Expansion Tank Requirement

[DEK]

I live in Baldwinsville, NY (13027) and my home is close to 40 years old. I have never had an expansion tank for my hot water tank. My hot water tanks have never failed prematurely - they last much longer than normal life expectancy. I don't know if I have a closed system or not. I contacted the town and they said my water meter does not have a check valve in it but they were not much help. The town has two wells and we are on one of them. Do you think I need to install an expansion tank?

 

[Reach4]

Put a garden hose pressure gauge on a spigot , laundry tap, or the drain for the water heater.

Take a hot shower. Immediately stop using water (don't flush the toilet, for example). Look for a pressure rise. You can hurry, have a helper, or take a movie of the pressure gauge dial for viewing at leisure.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Sylvan]

I only had one expansion tank that I had to install a tank for a 100-gallon tank.
A check valve on a watermain like this is ok for a water main

 

[Fitter30]

If there is no check in meter or pressure regulator you don't need one. Any expansion foes back into the main. If the water company changes to a smart meter you will probably need one.