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Expansion tanks
are a typical solution to thermal expansion.
There are different sizes for different applications, but all comprise
a tank with a rubber diaphragm inside. The tanks come precharged
with air to 40 psi, but to be effective, they need to be charged
to the same pressure as the water inside the installation. So if
you measure your water pressure at 60 psi, then you need to charge
the tank to that, too. A tire pump will work.
The tank can
be installed on any cold-water line. It's best to position it so
that it is not above the heater where hot water can rise into it
by convection. Hot water will eventually degrade the rubber diaphragm.
When thermal
expansion occurs, water expands into the tank and compresses the
rubber diaphragm. When the pressure eases, the air-filled diaphragm
pushes the water back out into the line.
What this means
is that the pressure has somewhere to go instead of stressing piping,
appliances and water heaters and, perhaps, forcing the water heater's
temperature/pressure relief valve to open and vent water.
At right, is
a typical expansion tank in a boiler-and-storage-tank installation.
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