Plumbing Science: Thermal Expansion.

We here at Four Star Plumbing believe everyone who owns a home should know what Thermal Expansion is. Thermal expansion affects most people at one time or another. How you might ask? Ever have a pot of water boil over even though it was not that full? Or hear your house make creepy creaks and moans? These are both examples of thermal expansion. And the reason for thermal expansion is that many types of molecules expand in extreme temperatures, especially water. So what does this have to do with Plumbing? Well, as the boiling water example alluded too, water molecules love to expand in high temperatures. So, that Water Heater that you love to use to take those glorious hot showers on cold days experiences thermal expansion. Catching on to the issue?

That’s right! When Water Heaters are used they create thermal expansion, in most cases it is not a huge problem to the water heater because most modern water heaters can handle small amounts. But that is not always the case, and if multiple things are running you might have an issue, like a popped water heater or worse.

Now what do you do?

Install a Water Heater Expansion Tank! These are marvelous inventions that are easily installed next to a water heater. An expansion tank is just a small drum with a rubber insert. The expansion tank is installed on the cold line and when the water heater expands and needs to shoot hot water somewhere, it shoots it into the tank temporarily.

Most states, including California, now require Expansion tanks on any closed loop system. Most homes are on a closed loop system, which means they have some sort of valve controlling the flow of water in the home.