Opinion on expansion tank installation. Picture included.

**John Vega** · 05-23-2011, 06:42 PM

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I am not an experienced plumber, however I am a little paranoid that the expansion tank that was recently installed in our home may eventually cause the pvc piping to fail due to the weight, stress being applied by the tank/fittings.

Attached is an image of the install. Should I be worried?

hj · 05-23-2011, 06:56 PM

you should be worried about that, but maybe more so that the CPVC plastic is attached directly to the tank. There should be AT LEAST 18" of copper between the tank and the plastic, with the expansion tank attached to the copper and PROPERLY supported with hangers or anchors.

**John Vega** · 05-24-2011, 08:24 AM

Originally Posted by hj

you should be worried about that, but maybe more so that the CPVC plastic is attached directly to the tank. There should be AT LEAST 18" of copper between the tank and the plastic, with the expansion tank attached to the copper and PROPERLY supported with hangers or anchors.

Thanks for the quick reply!

**ballvalve** · 05-24-2011, 10:51 AM

Curious if you had a licensed plumber install that joke bit, or was it a mentally challenged handyman?

Dont be worried. Be ANGRY.

**John Vega** · 05-24-2011, 10:56 AM

Originally Posted by ballvalve

Curious if you had a licensed plumber install that joke bit, or was it a mentally challenged handyman?

Dont be worried. Be ANGRY.

Yes. Bayonet Plumbing, Heating & AC, Inc. http://www.bayonet-inc.com
They are a contractor for Lennar homes.

**John Vega** · 05-24-2011, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by ballvalve

Curious if you had a licensed plumber install that joke bit, or was it a mentally challenged handyman?

Dont be worried. Be ANGRY.

The company replied to my email:
" It is mounted correctly, however, if you would like it removed we can send someone out to do that for you.

In reguard to the 18" of copper pipe: That is a requirement for gas water heaters. It is not required for your electric water heater."

I am talking with them now via email to come up with a solution to the install issues.

**DonL** · 05-24-2011, 10:58 AM

LMAO...

Nice Rigging...

**SteveW** · 05-24-2011, 07:42 PM

When that tank eventually fails, it will fill with water. (Right now, it is partially filled with water, partially with pressurized air, and they are separated by a rubber diaphragm.)

When it is all filled with water, it will be very heavy, and will tip to one side, and will twist the pipe it is attached to, most likely breaking it.

It needs to be properly supported, in such a way that it will be stable when it is filled with water.

**dlarrivee** · 05-24-2011, 08:38 PM

Originally Posted by John Vega

In reguard to the 18" of copper pipe: That is a requirement for gas water heaters. It is not required for your electric water heater."

So regardless of fuel type both heaters put out hot water... Wow...

**Redwood** · 05-25-2011, 06:17 AM

In Florida the 18" is not a code requirement on electric water heaters.
The primary concern there is heat damage from the hot flue, not 120 degree water in the tank.

However they do need to adequately support the expansion tank or it will break off the CPVC if it ever becomes waterlogged.

CPVC, IMHO is a junk material.

**ballvalve** · 05-25-2011, 09:22 AM

The best part is the glued in valve butted to the wall that cost $1.98 from Indonesia.

**John Vega** · 05-25-2011, 10:47 AM

Thanks for all of your feedback!

I have done some searching to try and find what the installation "should" look like. I have come up empty handed.
Do any of you have a diagram or picture of an installation which is done properly?

**Gary Swart** · 05-25-2011, 12:22 PM

The box that Watts tanks come in has suggested methods for installations. What you have is not one of these methods. If I was a professional plumber, which I am not, I would be ashamed of this installation. Not only for how the tank is installed, but the rest of the installation as well. Others have already chimed in on the problems, so no need to restate them.

**John Vega** · 05-25-2011, 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by Gary Swart

The box that Watts tanks come in has suggested methods for installations. What you have is not one of these methods. If I was a professional plumber, which I am not, I would be ashamed of this installation. Not only for how the tank is installed, but the rest of the installation as well. Others have already chimed in on the problems, so no need to restate them.

Wow, thats great to hear

**Redwood** · 05-25-2011, 01:46 PM

Originally Posted by John Vega

Wow, thats great to hear lol...
Crazy thing is HUNDREDS of Lennar homes are plumbed exactly like mine except they don't come with an expansion tank by default.
I guess if it passes minimum code, you are good to go!

The Plumbing Code is a minimum standard.