Yes, when appropriate.
But keep in mind, I’m referencing California Plumbing Code. This may not apply to your area.
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I have read a couple of Manufacturer’s Warranty and they have stated Warrantee is void if WH not protected from Thermal Expansion. Back and forth pressure even if if not above 80psi will cause metal fatigue and eventual failure…the WH is the component in the system that is most susceptible to this flexing.
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Good to know and thoughts on this Larry. From now on, I will refer to manufacturers’ requirements which should supersede local requirements.
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Sometimes, in older neighborhoods the city will install the new type of water mater or water supply with antibackflow on it as part of upgrade etc. So if without an expansion tank or device such a situation could put unnecessary strain on piping and cause a leak, especially on an older home. I’ve seen this happen at least once. I believe it’s been required since the adaption of the 2003 code cycle.
Thanks Larry good information
That is correct, guess what they allow and do down in Florida? They install pressure relief valves in lieu of an expansion tank and this relief valve is often set to 10s of PSI above the street pressure so it doesn’t dump every time the water heater heats. Licensed, yes, licensed plumbers install 125PSI relief valve and don’t even crank it down to at least 80PSI. They say, I have always installed them this way and never had a problem. Welcome to no-“common”-sense world.
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