If you do not use hot water for an extended period, observe the water pressure coming out of the next fixture where use hot water. If the water surges out faster than normal and calms down shortly after, there is pressure buildup within your system, and the expansion tank may be at fault. Many other factors, such as faulty water pressure regulators, can cause pressure fluctuations within a system. Consequently, this method is unreliable in determining if an expansion tank is faulty. However, it is a warning sign that should prompt further investigation into the problem.

Legionnaire’s disease is a type of pneumonia that is caused by the common bacterium Legionella. Both the disease and bacterium were first discovered in 1976, when an outbreak at an American Legion convention led to 29 deaths.

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It is easy to see now why the plumbing code requires the use of a thermostatic mixing valve. It is the perfect way to combat both of these serious issues and provide the end user with a comfortable and safe hot water supply.

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If you do not have a water heater expansion tank in your home because the system was installed before they were required, you may wonder if an expansion tank should be installed in your current system. While water heater expansion tanks are extremely advantageous, they do possess a couple of disadvantages.

The size of your water heater expansion tank should be based on the capacity of your tank and your home’s water pressure. The capacity of your water heater will be printed on the tank’s exterior, and your home’s water pressure can be measured with a pressure gauge. An expansion tank that is too large for the system will not adversely impact its performance. If you are unsure if one size of expansion tank will be large enough for your system, you can size up without fear of negative effects.

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To check a thermal expansion tank’s pressure, you can use the same pressure gauge that you use on your car’s tires. Follow these steps to discover the pressure within the tank.

Water heater expansion tanks are so beneficial to your home’s plumbing system that they are now required by code. Thermal expansion tanks provide the following advantages to your water heater system.

AMTROLExpansion Tank SizingChart

The overall cost of a water expansion tank installation, including the cost of the tank, averages a little over $200. The ease of access to your system affects the labor cost of installation, as well as the size of the expansion tank being installed. An expansion tank can be installed without a professional, but you risk additional costs if you install the tank incorrectly.

The mixing valve provides the ability to have the heat source (boiler or water heater) set at a higher temperature to satisfy the high temperature loads and then have the radiant circuit supplied with a lower water temperature through the mixing valve.

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There is a specialty type of emergency thermostatic mixing valve, which is specifically designed to provide tepid water for emergency eyewash or shower drench applications. The current ANSI standard calls for emergency eyewash and drench showers to deliver tepid water for 15 minutes. This assures that a user won’t be subjected to very cold water and possibly hypothermia, or very hot scalding water.

With proper installation and calibration, a water heater expansion tank is a reliable safety feature of any water heater. Even if an expansion tank fails, failure within the tank is less expensive and problematic than failure within a home’s plumbing. Consequently, the benefits of thermal expansion tanks outweigh their negatives.

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A water heater, like many things, is only noticed when it is not working. In 2007 and 2008, videos of water heater explosions went viral, and many viewers became concerned about the safety of their home water heater. Around the same time, building codes were updated to accommodate the excess pressure inside these systems. One of these updates involves the use of expansion tanks with water heaters to relieve pressure caused by thermal expansion. Below you can find information about what water heater expansion tanks are, whether they are necessary, their pros and cons, and how to test for a faulty expansion tank.

Some manufacturers make residential tank kits that include the mixing valve, connection fittings and flexible cold water bypass line. These kits make it simple to connect to the top of a conventional tank type water heater.

When tempered water is in use, the thermal element senses the outlet temperature and positions a seat assembly, which controls the flow of hot and cold water supplied to the mixed water port. If the mixed outlet temperature increases, the thermostat will expand, moving the seat assembly to allow more cold water in and at the same time restricting the hot water inlet port.

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The thermostatic mixing valve neutralizes both threats by allowing the water heater to be set to a high enough temperature to reduce the threat of bacteria growth, yet the mixing action maintains the appropriate outlet water temperatures to the fixtures and allows occupants to use the sinks, showers or tub with less fear of scalding.

