Pin hole leak in Expansion Tank...
#1
02-01-07, 02:17 PM
Pin hole leak in Expansion Tank...
I have a small pin hole leak in my expansion tank for my hot-water heater.
Few questions.
1. Can this leak be patched? Or should I just replace the expansion tank? (Most likely, I'm assuming).
2. How hard is it to replace the expansion tank? Is there anymore to it then simply taking off (unscrewing) my current one and screwing on a new one (it looks to simply be on by one hex screw....(I'm sure there is probably more to it).
3. Is there any way to simply shut-off the expansion tank....in the mean time....before I am able to get out to a store ...late tomorrow afternoon?....Or would shutting off the expansion tank cause any harm / danger.
Thanks
Few questions.
1. Can this leak be patched? Or should I just replace the expansion tank? (Most likely, I'm assuming).
2. How hard is it to replace the expansion tank? Is there anymore to it then simply taking off (unscrewing) my current one and screwing on a new one (it looks to simply be on by one hex screw....(I'm sure there is probably more to it).
3. Is there any way to simply shut-off the expansion tank....in the mean time....before I am able to get out to a store ...late tomorrow afternoon?....Or would shutting off the expansion tank cause any harm / danger.
Thanks
#2
02-01-07, 02:32 PM
Did a "search" and reading some of the others situations with leaks in the expansion tanks.
First...I'm a real novice when it comes to plumbing.....secondly this is an older home where the expansion tank is fitted directly to the pipe coming out of the top of the Water heater (which is newer). There appears to be no valves / shut-offs near my expansion tank.
Any chance some epoxy putting could seal this back up??...
First...I'm a real novice when it comes to plumbing.....secondly this is an older home where the expansion tank is fitted directly to the pipe coming out of the top of the Water heater (which is newer). There appears to be no valves / shut-offs near my expansion tank.
Any chance some epoxy putting could seal this back up??...
#3
02-01-07, 02:33 PM
Don't bother trying to patch it...
What type of tank do you have ?
A big old steel one above the boiler held between the joists with metal strapping ?
Or, one about 12" in dia, maybe 16" tall, hanging from the bottom of an air elimination device ?
How hard a job it is depends on the type of tank, but based on your description of how you think it should go, I'd say you have the smaller diaphragm type tank. Is there a label on it ?
Is there a shut-off valve between the tank and the rest of the system piping?
No, you can't shut it off. If you do, your system pressure will go wild, and you may cause your pressure relief valve to vent. Don't try it.
It probably is just unscrewing the old one, and screwing on the new one, but you need to de-pressurize the system first.
Try out the search function, there are TONS! of posts concerning replacing and testing expansion tanks. You will likely find your answer there.
[edit: You beat me ! our posts crossed in the ether!]
What type of tank do you have ?
A big old steel one above the boiler held between the joists with metal strapping ?
Or, one about 12" in dia, maybe 16" tall, hanging from the bottom of an air elimination device ?
How hard a job it is depends on the type of tank, but based on your description of how you think it should go, I'd say you have the smaller diaphragm type tank. Is there a label on it ?
Is there a shut-off valve between the tank and the rest of the system piping?
No, you can't shut it off. If you do, your system pressure will go wild, and you may cause your pressure relief valve to vent. Don't try it.
It probably is just unscrewing the old one, and screwing on the new one, but you need to de-pressurize the system first.
Try out the search function, there are TONS! of posts concerning replacing and testing expansion tanks. You will likely find your answer there.
[edit: You beat me ! our posts crossed in the ether!]
#4
02-01-07, 02:36 PM
Ohhhhh.... waitaminnit... I assumed this was a BOILER for heating system ?
No, you said water heater, diddincha ?
That's another story.
Maybe should be in the water heater topic ?
You _are_ talking about a potable water heater, yes ?
No, you said water heater, diddincha ?
That's another story.
Maybe should be in the water heater topic ?
You _are_ talking about a potable water heater, yes ?
#5
02-01-07, 02:43 PM
Yeah - I have the smaller (looks like a small propane tank) size. Has settings of "precharge 40psi"..and "max of 150 psi".......
How do I go about "de-pressurizing" my system.
And no, there appears to be no shut-offs or valves between my water-heater and this expansion tank. Simply a pipe coming right out of the top of my water heater (then a 90 angle) and right into the expansion tank.
It appears to be connected with simply a hex nut/screw.
How do I go about "de-pressurizing" my system.
And no, there appears to be no shut-offs or valves between my water-heater and this expansion tank. Simply a pipe coming right out of the top of my water heater (then a 90 angle) and right into the expansion tank.
It appears to be connected with simply a hex nut/screw.
#7
02-01-07, 03:22 PM
I suspect the mods may move your message... in the meantime though,
If there is no valve there to isolate the tank, you will have to shut off the water supply to the water heater, (after shutting it down) and at least partially drain the hot water system. You will get water spewing out when you remove that tank if you don't.
Then, after checking the pre-charge pressure on the new tank, and adjusting if necessary, put some teflon tape on the threads of the new tank and just screw it back on there.
Then turn the water back on, refill the heater and the piping, and turn the heater back on.
If there is no valve there to isolate the tank, you will have to shut off the water supply to the water heater, (after shutting it down) and at least partially drain the hot water system. You will get water spewing out when you remove that tank if you don't.
Then, after checking the pre-charge pressure on the new tank, and adjusting if necessary, put some teflon tape on the threads of the new tank and just screw it back on there.
Then turn the water back on, refill the heater and the piping, and turn the heater back on.
#9
02-01-07, 03:40 PM
See yer PM, more info...
OH< one more thing <
Don't use an expansion tank designed for boiler systems! They are not rated for potable water. You want/need one for potable water!
OH< one more thing <
Don't use an expansion tank designed for boiler systems! They are not rated for potable water. You want/need one for potable water!
