Do Tankless Water Heaters Need Expansion Tanks – The Truth Reveals

Tankless water heaters have become more popular in recent years as people look for ways to save energy and money. While these appliances have many benefits, there is one question about tankless water heaters is whether or not you need to install an expansion tank with them. Many people assume that since there isn’t a big storage tank, an expansion tank isn’t necessary, but that’s not always the case. Do tankless water heaters need expansion tanks? Keep reading to learn more about expansion tanks and whether or not your tankless water heater needs one.

Let’s explore do tankless water heaters need expansion tanks.

 Tankless water heaters don’t use expansion tanks. This is because tankless water heating systems don’t have tanks. Tankless water heaters use a small combustion chamber to heat the water as it passes through the device. This eliminates the need for a storage tank, which is what traditional water heaters use. This also means that you can’t run out of hot water, since the unit will keep heating the water as it’s used. However, one downside of tankless water heaters is that they can be more expensive to install than traditional water heaters.

Now let’s take a closer look at what an expansion tank does and why you might need one with your tankless heater. An expansion tank helps keep your plumbing system from overflowing or bursting if the heated water expands too much. With traditional water heaters, the heating element is located near the bottom of the tank, which means that as hot water rises to the top, it pushes cold water down to be heated. With a tankless heater, the heating element is located near where the water comes out, so there’s no “cold” reservoir to push heated water down into – instead, any extra hot liquid just keeps getting hotter and hotter until it can cause damage. That’s where an expansion tank comes in – it keeps all that excess pressure safely under control.

As written above tankless water heaters typically do not use expansion tanks. However, there may be some exceptions. If you are unsure whether or not your tankless water heater needs an expansion tank, consult with a qualified technician. It’s a good idea to check with your manufacturer or tankless water heater installer for more information about your specific tankless model and whether or not an expansion tank is recommended. That way you can be sure that your tankless appliance is running safely and efficiently for years to come.

How can you tell if your tankless water heater needs an expansion tank?

An expansion tank is an important part of a tankless water heater system. It helps to maintain the pressure in the system and prevent it from becoming too high. High water pressure can cause serious damage to your tankless water heater and other components of your plumbing system. If you suspect that your tankless water heater needs an expansion tank, there are a few things you can look for to confirm your suspicions.

1: Check the water pressure.

A key sign that your tankless water heater needs an expansion tank is if you notice a higher-than-normal water pressure when running taps or showers. This can be measured with a pressure gauge and should not exceed 80 psi (pounds per square inch).

2: Listen for strange noises.

If you hear any banging, knocking, or other strange noises coming from your plumbing, this could be an indication that the water pressure is too high.

3: Look for leaks.

Leaks in the pipes can also be a sign of high water pressure and may indicate that an expansion tank is required. If you notice any small water spots or damp areas around your plumbing fixtures, it’s important to have them checked out as soon as possible.

By taking note of these three signs, you can determine if your tankless water heater needs an expansion tank. It’s important to address any issues with high water pressure quickly, as this can cause serious damage to your plumbing system. If you’re unsure about how to install or check the expansion tank, it’s best to call a qualified plumber to help you out.

Benefits of using a tankless heater with an expansion tank

Tankless water heaters are becoming increasingly popular due to their energy-efficient design and ability to provide a consistent supply of hot water. However, for them to work properly, they must be coupled with an expansion tank. An expansion tank is designed to absorb the pressure fluctuations that occur when hot water is heated or cooled. This helps to maintain the optimal temperature of domestic hot water, which is generally between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Having an expansion tank installed with a tankless heater gives you several benefits.

1: Heating the water on demand:

Using a tankless heater means that you don’t need to store hot water. Instead, it is heated as soon as you turn on the tap, so there is no waiting around for hot water and it can be used right away.

2: Lower energy bills:

Heaters with expansion tanks increase the efficiency of your tankless water heater, which in turn reduces energy bills. This is because they help to maintain a consistent pressure level within the system, meaning that it isn’t running unnecessarily and using up unnecessary energy.

3: Protecting your home:

Heaters with expansion tanks act as a buffer for sudden changes in water pressure, allowing the system to remain stable and avoiding any negative impacts on your plumbing. This helps to protect your home from any potential damage caused by fluctuating water pressure levels.

4: Increasing lifespan of heater:

Heaters with expansion tanks help to increase the life of your tankless water heaters as they absorb thermal shocks from incoming cold water and prevent them from entering the heater. This helps to protect its internal components, ensuring that it lasts for a longer time.

Using a tankless heater with an expansion tank is an excellent way to ensure that you have hot water on demand without sacrificing energy efficiency or risking damage to your home. Make sure that when installing your unit, it is done correctly and that the right expansion tank size has been chosen so that you can get the most out of your heater.

Where can you find an expansion tank for your tankless water heater?

If you have determined that an expansion tank is necessary for your tankless water heater, then there are several places where you can find one. You can check with your tankless water heater manufacturer or installer, as well as local hardware stores or plumbing supply stores. Additionally, you may be able to purchase an expansion tank online from retailers like Amazon or eBay. Remember – it’s important to consult with a qualified technician before making any decisions about whether or not an expansion tank is needed for your tankless water heater. But if you do decide that an expansion tank is necessary, then rest assured that there are plenty of places to find one!

In summary, Do tankless water heaters use expansion tanks? Generally speaking, no – tankless water heaters typically don’t use expansion tanks. However, depending on the type of tankless unit you have and what kind of home plumbing system it is connected to, an expansion tank may be necessary. So if you’re considering installing a tankless water heater in your home, be sure to consult with a qualified technician before making any decisions – they’ll be able to help you determine whether or not an expansion tank is needed for your tankless appliance. If so, then there are plenty of places where you can find an expansion tank for your tankless water heater.

What is the Cost of an expansion Tank?

The cost of an expansion tank varies depending on the size and type of tankless unit you have. Generally speaking, they usually range in price from around $40 – $200. Again, it’s important to consult with a qualified technician before making any decisions – they’ll be able to help you determine what kind and size of expansion tank are needed for your tankless water heater.

Additionally, they may be able to provide you with an estimate on how much it will cost to install one. All things considered, tankless water heaters typically don’t use expansion tanks – but depending on the type of tankless unit you have and the size of your home plumbing system, an expansion tank may be necessary. Be sure to consult with a qualified technician and do research on the type of tankless unit you have before making any decisions. If an expansion tank is necessary, then there are plenty of places where you can find one – just remember to factor in the cost when considering if tankless water heaters are right for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Conclusion

Do tankless water heaters need expansion tanks? Generally speaking, tankless water heaters typically don’t require an expansion tank – however, depending on the type of tankless unit you have and what kind of home plumbing system it is connected to, an expansion tank may be necessary. Be sure to consult with a qualified technician and do research on the type of tankless unit you have before making any decisions. If an expansion tank is needed for your tankless water heater, then there are plenty of places where you can find one – just remember to factor in cost when considering if tankless water heaters are right for your needs. Happy tankless water heater shopping!