In hydronic heating applications, a thermostatic mixing valve provides a simple solution for delivering lower supply water temperatures to a radiant floor heating system in residential and small commercial applications. Whenever radiant floor heating is combined in the same system with higher temperature distribution systems, such as fan-coils or baseboard radiators, a mixing valve is essential.

The primary function of a thermostatic mixing valve in a heating application is to regulate the water temperature on the supply side of the distribution system, but in many systems it is not the only function of the mixing device. In systems using “conventional” non-condensing boilers, the thermostatic mixing valve can also ensure that the boiler return temperature remains high enough to prevent sustained flue gas condensation.

Are thermostatic mixing valves for plumbing or hydronic heating? Well it turns out they are for both. The same valve can be found in the domestic hot water supply system, as well as the control valve for a hydronic heating application. This makes these important pieces of equipment real workhorses of the mechanical industry, a crossover product that is equally as important for both sectors.

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Where site conditions such as long runs of piping could cause the water temperature delivered to a faucet to be significantly lower than 49C then a point of use mixing valve certified to CSA Standard B125-01 must be installed in lieu of the valve being installed at the tank.

Plumbing code changes adopted in most jurisdictions across Canada now require the control of hot water temperature through the use of thermostatic mixing valves. Water temperatures must not exceed 49C (120F) supplied to all fixtures. This requires that a mixing valve certified to CSA Standard CAN/CSA B125-01 must be installed on the hot water distribution line as close as practical to the top of the water heater tank and factory set at 49C.

When a water heater expansion tank is installed, its pressure must be set to match the incoming water pressure. Expansion tanks are pre-charged to about 40 PSI, but the pressure must be adjusted based on the home’s water pressure. If the pressure within the tank is too high or too low, it can cause the tank to fail. Should this happen, the rest of your plumbing system risks being damaged by high water pressure. You should check the pressure on your expansion tank at least once each year. Throughout the life of the tank, the pressure inside should remain consistent with the pressure it was initially charged with upon installation.

This will have to be set up at the time of system commissioning and is much easier do if a temperature gauge is installed in the mixed water line downstream of the valve. Some valves on the market are available with a built in thermometer to make set up very easy.

A water heater expansion tank, also known as a thermal expansion tank, is a small overflow tank that compensates for the thermal expansion of water inside a water heater. As the temperature of water increases, the water expands. Without relief, the pressure inside the water heater will increase, causing damage to valves, plumbing, or the water heater itself. Prior to the requirement of check valves, excess pressure would force water back into the municipal water lines. Regulations on backflow have necessitated the use of check valves or other similar devices to prevent contamination of the public water supply, but they have also placed greater stress on water heaters. Thermal expansion tanks solve this problem by accommodating overflow water that results from this added pressure.

Using a metal object to tap the exterior of the expansion tank can give you a clue that something is wrong, but it should not be used as a final determiner. In a properly functioning expansion tank, water will fill the bottom of the tank, and air will fill the top. Lightly tap the top and bottom of the tank with a metal object. The sounds these sides give off should be distinctly different from each other. If the sounds are similar, the tank may not be filling as it should.

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A point of use device is designed to limit the water temperature to a single or group of fixtures. This is typically attached directly to the shower, or under the sink, to control the water temperature and provide anti-scald protection.

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Expansion tanks are required by code in all new water heater installations in closed systems. A closed water system uses check valves, backflow prevention devices, pressure-reducing valves, or other devices on the supply line to prevent water from being sucked back into the municipal water supply. In 1992, the EPA required municipal water suppliers to protect their lines from backflow contamination. This means homes must incorporate check valves to prevent water from backing up into the supply lines. As a result, these homes are closed-loop systems, so all new water heater installations must incorporate a thermal expansion tank alongside the water heater.

