Expansion tank failed

4 years ago

Hi all,

I’m in a new home with a very complex HVAC system. I have no desire to mess with anything that could cause an issue.

That said, I can’t get a professional to come to the house for at least a month. I am wondering if I can exchange the tank myself - most importantly doing it safely.

On installation, they installed a valve (see picture) that I can close to the tank. There is sediment from line to valve, but not from valve to tank. I would like to know if I can close the valve and remove the tank and then replace?

Any thoughts are appreciated….

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Comments (10)

sktn77a
4 years ago
Doesn't appear to be anything wrong with the tank. The joint between the valve and the home plumbing pipe has a very slow leak. Honestly, I'd leave it alone until you can get someone out who know what they are doing. Because of where the valve is leaking, you'll have to drain the system to remove it.
HU-587013257
Original Author
4 years ago
The bladder is busted and the tank is full. I have the replacement, just wondering if I can close the valve and switch it out?
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HU-587013257
Original Author
4 years ago
There is no air-fluid level and testing pressure at bottom returns water… Missing something?
klem1
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
"Missing something?"

Maybe so,maybe not,maybe me,maybe you but let's see. If you are asking whether valve will stop water pressure to tank,the answer is that it should. To be certain,why didn't you just set a 5-10 gallon bucket/tub undrneath, close ball valve then crack drain/pressure test valve and see if water stop's after a few gallons?
mike_home
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
The purpose of the ball valve is to make it easier to switch out the tank when it fails. You can close the valve and unscrew the tank from the valve. I suggest holding the valve with a wrench to keep it from turning when unscrewing the tank. You may need an extra set of hands to do this. I am sure you can find a YouTube video on how to do this.

Is your house connected directly (no check valve or pressure reducer) to a municipal water supply? If it is then I question the need for an expansion tank.
HU-587013257 thanked mike_home
sktn77a
4 years ago
A thermal expansion tank for a water heater is code where I live in NC (we're connected to city water).
PRO
Charles Ross Homes
4 years ago
The expansion tank is necessitated by the recirculation system.
HU-587013257
Original Author
4 years ago
Yes to municipal water and pressure reducer
PRO
Charles Ross Homes
4 years ago
"Not usually, sometimes however."

I consider installation of an expansion tank for a hot water heater to be good practice, even though it's not required by code. It is required, however, when the hot water heater is installed with a recirculating system :

https://www.statewaterheaters.com/lit/bulletin/bulletin115947.pdf
mike_home
4 years ago
There is no harm in having an expansion tank even if it is not required. They seem to last 5-7 years. This gets to be expensive if you have to hire a plumber to do the replacement. Whoever did this installation made it easy by installing a dedicated ball valve shut off.