water heater expansion tank

[n175h]

The local utility district made me install a backflow preventer on my laundry, not a big deal but expensive and now annual inspections, arrrgh.

I wonder if now I will need to install an expansion tank on the hot water heater. I've seen in homes where the increased pressure of the heated water causes the pop off valve on the heater to open and drip to relieve the pressure. Do any of you guys have this problem? If so, where would be the best place to install the pressure tank if needed?

David

[DuboisLaundry]

the expansion tank is on a Tee very close to the water heater

[laundryboy]

Just a not about backflow prevention. Make sure to argue the point that these aer necessary in your laundry. If all your equipment have a water break (most frontloaders do) you do not need the back flow device.

[n175h]

Just a not about backflow prevention. Make sure to argue the point that these aer necessary in your laundry. If all your equipment have a water break (most frontloaders do) you do not need the back flow device.

I agree, but it is a no win argument. The EPA tells the state enviornmental agency all laundries require backflow preventers. The state guys tell my city water dept. all laundries require backflow preventers. The city water dept sent me a letter citing various federal and state regulations of the requirement with 60 days to comply or water service terminated.

I doubt they care about the syphon breaks on my washers.

[The wizard]

The law varies but it seem the backflow manufacturers have bought the government well on this one. Some areas require them everywhere what a nighmare. I feel one for the whole building to protect it againest the world would be ok. They are trying to protect every living soul at businesses expense. But life goes on. 2 things you must do. The expansion tank is a must on the hot water side of the heater and make sure it is rated properly. Many manufacturers warranty states this requirement. The expansion tank must be inside to cutoff valves for the unit Shock dampers or expansion tank are recommend near the backflow preventers on the cold water line or they have a tendency to burp. Testing once a year is enough you do not want one leaking and have it repaired also. Next get the flow data of back flow preventers restricts flow severely. So if you have a marginal size pipe , low water pressure and are very busy your flow could be reduced at peak times. Get a bigger unit and insure the flow data allows it to achieve maximun flow for your pressure and pipe size. They are expensive and you do not want to find out you have to upgrade later. Hope you only have one to put in on your incomming service connection. Make sure they pipe the drain. They can fail and leak everywhere or work properly when a water main breaks

[fishmanz]

I had to install a backflow preventer when I upgraded my store. It was about $350. plus instalation. It has 4 test pepcocks and needs to be tested every year and sent out to the state or a big fine.

It is to protect the potable water supply in the event of a reverse siphon in the line. Say there was a majior fire up the street, The fire dept is using tons of water and you have an open hose into a dirty sump of water. This could cause that dirty water to be drawn back into the water supply.

I would definately add an expantion tank to your heater. It's code everywhere now.