Furnace Expansion Tank Full Of Water

This article describes the steps in draining of a steel compression or expansion tank used on hot water system heating boilers hydronic heat.

Furnace expansion tank full of water.

The ratio of water to the air inside the steel expansion tank is optimal at a 2 3rds water to 1 3 air. Step 2 prepare boiler to drain expansion tank. Hot water heating system expansion tank compression tank drain procedure to re charge lost air. The hot water expansion tank is a two gallon tank that hangs off of your hot water system or your boiler.

You may need to remove air. The boiler expansion tank absorbs the expanding water by allowing the air in the expansion tank to compress this prevents the pressure. In older hot water heating boiler expansion tanks that do not have an internal bladder to keep air and water separate over time air in the expansion tank may become absorbed into the heating water. You can also check your expansion tank s pre charge pressure by knocking on the side of the tank with your knuckles to determine if it s full of air or water.

Draining water out of a waterlogged expansion tank is a common heating boiler service procedure used to replace a lost air charge. It is used to absorb excess water pressure. It has an air bleeder on the bottom. Low pressure can cause too much water from entering the tank.

This is important because water does not allow the correct pressure for the boiler to work properly. Ratio of air to water inside the steel expansion tank hot water boiler expansion tanks. Tanks not equipped with a site glass need an airtrol fitting. An expansion tank is not found in steam boiler systems which create heat by circulating hot vapor rather than hot water through the pipes and radiators.

This video is part of the heating and. Steam boilers are simpler systems that lack several components found in hot water boiler systems such as the circulating pump expansion tank and regulators for water pressure and temperature. Before you turn the power back on and fire up the boiler be sure the boiler is full of water and the heat lines are also full of water. A description of how the old style expansion tank provides a cushion for expanding water in a hot water boiler system.

Located on the bottom of the expansion tank is a fitting. The expansion tank s purpose is to protect your house s hot water system from excessive pressure which can cause damage to fixtures your water heater lines and or fittings. At least once a year and sometimes twice a year the expansion tank should be drained. Air may also find its way via the heating water to other air bleeders or vents in the system.

Pre charge pressure that s too low may be indicated when the tank is full of water.