Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

[bigdee]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

I guess that makes sense. The pressure regulator on the house won't solve that problem I guess because the pressure will build on the house side of the regulator?

The problem is the city requires a check valve at or near the meter, this makes a closed system. Before this code regulation the increased pressure was just pushed back into the municipal water system.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

The problem is the city requires a check valve at or near the meter, this makes a closed system. Before this code regulation the increased pressure was just pushed back into the municipal water system.

True...didn't think about that.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

Just go to a ********* plumbing store (Lockes) and get an A.O. Smith or Bradford white and an insulation blanket. .......

I believe that manufacturers are recommending that you no longer use insulation blankets. New heaters are much better insulated than they were in the past and they claim the blankets can make them sweat where they shouldn't, causing deterioration.

Just a couple of years ago, I replaced an 80 gallon electric heater with a new one of the same volume. It was 2" larger in diameter and 10" taller. I had to open up the drywall and raise the plumbing connections lest the original stubs run into the side of the new heater.

The extra dimensions were due to the added insulation over the 20 year old heater.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

Basically, put your hand on the outside of the water heater. If its warm, it may need more insulation. Last time I felt one of my newer ones, it felt close to the ambient temperature.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

Hmm, sounds good. Could you explain how the expansion tank functions. Just can't visualize it.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

Hmm, sounds good. Could you explain how the expansion tank functions. Just can't visualize it.

It is basically a small well pressure tank. It has a bladder in it, with a precharge of air at a certain PSI. As pressure builds in a closed system, due to hot water expansion, the bladder in the tank expands, taking up the increased pressure instead of the rigid hot water heater or the rigid plumbing having to absorb the pressure.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

It is basically a small well pressure tank. It has a bladder in it, with a precharge of air at a certain PSI. As pressure builds in a closed system, due to hot water expansion, the bladder in the tank expands, taking up the increased pressure instead of the rigid hot water heater or the rigid plumbing having to absorb the pressure.

Actually, the air bladder shrinks to relieve the pressure.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Can we talk about Tank-Type Gas Water Heaters?

Aah, the elusive bladder. Thanks.