January 30, 201412 yr Author Who's installed your new tanks? If it's a legit plumber, I'd think they could face losing their license by not doing jobs up to code, and might be more up-to-date on safety issues. Some schmuck from Lowes or Home Depot that does installs may not be worried about that. And if it was you, then not knowing about it, would explain the absence. I was told that is it state code. The guy asked me who installed my water heater in 2008 and it was indeed Lowe's. Never mentioned that it was needed.
January 30, 201412 yr I was told that is it state code. The guy asked me who installed my water heater in 2008 and it was indeed Lowe's. Never mentioned that it was needed. Don't know. I wonder if the code is the same in Ohio as it is in Kentucky? Could be they subcontract the installs out to companies that do both sides of the river. :idunno: Also, I think it'd be worth a call to check out what I4C discussed, about calling the water district on the exterior pressure regulator. I've often heard that the utility companies are responsible for anything outside the house, while you're responsible for anything inside it. (However, there are probably tons of exceptions...but, it never hurts to ask.)
January 30, 201412 yr Most houses that have a check valve on the water service pipe - usually as part of a pressure-reducing valve installed just above or below the main water cutoff - do not have an expansion tank, since it wasn't required until recently. This may or may not cause excessive pressure buildup, depending on the characteristics of the plumbing in a house. I got this on the link below, this explains it for me: Water Heater Expansion Tank | Why expansion tank is needed - Baltimore Sun
January 30, 201412 yr My only contribution to this thread, is as follows: The device is called a "Water Heater", not a "Hot Water Heater" Hot water doesn't need to be heated. Calling it a hot water heater drives me nuts. Stop it. That is all.
January 31, 201412 yr When folks talk about an expansion tank for plumbing, common sense says someone misdiagnosed the water heater needs of your family in the first place. Either that or said plumber is looking to upgrade you to benefit himself. A water heater is a water heater and a pressure valve is what it is. Don't be "had" by an unnecessary tank!
January 31, 201412 yr Author When folks talk about an expansion tank for plumbing, common sense says someone misdiagnosed the water heater needs of your family in the first place. Either that or said plumber is looking to upgrade you to benefit himself. A water heater is a water heater and a pressure valve is what it is. Don't be "had" by an unnecessary tank! In my case I have an 80 gallon water heater. The plumbers say that in KY the expansion tank is required IF there is a flow control (if that's the right term). Not optional.
January 31, 201412 yr The water pressure at your main is around 100# when it comes into your house you have a shut off valve which is usually a gate valve then to your pressure reducing valve. The pressure reducing valve has a bolt on it with a lock nut. If you loosen the lock nut and screw the bolt in or out that increases or decreases the pressure in your house. These will go bad over time and need to be replaced. You have the same pressure in your house that is at the main which means your pressure regulator is not doing its job. Like I said Clyde its worth a call to the water district to see if the problem may be out by the main. Could save yourself some cash. The expansion tank is not a necessity if you not putting in a water heater. If a licensed plumber installs one he is required to put an expansion tank in. If u or a buddy puts one in you don't have To put one in since your the home owner. I don't have one in my house and have no problem. Next time u get a new water heater have one put in. Also, with your pressure regulator not working if there is a spike in pressure at the main then there is a spike in pressure in your house. If none of that makes sense PM me. Hope that helps.
January 31, 201412 yr ...... Don't tell me my business boy.....it's all ball bearings these days. You been doing a little stunt flyin' up there Gordo?... And he just gives me that look
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