boiler expansion tank anchoring

Ron Schroeder

A true pro once explained to me that it is best to install exp tanks with nipple side down, so if there is sediment in the water, the constant expansion and deflation does not cause a rupture over time (if any crude collects in tank).

Joshua Hosseinof

boiler expansion tank anchoring

I recently had a new hot water boiler put in my house. When another plumbing contractor was doing some other work for me he commented on the way the expansion tank was attached to the boiler. The expansion tank was attached sitting up vertically and is attached to a very thin pipe underneath in the shape of an L. He showed me that it was a bit wobbly, and that if the diaphragm in the expansion tank ever broke and the tank filled completely, that chances are the thin pipe would break off completely from the weight of the water in the expansion tank. He said that what should have been done is to anchor the expansion tank to the wall so that it's weight will not break the piping going into it.
It makes sense what he says but I wanted to know if he's correct?

David Sutton_6

Can you post a picture?

David Sutton Heating

Brad White_9

I have seen that type of installation

posted here and there. The "top-heavy" aspect never occurred to me. Fair point although rupture is fortunately rare.

Small tanks and/or connections to larger piping should be OK if directly into a tapping or tee I would think, but small copper especially with an "L" is a lever waiting to happen.

I always install my tanks "nipple-side up" for no other reason than it seems like a good thing to do.

My own house tank is connected by a braided SS hose to my Spirovent. (All piping is racked on a wall so not much clearance). The tank rests in a Wok Ring (yes, from a Chinese grocery) to keep it stable on the floor.

Big Ed

Agree

Yes seen it happen ,Tank looses its charge,the weight of the water logged tank bending or breaking small copper pipes... Tank needs to be supported or relocated...

Brad White_9

Just knew there had to be a reason. Some big tanks have the nipples on the side or expect a drop and rise before them, another reason.

Thanks!

Brad

Brad White_9

Had the opposite problem once...

In the early-mid 1990's I designed the HVAC system for the Morgan Library Expansion and Renovations at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

Job was racing to completion and in July 1997 the skies opened and dumped something like 10 inches of rain in an hour. Flash flood. Flooded the basement to within feet of the first floor slab. 70,000 CFM air handler bobbed like a cork.

It was not surprising that the 100 gallon expansion tanks floated and came to rest with twisted connecting piping upside down in the most bizarre angles. I have a photograph of the aftermath that has to be seen to be believed. Not sure if it will scan. Anyway, a memory at this point.

Paul Rohrs_4

Expansion tank support

I like the Mupro wall support with the larger Sonic type clamp. It's basically a large diameter cushion clamp. Rock solid support with a shut off and union. Simple, economical, and doesn't look to bad. I like running ½" Wirsbo Multicor to it. ( I can orient the support for vertical or horizontal.)

You can use Riser-clamps just as easily with 3/8" all-thread rod and anchors.

Regards,

PR

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Ron Schroeder

of course I meant crud, not crude oil.