I have an oil water heater (see related question) used for a hydronic forced-air furnace. There is a backflow preventer on the incoming cold water and return hot water, and a small expansion tank on a T in the cold water intake. The tank weeps a little bit through the pressure relief valve.
Is some sort of maintenance required on the expansion tank? Does it need to be emptied?
Best Answer
Expansion tanks can fail over time. There should be a valve stem like you have on a car tire to add air to the tank. Shutoff the water supply, open a faucet to release any pressure from the water on the tank, and pump up the tank to about 60psi (even better is to fill to your average water pressure at your home, but 60psi is typical). If the tank doesn't hold the pressure with an open faucet, then the internal bladder has ruptured and the expansion tank needs to be replaced. They are usually threaded, so you can unscrew the old tank, apply some plumbers dope or Teflon tape to the threads, and screw on a new tank (pressurize it first).