Water Expansion Tanks in Ellicott City, MD
There is a simple fact about water in a heater: as it warms, it expands. That thermal expansion has to be accommodated. An expansion tank is there to offer a safe outlet for the additional volume, which in turn eases the stress on the plumbing and keeps pressure in check.
Why an Expansion Tank is Important
In the past, older systems would let the expanding water work its way back into the municipal supply. Today’s plumbing is different; a check valve, backflow device, or pressure-reducing valve will put a stop to that. The result is a closed system with no way for the increased volume to exit via the incoming line.
If there is no functional expansion tank to handle this, you can expect the pressure fluctuations to take their toll on the pipe connections, fixtures, and the water heater itself. A homeowner might see unexplained leaks or dripping from the temperature and pressure relief valve, or hear banging after running hot water. But these are not definitive signs of a bad tank. There could be an issue with the regulator or another component, so a plumber needs to run some tests before any repair or replacement is put forward.
If there is no functional expansion tank to handle this, you can expect the pressure fluctuations to take their toll on the pipe connections, fixtures, and the water heater itself. A homeowner might see unexplained leaks or dripping from the temperature and pressure relief valve, or hear banging after running hot water. But these are not definitive signs of a bad tank. There could be an issue with the regulator or another component, so a plumber needs to run some tests before any repair or replacement is put forward.
Inspection and Repair
Inside the tank is a flexible bladder and an air chamber. When the system heats up, the bladder makes room for the extra water. Eventually, though, corrosion can set in on the outside, the air charge can be off, or the bladder can rupture.
Our technicians will examine the unit to see if it is waterlogged and assess how the system is operating. If it is a matter of a loose fitting or the wrong air charge, we can make the necessary repairs. Should the tank be leaking or show signs of corrosion, however, we will usually recommend a replacement as the more prudent course of action. Sizing is also key; the plumber has to factor in the water heater and the property’s conditions to ensure the new equipment is a proper fit.
Our technicians will examine the unit to see if it is waterlogged and assess how the system is operating. If it is a matter of a loose fitting or the wrong air charge, we can make the necessary repairs. Should the tank be leaking or show signs of corrosion, however, we will usually recommend a replacement as the more prudent course of action. Sizing is also key; the plumber has to factor in the water heater and the property’s conditions to ensure the new equipment is a proper fit.
Plumbing in Ellicott City
The mix of properties here is varied. You have your newer developments with closed systems that need protection from expanding water, and then the historic homes and mid-century houses where the plumbing may be a patchwork of several renovation eras. In some cases, utility rooms are tight on space, making access to the tank a challenge. Add in Maryland’s climate, with the cold of winter and the heat and humidity of summer, and household plumbing is under constant strain. Seasonal shifts have a way of exposing a weak spot or an old leak.
Metcalf Plumbing is a local firm, and we are familiar with the area. We like the wooded neighborhoods and what Main Street has to offer, not to mention a meal at the Manor Hill Tavern in good weather when one has the time. We provide the kind of service Ellicott City residents can count on for their water heating and plumbing needs. A well-maintained tank of the right size is the best way to ensure the system runs reliably and the equipment is protected.
Metcalf Plumbing is a local firm, and we are familiar with the area. We like the wooded neighborhoods and what Main Street has to offer, not to mention a meal at the Manor Hill Tavern in good weather when one has the time. We provide the kind of service Ellicott City residents can count on for their water heating and plumbing needs. A well-maintained tank of the right size is the best way to ensure the system runs reliably and the equipment is protected.