Expansion tanks are additional units that connect to water heaters, absorbing the extra pressure created when heating water and preventing valve discharge. These tanks are often used in domestic water systems help prevent problems. However, these tanks require tools for installation and supplies for regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly.

Supplies for expansion tanks include tee fittings, pipe wrenches and thread seal tape. These additional tools and fittings are essential for installing an expansion tank. In addition, supplies like tee fittings and thread seal tape may need to be replaced occasionally over the lifespan of the expansion tank. Before purchasing these supplies, consider the following:

1. Know the diameter of the pipes where you will install the tee fitting. This will make shopping for a tee fitting easier.

2. Make sure the pipe wrench you select will fit around your tank. Different sizes of pipe wrenches are available to help you find the best fit.

3. Thread seal tape should only be wrapped around the male end of the expansion tank connection.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy a tee fitting to attach your expansion tank

To install your expansion tank, you'll need to use a tee fitting. A tee fitting is a small metal fitting with three openings, shaped like the letter, T. They come in brass, copper or bronze. It's best to use a tee fitting made of the same metal as the pipes you are working with. Tee fittings allow you to attach well expansion tanks or regular expansion tanks to piping without diverting water flow.

I recommend: Learn more about how tee fittings are used in an expansion tank installation at Ask the Builder, or purchase one at the Plumber's Crib.

Secure your expansion tank in place with a pipe wrench

Tanks for expansion will require a wrench or pipe wrench to install. A regular wrench will do, but it's best to use a pipe wrench. You'll use the pipe wrench to tighten hot water expansion tanks once they are in position. Most expansion tanks for sale include a place to attach your tightening wrench, making the tank easy to install. Always read the tank installation instructions before attempting to secure it in place with your wrench.

I recommend: Pick up a pipe wrench from Ace Hardware. Learn more about wrench specifications and safety guidelines at the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, or visit the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Health and Safety Administration for more information on hand and power tools.

Use thread seal tape to achieve an airtight seal during the installation of your expansion tank

Thread seal tape, often called plumber's tape or Teflon tape, is used to install an expansion tank. Thread seal tape is used by wrapping it around the tank's threaded connection. This allows it to form a better seal between the pipe's tee fitting and the tank's threads. Thread seal tape can help prevent leaks and improve a pipe connection's lifespan. It can be purchased at many local hardware stores, plumbing supply stores and even some expansion tank suppliers.

I recommend: Buy thread seal tape from Hi-Line, or Greenfeet.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Expansion tank manufacturers can often recommend the best tools and supplies for the installation of their product. If you have any questions about the best type of tee fitting or other supplies or installation procedures, try contacting your expansion tank manufacturer. Most are happy to help with your installation.

Expansion tanks are water tanks used in closed water heating systems to absorb excess water pressure and prevent damage to your water system. If you're looking for new tanks for expansion, find expansion tank suppliers online selling the tank you need. There are many types of expansion tanks, including well expansion tanks, hot water expansion tanks and portable expansion tanks.

You can easily find whatever type you need with a quick online search. Expansion tank manufacturers offer many different options to help you find the tank you need at the best price:

1. Find an expansion tank supplier with an online catalog offering multiple types of tanks.
2. Look at the products offered by the leading expansion tank manufacturer and find a local distributor.
3. Find manufacturers offering information on expansion tanks to help you select the right product.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Browse an online catalog of multiple expansion tank products

If you aren't sure exactly what sort of expansion tank you're looking for, your search for the right product can be a long one. Look for expansion tank manufacturers with online catalogs with a variety of products so you can easily compare products and prices.

I recommend: PexSupply.com sells a number of expansion tanks that are ideal for hydronic heating systems. Browse for a model that fits your needs, then choose from multiple sizes. NexTag.com allows you to easily compare products from multiple expansion tank suppliers. Find a price and model that suits you, then purchase directly from the supplier.

Find products from the leading expansion tank manufacturer

The leading manufacturer of expansion tanks is Amtrol, providing products engineered to control hydronic heating and store potable water. They manufacture a wide variety of thermal and hydronic expansion tanks as well as other water systems products, and offer services both nationwide and globally.

I recommend: Visit the Amtrol website for information about all of the different types of expansion tanks they manufacture. View their price book for information on list prices of all products so you know what a standard expansion tank should cost, and check out their different products, including the EXTROL hydronic expansion tanks and FIRE-X-TROL expansion tank with fire protection. Find local contacts for an Amtrol sales representative in your area.

Get help selecting the right expansion tank with information from manufacturers

If you're not entirely sure which expansion tank is right for your project, look to expansion tank suppliers and manufacturers for tips to help you make an informed decision. Look for websites offering details on sizing and installation needs so you buy a tank that's right for your business needs.

I recommend: Wessels Company sells a number of expansion tanks. Use their online guide for help with tank sizing for different types of tanks, including plain steel, diaphragm, bladder, and hydropneumatic tanks. Flexcon Industries is a leading manufacturer of expansion tanks. See their online guides for information on sizing, installation and product features so you can choose a model that suits your needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  In addition to comparing pricing and specifications of expansion tanks from different suppliers, be sure you compare warranties and service agreements on products before you buy. Ensure that you'll have a working product for a long time with no additional maintenance costs for yourself.

If you're interested in becoming a plumber, home inspector or one of many other professions, you should know how to install, maintain and repair expansion tanks. This type of information is invaluable when installing a well or hot water system, depending on where you plan to work. While not all areas require expansion tanks to be installed, chances are you'll have to inspect or repair more than one in your career.

You should be able to identify the different types of expansion tanks, such as well expansion tanks and hot water expansion tanks. In addition, it's good to know information like the most common expansion tank suppliers and the differences between brands. If you're considering expansion tanks education and training, think about the following:

1. Learn about an expansion tank's basic functions, and be able to name its parts.
2. Get training on how to install and replace expansion tanks by becoming an apprentice.
3. Continue your expansion tank education by attending conferences, workshops and trade shows.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Study articles and educational information on how expansion tanks work

It's important to be able to identify the various parts of an expansion tank, and to know how an expansion tank works. This can help you install and perform maintenance on your expansion tank model. Knowing the names and functions of expansion tank parts can also make ordering and replacing parts easier, resulting in a quicker repair with less down-time.

I recommend: Learn about expansion tanks at Watts or read up on water heaters expansion tanks at Ask the Builder.

Enter a plumbing apprenticeship to get hands-on experience with tanks for expansion

If you want to learn more about expansion tank installation, maintenance and repair, becoming a plumber's apprentice can teach you what you need to know. While plumbing training covers a wide range of related topics, you'll be sure to learn more about expansion tank sizing, replacement and more. In addition, you'll get experience with water heating systems and other topics that can make installation and maintenance easier.

I recommend: Find out more about plumbing apprenticeships, which include training in expansion tanks, from Penn Foster Workforce Development or Ann Arundel Community College.

Attend conferences, trade shows and workshops to expand your knowledge of expansion tanks

Tank industry events feature information, exhibits and workshops about many different kinds of tanks, including expansion tanks. Because professionals usually install multiple types of tanks or entire water systems, this can be a good place to network and exchange ideas and information about the industry. It's also a good place to brush up on techniques and industry advances by attending workshops or conferences.

I recommend: Go to the Annual National Tanks Conference & Expo to check out expansion tanks or research expansion tank events at the Annual API Storage Tank Conference.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  To learn more about specific tank models, check the information provided by expansion tank manufacturers. This information usually comes with the model and can often be found on an expansion tank manufacturer or supplier's website.