If you are a homeowner in Frisco, Plano, or North Dallas, you may be familiar with the concept of expansion tanks being paired with water heaters. Perhaps you’ve noticed situated near your water heater and wondered about its purpose. We’ve already covered the basics of expansion tanks in a previous post, so now we’ll dive deeper into the specifics of where to find your expansion tank and explore the various common installation methods used in the industry.

Typically, manufacturers recommend that the tank be placed in a specific location within the plumbing system, namely between the backflow prevention device and the water heater, which positions it on the cold water supply line.

Typically, the tank is changed at the same time as the water heater, so you will usually see it near the water heater. It is usually easy to spot and locate. However, if the expansion tank is placed far from the water heater, and the water heater is situated in a dim attic, you might overlook it if you are not careful. Below are some detailed guidelines on how to find your expansion tank:

To begin, you’ll need to locate your water heater. If you’re unsure of its whereabouts, refer to our helpful guide that provides the answer to this common question.

After locating the water heater, identify the cold water inlet of the water heater. When facing the water heater directly, the cold water inlet can be found on the right side at the top of the unit.

Cold water inlet

Trace the cold water inlet line and look for a junction point where another pipe is connected.

Pro Tip:

Insulation may be covering the water lines in unheated spaces, making it difficult to trace their path. To gain a clearer view, you can carefully remove the insulation using a utility knife. Be sure to replace the insulation once you’ve finished and secure it properly to safeguard the pipes from freezing temperatures.

After locating a “tee” connection, trace the secondary pipe back to its source, which should lead you to the expansion tank. If the “tee” connection is not found, continue to follow the cold water pipe, which will likely pass by a shut-off.

Continue to follow this main path until you reach a dead end. If you have not discovered the expansion tank by now, it is probably not present.

Expansion Tank Attached Before Water Heater Supply 

Typically, in the Frisco area and nearby cities, expansion tanks are installed in a specific configuration. They are usually connected directly primary water supply line, positioned above the water heater, and the point where the pipe converts to a flexible connector.

A key limitation of this configuration is that it has two significant drawbacks. One major concern is that the expansion tank requires adequate anchoring or attachment to a structural element, as the copper or PEX piping is not engineered to bear the additional load.

Connecting a steel expansion tank directly to a copper fitting can lead to galvanic corrosion, which causes metal deterioration. Check for corrosion signs near the connection area as  have experienced significant leaks due to this issue.

Expansion Tank Resting On Floor Near Water Heater

The tank is placed on the floor close to the water heater, which is an uncommon arrangement but can be found in the Plano TX area. In this setup, the tee extends downwards, allowing the to be positioned on the floor near the water heater rather than being directly connected to the water pipe above it.

This setup offers the benefit of securely positioning the expansion tank, thereby eliminating strain on the pipe. Nevertheless, since the is not located directly above the water heater (there is a significant risk.

Additionally, expansion tanks installed in this way are frequently tucked out of sight, which can lead to them being overlooked and neglected, resulting in inadequate maintenance and replacement.

Expansion Tank Mounted Directly To Water Heater 

Mounting the expansion tank directly to the water inlet of the water heater using threaded fittings is a mounting arrangement that is increasingly prevalent in the North Dallas region. This differs from the traditional method of mounting the expansion tank on the cold water pipe before it connects to the flexible water connector.

This configuration offers multiple benefits. Firstly, it positions the expansion tank right above the water heater to reduce the potential for water damage in case of a leak Secondly, it places the expansion tank in a visible and convenient spot for easy maintenance.

When making this connection, it’s crucial to choose the correct fittings to ensure a reliable and long-lasting seal. Stainless steel fittings are the preferred option, as they offer superior resistance to corrosion and exceptional durability. In contrast, galvanized pipe and fittings, which may appear similar to stainless steel at first, are not a suitable choice and often lead to premature failure, making them an unsuitable option for this application.

Not All Expansion Tank Installations Are Equal

Expansion tank installations vary in the North Dallas area, with different practices showing common locations. Each approach has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, which can also on specific circumstances.

The diversity of expansion tank brands and connection types adds another layer of complexity to the mix. Regrettably, we’ve witnessed numerous instances of costly water damage resulting from defective or poorly installed components. Below are examples of expansion tank connections at different stages of decline.

Failed water heater expansion tank

At Chrome Air Conditioning, we’re dedicated to utilizing top-quality materials and implementing expert installation techniques when replacing failed water heater expansion tanks. If you suspect your requires inspection or replacement, ensure the job is done.