What is that Small Tank Hanging off of my Water Heater.

Here is what that is.  It is an expansion tank installed on the water supply pipe to the water heater.  The purpose of it is to deal with the thermal expansion of water as it heats up in the water heater.  It prevents water pressure from getting too high.  IF water pressure gets high enough it can damage valves in plumbing fixtures, joints in supply pipes and even the water heater itself.

Did you know that Thermal expansion always occurs in water heaters?  Like most substances in nature, water expands as it is heated.  This happens over and over every day inside of your water heater after some hot water has been used in the house, and cold water flowing into the water heater is heated.

We wanted you to know more about the purpose of this invaluable appliance sitting all alone (and working hard) in your garage.  At All Home Plumbing we know all about water heaters in the Chattanooga area.  Eventually they need to be repaired or even replaced.  When that time comes call us at All Home Plumbing.  That’s (423) 598-1466.