There are a number of components in your boiler that help with both operation and safe functioning; one of these components is the expansion tank. The expansion tank is a small tank that extends off your boiler. While it may seem like a solitary object, the expansion tank works in conjunction with your boiler to help provide heat for your home. Understanding how an expansion tank works helps you understand how it helps your boiler.
This Inside of the Tank
The expansion tank isn’t an empty tank; inside, it is divided into two halves by a rubber diaphragm. The reason the tank divides the internal space into two halves is to allow pressurized air to reside in one half and excess water to flow into the other half. The tank attaches to your boiler via a valve located in the water half of the tank. The air side has to be correctly pressurized to counteract the pressure on the water half, so professional help is required for installation and repair.
How It Works
When your boiler starts a heating cycle, a great deal of pressure is created when heating the water, resulting in pushing the water up in the boiler’s water tank. This water has to go somewhere to keep the pressure from becoming too great inside the main water vessel, so it flows into the expansion tank. As the excess water flows into the expansion tank, the pressurized air on the other side helps keep the expansion tank balanced by providing a cushion of air. There is a relief valve on the expansion tank should there be an emergency and the pressure inside the expansion tank becomes too high.
How It Helps
Without the expansion tank, the excess pressure created at the start of a heating cycle would build inside the main water vessel. This can pose a series of problems, including pressure imbalances in your heating system, leaks and even ruptures, if the pressure is high enough. The expansion tank also offers added safety with its relief valve.
The expansion tank on your boiler is necessary for both function and safety. If you are seeing rust or leaking coming from your expansion tank, call the experts at Westland Heating and Air Conditioning and schedule an appointment for our professional boiler service in Avon.
