That Thumping Sound: Your Water Heater Could Be Screaming at You!
Imagine you’re having a nice shower and the pipes all of a sudden start making a noise, almost like a drum solo gone very wrong. Why is that? Chances are pretty good that your water heater is overloaded with pressure. Everybody knows that when water heats up, it expands. Within a closed plumbing system, that expansion has only one place to go out.




Enter the Expansion Tank: Your Plumbing’s Pressure Relief Valve
The expansion tank is like a safety device for your water heater. It is essentially a small tank that connects to the plumbing, providing a place for the water to expand without damage. It’s rather like giving your plumbing system that much-needed breather.
Why You Need an Expansion Tank (Especially in the Valley!)
In sunny Arizona, expansion tanks become extremely important. Extreme heat can enhance the expansion of water and may add extra stress to your plumbing. Without an expansion tank, you are risking:
- Water Hammer: Those annoying, at times even damaging, banging noises in your pipes.
- Leaky Pipes and Fixtures: The added pressure is stressful on joints and seals, leading to leakage.
- Premature Water Heater Failure: Excessive pressure can shorten the life of your water heater.
- Expensive Repairs: This damage will trigger serious headaches and major repairs because of the pressure.
Do You Have a Closed Plumbing System? Then You Definitely Need an Expansion Tank!
A plumbing system without proper venting to dissipate the created pressure back down the line to the main source of water supply is considered closed. Common indications of a closed system include:
- Pressure Reducing Valve or PRV: This controls the amount of water pressure that reaches your home from outside.
- Backflow Preventer: This device prevents polluted water from flowing back into your main supply.
- Hot Water Recirculating Pump: This device attached to your water heater allows hot water to constantly circulate through your home, hitting your fixtures quickly and efficiently.
If you have any of these on your system, then an expansion tank is not negotiable. This tank will be the first line of defense for your plumbing against pressure-related issues.
Don’t Let Your Pipes Suffer in Silence: Call Instant Plumbing and Rooter for all you water heater needs!
At Instant Plumbing and Rooter, we care about your plumbing system being healthy and happy. If you hear strange noises or leakages or want your water heater to function safely and efficiently, our plumbers are here to assist you.
We can inspect your plumbing system to see if you need an expansion tank, and we can install it correctly and quickly. Just call Instant Plumbing and Rooter today! Avoid a plumbing disaster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an expansion tank, and how does it work?
A: This small tank is designed to accept excess water pressure in a closed plumbing system and ensure protection against pipe or fixture damage.
Q: Will I need an expansion tank with my water heater?
A: You definitely need an expansion tank in case you have a closed plumbing system with a PRV, backflow preventer, or recirculating pump. Instant Plumbing and Rooter installs an expansion tank with every install.
Q: How can I tell if I need an expansion tank?
A: Knocking pipes, dripping faucets, and premature water heater failure are symptoms that an expansion tank may be what you need.
Q: How much is it going to cost to have an expansion tank installed?
A: Installation price is based on the size of the tank and other installation factors. Call Instant Plumbing and Rooter for a free no-obligation quote.
Q: Can I install an expansion tank?
A: Although it is quite possible, we would recommend that the installation is done by a licensed plumber to ensure that the plumbing system is safe for use and efficient.
Serving Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, and more of AZ with professional plumbing services since 2001