Thermal Expansion Relief Valves Replace Expansion Tanks

When it comes to keeping your customers comfortable, a water heater system plays a significant role. However, unbeknownst to the homeowner, not all parts of the system are efficient or reliable enough to maintain uninterrupted comfort.

In particular, expansion tanks are one of those items that tend to need replacing before other parts of the system. At RWC, we’ve listened to Pro feedback on the short lifetime of expansion tanks and created a more dependable solution.

SharkBite’s new Thermal Expansion Relief Valve provides a longer lasting alternative for your customers. It replaces the bulky expansion tank, shut-off valve and fitting right at the water heater for an easier-to-install solution.

Similarities Between Thermal Expansion Relief Valves & Expansion Tanks

The Thermal Expansion Relief Valve can replace a water heater expansion tank because it functions similarly. Both products absorb the excess pressure in the plumbing system created by thermal expansion. As plumbers know, the expansion tank equalizes pressure throughout the plumbing system by providing a space for hot water to flow into. Without an expansion tank, pressure would be distributed to the entire plumbing system, straining it and decreasing its lifespan.

Like an expansion tank, the new Thermal Expansion Relief Valve also takes the load off your pipes by:

• Equalizing pressure
• Managing thermal expansion of water
• Keeping pipes from bursting or wearing out prematurely

Instead of storing water, though, the Thermal Expansion Relief Valve releases it, solving some of the problems that come with using an expansion tank.

Common Expansion Tank Problems

While expansion tanks are required by code in most closed-loop water heater systems, they have a reputation for failing. Common expansion tank issues include:

• Rubber Diaphragm Wear Out. The pressure below the rubber diaphragm in the tank may not have been set at the right level during installation, for example, allowing water to enter the tank too frequently and wearing out the diaphragm prematurely.
• Pinhole Leaks. Expansion tanks are also known for developing pinhole leaks in the rubber bladder, and there’s no way to know without going out of your way to test it or by noticing that the Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve (T&P) is going off frequently.
• Excessive Condensation Issues. Tanks can also become coated in condensation if there’s too much water in the tank, for instance, which can lead to messy pooling, dangerous dripping and eventually a rusty expansion tank.

Because there are coordinating valves and parts both outside and inside a water heater that determine whether water pressure is effectively and safely managed, there are many failure points that could lead to damaged plumbing systems — all without warning.

Why the Thermal Expansion Relief Valve is the Better Option

When you need more time in your day and want to keep your customers happy, you need reliable solutions that help you finish the job faster while remaining cost effective. Here are a few ways SharkBite’s new Thermal Expansion Relief Valve sets you up for success.

Dependability

There’s no guesswork with the Thermal Expansion Relief Valve. Installed in the same place as an expansion tank, it’s a combination of a ball valve with a relief valve that opens and drains water to a pipe drain once water pressure hits 125 psi. That means no wondering if a diaphragm or bladder is working properly, no inevitable replacement. And the best part? It meets code requirements.

Installation

It’s easier for you to install, too, since there are no bulky items to work around when putting everything in place. No matter how big or small the area around the water heater is, you don't have to worry about finding space for a tank anymore. Made with SharkBite push-to-connect end connections that are compatible with PEX, copper, CPVC and PE-RT pipe, the Thermal Expansion Relief Valve simply goes onto the water line — no extra support needed.

Cost

And with ease comes more affordability. All you need is the Thermal Expansion Relief Valve and a drain line, whereas an expansion tank requires several additional accessories that add up.

Get Started

While expansion tanks have been the norm to keep thermal expansion from damaging plumbing systems, they come with reliability issues, extra installation costs and the need for space. We created the Thermal Expansion Relief Valve to give you the functionality of an expansion tank without its problems.