Conventional water heaters or tank type heaters are the most common types of water heaters installed in Atlanta homes. A typical “builder grade” water heater comes with a six year warranty on the tank. Many times these heaters will last a whole lot longer with proper maintenance and repair. You must keep in mind that just water heater maintenance is not going to guarantee that your heater will not fail.
The most common problem for a conventional tanks failure is usually the result of high pressure in combination with sediment build up in the tank. The tank is designed to withstand 150psi (pounds per square inch) before the relief valve expels water so the tank does not go through the roof of your house like a rocket. Without that relief valve you have a potential nightmare on your hands. If you plan on installing a water heater by yourself do not cap the relief line.
The IPC (International Plumbing Code) requires pressure not to exceed 80psi in a closed loop plumbing system. Ideally you want your operating pressure around 65 psi. Another factor that must be taken into consideration is thermal expansion,when water is heated it expands and needs space to accommodate it. After the September eleventh incident local municipalities have mandated the installation of check valves at the meter to ensure that no one can pump chemical or biological contaminants into the water supply. With these check valves installed the thermal expansion needs a buffer or a way out so it does not damage one of the components in your plumbing system i.e. toilets,shower valves and of course your water heater.
You have several different options available of which the thermal expansion tank is the most commonly used. Another device that releases thermal expansion is installed in a toilet it is called a Governor 80. Also Watts produces smaller thermal expansion devices that may be installed in the line to do the same thing,whichever device you may choose it is imperative that you perform this necessary and important step in order to maintain a good functioning tank type water heater. Proper venting and a clean combustion inlet are also vital to your water heaters health.
For some reason people think that water heater installation is nothing more than two pipes connected,but as you can see there is whole lot involved and I still did not cover it all. So when you think about self hot water heater installation remember that codes are in place for a reason and it’s probably best that you call a professional plumber to do it for you.-Melvin Davis