All thermal expansion tanks contain an air valve called the Schrader valve that looks similar to the air valve on a tire. Bleed a small amount of air out of the Schrader valve. If air comes out, the tank is operating correctly. However, if water leaks out of the valve, the tank’s bladder has ruptured. A ruptured bladder cannot be repaired, so the tank must be replaced. At this stage, it is recommended to check the tank’s pressure to ensure that the bladder or other tank components are not at risk of damage.

There are three main technologies used for thermostatic mixing valves: wax element technology, bi-metal strip, and liquid filled technology. The most common type seen in residential and small commercial applications, for both plumbing and heating, is the wax element technology. The wax element provides high accuracy, fast response and extremely long life, with few moving parts.

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It is very important to make sure that the circulating pump for the radiant circuit is installed downstream of the mixing valve, otherwise you will not get sufficient flow through the radiant loops. Remember that water will always take the path of least resistance and if the pump is upstream of the thermostatic valve, it will flow right through the valve and not go through the loops.

There are two general types of thermostatic mixing valves used in plumbing systems. A system device is designed to limit the water temperature at the source of hot water for distribution to a supply system and is installed close to the outlet of the water heater. System valves are available in a wide variety of sizes for residential and commercial applications from ¾ inches to 3 inches.

When using a mixing valve, an additional benefit to the end user is more useable hot water capacity. With the water stored at the higher temperature of 60C, and then mixing it down to 49C at the outlet, the result is that there is an increase in the usable hot water supply by approximately 50 per cent versus just keeping the tank set at 49C. This has the effect of turning the capacity of a 40-gallon tank into the equivalent of a 60-gallon tank. This higher amount of delivered hot water from the tank means the end user is less likely to run out of hot water.

So the answer is clear: thermostatic mixing valves are essential for both plumbing and hydronic heating. Make sure you use them properly to protect your customers and protect their floor systems, while providing optimum performance from the hot water supply and the heating system. <>

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Water heater expansion tanks can fail easily. As a result, it is a good idea to test if your tank is working if you believe something is off in your system. You can perform simple tests that indicate high water pressure in a system, or you can test the pressure inside the tank itself.

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To understand these code requirements, it is important to understand why temperature control is so important in a domestic hot water system. A thermostatic mixing valve provides important benefits of safety and comfort to the building occupants. Domestic hot water potentially exposes building occupants to two very specific hazards: the threat of scalding from excessively hot water, and the potential for Legionella bacteria growth.

It is also important never to try and make this system work with only one pump for both loads. Keep the loads separate so both get the proper flow they require. Use spring check valves on both supply lines to prevent thermosiphoning to zones above the mechanical room. To ensure accuracy in adjusting the temperature setting, make sure that the hot water supply temperature to the mixing valve is at least 5C (10F) hotter than the desired temperature of the mixed water.

So what should be done? Turn down the water heater to a lower temperature to prevent hazardous scalding, but risk bacteria growth? Turn up the temperature to prevent the potential for Legionella bacteria growth, but risk scalding? Neither is a good choice.

A thermal expansion tank will need to be replaced once every five to ten years. The best way to elongate the life of an expansion tank is to ensure the tank’s pressure matches the incoming water pressure. This preserves the life of the bladder and prevents leak issues with valves. Regardless of how well a tank is maintained, it will need to be replaced at around the ten-year mark.

To raise the pressure inside a water heater expansion tank, you will need a small tire hand pump. Ensure that you do not use a motorized pump, as it may increase the pressure too rapidly, causing the bladder to rupture. Pump small amounts of air into the tank at a time. Measure frequently to ensure the pressure does not rise above the desired PSI and stop immediately once the appropriate pressure is reached.

Conversely, if the mixed outlet temperature decreases, the thermostat will contract, allowing the more hot water in and restricting the cold water inlet port. In both cases the mixed outlet water temperature is automatically and continually maintained at the pre-set temperature. Most valves will have a safety feature which shuts off the hot or cold inlet port in the event of a cold or hot water supply failure. The valve will have a mechanical adjustment in the form of a dial or set screw at the top, which permits the user to select the desired outlet water temperature within range of the valve.

