expansion tank won't drain

DaveGateway

I have an expansion tank mounted in the ceiling, (big green thing). When i open the drain valve, very little water comes out, even when i open the valve on the stem of the open/close valve on input line. I believe its full, water pressure rising and water coming from relief valve. Any suggestions on how to drain it or should I just update to a newer pressurized tank.

thx

andy_5

Usually you have to allow air into the tank to get it to drain.Most times there is a plug at the other end of it you have to take out.Once you let air in,the water should come out.

Mark Eatherton1

Try...

this. Go to the hardware store and purchase an ice maker/swamp cooler tap saddle valve.

Tap the line between the system and the tank with the tap saddle valve.

When you connect a hose and let the water out of the tank, open the tap saddle valve and it will allow air to enter the tank, thereby breaking the vacuum that the tank is in, and the water will be out of the tank within 20 minutes.

Once drained, close all drains and vents, and repressurize system. It should stabalize around 12 to 15 PSI. If it doesn't, you may need professional help. I know I do...

G'Luck!

Report back and let us know how it goes.

ME

DaveGateway

Put In New Tank

I ended up putting in a new tank, after cutting the line to the old tank and a few minutes the water did drain from the old tank. I just figured i might run into the same problem down the road if i reconnected the old tank. Also found the quick fill valve to be rusted closed (inside) so don't know if that had something to do with, although I suspect not.

Doug Wagoner

draining the expansion tank

strip the plastic insulation from a piece of #14 or #12 solid copper wire without fraying the insulation. Discard the wire and insert this "small tube" into the open drain valve to the top of the tank. The tube will allow air to flow into the tank and the water will flow out. I have not found tubing this small at the plb supply house. I just make my own from solid copper wire. Three feet is generally enough. Give a blow on the end of the tube to clear it of water if needed. Generally when the tube hits the air in the top of the tank it will clear itself and the draining will begin.