Expansion Tanks – What Are They?

Expansion Tank

Gibbon Heating & Air Conditioning has been serving Saskatoon and the surrounding area since 1978.  We are a ‘total service’ company with trained technicians who can provide customers with solutions to all of their plumbing, air conditioning, and heating (HVAC) related requirements. As an Independent Lennox Dealer, the Gibbon Heating and Air Conditioning team is proud to provide prompt, courteous and professional service that Lennox’s Quality standards require. We are regularly evaluated through an independent customer satisfaction survey process. We are trained to design, install, service, and maintain home comfort and indoor air quality systems in Saskatoon and the area. In today’s blog we are going to talk about Expansion Tanks – what are they? We’ll explain what expansion tanks do and why they are important for keeping your plumbing working well. 

Expansion Tanks – What Are They? 

What is an Expansion Tank?

Think of an expansion tank as a small container connected to your pipes. It’s there to handle changes in pressure. When you use hot water, the tank makes sure the pressure doesn’t get too high. It does this by giving the extra water a place to go when it expands because of heat. You’ll usually find expansion tanks in water heaters and other heating systems. 

Where are they Found?

Expansion tanks are normally installed above the water heater on the cold water line before it enters the water heater; however, they can really be installed anywhere on the cold water line prior to entry into the water heater.

How Do They Work?

Expansion tanks have a special part inside called a bladder. This bladder separates the air and water in the tank. When the water gets hot and expands, it goes into the tank and pushes against the air or squishy material. This way, the pressure in the pipes doesn’t get too high. The tank helps keep everything balanced and prevents pipes from bursting or getting damaged.

Why Are They Important? 

Expansion tanks play a crucial role in keeping your plumbing safe and reliable. They stop pressure from building up too much, which can cause pipes to break or leak. By having an expansion tank, you avoid potential damage and save money on repairs. It also helps your plumbing system work efficiently and last longer. Plus, it’s an energy-saving feature as it reduces strain on the system.

Expansion tanks are like guardians for your plumbing system. They make sure pressure doesn’t go too high when water gets hot. By doing this, they keep your pipes safe, prevent leaks, save you money, and help your plumbing work smoothly for years to come. If you think your expansion tank is having problems, please Contact Gibbon’s Heating and Air Conditioning today to get your expansion tank looked at.  

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