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Adding a basement radiant floor heating system to a water heater is a very popular option for many homes. What is not to love about a warm comfortable radiant heated basement? Even with only this single temperature radiant floor heating circuit, it is still very important to have a thermostatic valve. With the code requiring the water heater to be kept at 60C, the water temperature must be mixed down before it enters the floor. Therefore it is essential to install a thermostatic valve upstream of the radiant floor heating pump.

There are however many different types, sizes and configurations of valves that are designed for specific applications. On the plumbing side, there are many unique applications that require very specific thermostatic valves. For most hydronic applications, thermostatic valves are typically three-way valves used for small- to medium-sized projects.

An example would be the very common hybrid system with radiant floor heating in the basement and a fan coil to heat the upper floors. This is a two temperature system with the high mass radiant floor typically requiring a supply water temperature of between 35C to 45C, and the fan coil requiring a much higher temperature of between 65C to 75C. If you try and supply only one temperature to both areas you will create big problems. With a high supply temperature you will dramatically overheat the floor, causing potential damage or difficult to control heat output. With a low supply temperature you will not get enough heat output from the fan coil.

If your current water heater is not equipped with an expansion tank, the addition of a water heater expansion tank can benefit your system. High pressure in a water heater can lead to problems such as leaks, ruptures, and corrosion within your system, all of which can be expensive to fix. While a water heater expansion tank is an added cost, it can save you money in the long run by preventing these problems.

Now that you know your expansion tank’s pressure, you may need to lower or raise the pressure inside. To lower pressure within the tank, allow small amounts of air to escape, checking the pressure inside the tank after each interval. Once the pressure matches the desired PSI, you are finished.

When utilizing a mixing valve for this purpose, some of the hot supply water mixes with cooler water returning from the distribution system, the blend is directed back to the boiler. The objective is to boost the boiler inlet temperature high enough to prevent flue gas condensation, which usually means above 55C (131F). This return water boosting is never required for a condensing boiler, and with more and more condensing boilers being installed today, this is not an application that will be seen very often anymore.

Thermostatic mixing valves are used in residential, commercial and institutional applications for both plumbing and hydronic heating. The primary function of these valves is to control the output water temperature to either a domestic hot water supply system, or provide a low temperature supply to a radiant floor heating system. Often the exact same physical valve can be used for both applications.

Scalding from the exposure to very hot water involves the destruction of skin cells and sometimes the underlying structures of muscle. Scalding can produce burns just as damaging as a burn from fire. Research has shown that scalding burns from hot water can occur in just seconds–even less for small children with thin tender skin. Also, the slow reaction time of the elderly and the handicapped make them particularly vulnerable to serious hot water burns.

The solution is to divide the system into two circuits with two pumps and one thermostatic mixing valve (see piping diagram). The fan coil will get high temperature water directly from the heat source and the radiant floor will get lower temperature water coming from the thermostatic valve.

When Legionella is introduced to a plumbing system, these bacteria can reproduce rapidly. Water temperatures between 20C (68F) and 49C (115F) in a domestic water system provide ideal conditions for bacterial growth. The bacterium exists on the inside of pipes and is frequently found in the scale and sediment of water heater tanks. The most widely accepted and preferred method of preventing Legionella is to maintain the hot water system storage temperature continually at or above 60C (140F) and no lower than 55C (131F).

A water temperature of 60C (140F) can cause a third-degree burn on adults in five seconds, and with children of 0 to five years old in three seconds. To prevent scalding, the solution is to keep the water temperature below 49C.

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A thermostatic mixing valve utilizes three major components for its operation: some sort of spindle or shaft, a thermal element and a return spring. The return spring provides an upward return force to the thermal element. The thermal element acts as a movable unit, which reacts to changes in temperature, opening ports to change the water flowing between the hot and cold water inlets.