

Sizing expansion tanks for water heaters can be a complex engineering challenge but residential expansion tank sizing has been simplified through the use of calculators. If the expansion tank is missing or not operating properly pressure in the system may cause the boiler s pressure relief valve to vent water. Starting with a full tank the pressure gauge should read somewhere between 40 60 psi. You check her water pressure using a water pressure gauge.

The installer may check the air charge using an accurate gauge type pressure gauge and as we explain in this article series for taller buildings requiring a higher cold starting pressure in the boiler the expansion tank may need to be pre charged to that same pressure level a setting above 12 psi in which case your heating service. The water worker 32 gal. The expansion tank serves to provide space for water and air within the boiler system to expand and contract without damaging pipes or valves. Pressurized well tank the water worker 32 gal.

That s right it has nowhere to go. She has an incoming water pressure of 100 psi coming into her water heater. The water pump is off and the system is stable and idle. The tank s steel shell supports the water weight to ensure water never sits in loose fitting vinyl or rubber bags that can fold crease and wear.

Start by removing the protective cover from the air valve on the tank. Use a bicycle pump or compressor to fill the tank to match the system pressure you noted earlier. New or larger expansion tanks may be needed due to pressure reducing valves check valves and backflow preventers added to the community s water system. As soon as a water fixture in the home is used the kitchen sink for example the compressed air in the tank will push against the bladder diaphragm forcing water out of the tank through the.

Check the air pressure in the water tank by using an accurate air pressure gauge such as a dial type or digital tire pressure gauge to measure the air pressure at the schrader valve on the water tank. My tire gauge has a bleeder valve which makes removing excess pressure really easy. In any situation where water in a closed system is heated an expansion tank is required. The water heats up and expands.

I used a standard dial type tire pressure gauge about 9 from any local auto parts store. Most expansion tanks come pressurized to 12 40 psi but before you install the tank you have to match the system pressure. The tank pressure should be within 10 of the original factory water tank pressure setting. If you don t already have one in your car s glove box you really should.