What is that Small Tank on my Water Heater?

It is called an expansion tank installed on the water supply pipe to the water heater.  The reason for its existence is to deal with the thermal expansion of water as it heats up in the water heater.  IF water pressure gets high enough it can damage valves in plumbing fixtures, joints in supply pipes and yes, even the water heater itself.

Are you aware that Thermal expansion ALWAYS occurs in water heaters?  Like most substances in nature, water expands as it is heated.  This happens over and over every day inside of your Peoria area home’s water heater after some hot water has been used in the house, and cold water flowing into the water heater is heated.

We wanted you to know more about the purpose of this invaluable appliance sitting all alone in your garage.  At Dave Bailey Plumbing we know all about water heaters in and around Pekin, East Peoria, and Morton.  Eventually they need to be repaired or eventually replaced.  When that time comes call us at Dave Bailey Plumbing.  That’s (309) 265-6788.