Originally Posted by lpkruege1 (Post 2290048)

You mean like the contractor installed it? Mine was simply installed hanging on the 3/4 CPVC. So as long as the bladder is still good it simply needs to be refilled with air. They should be checked from time to time and refilled. You need to know what your water pressure is for your home. You would need a gauge to test your water pressure and then based on the tanks recommendations, fill the tank to the correct pressure. A replacement tank is about $50 the gauge and adapter another $30 but now you get rid of the yearly service call. A little time on the internet can save a lot of dollars. It depends on how handy you are and if you have any tools.

Originally Posted by Berwin (Post 2289973)

Why do water heaters in Florida homes have expansion tanks?

Originally Posted by photo1902 (Post 2290049)

That's your perogative. I do my own plumbing, but if I hired a plumber that used SharkBites, I'd find another plumber. Also, SharkBite sells solvent weld, in addition to push-to connect, so you'd need to see which they used.

Originally Posted by jswirs (Post 2289951)

You must be joking. I would like to know how many hot water tanks have drain piping to the outside when the tank is located in the garage.

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2290000)

They have expansion tanks to prevent pressure build up when water is heated and expands.

All homes have a backflow preventer installed to protect the city water supply. This device prevents water from flowing out of your house back into the main lines. When cold water is heated it expands and takes up more space. With your faucets closed and the backflow preventer in place the expanding water has no place to go. With nowhere to go, the expansion causes the water pressure inside your home to increase, potentially to a point where something breaks.

In my home, the increased pressure forced its way out of my shower. I could see that it had leaked throughout the night and I was looking into faucet valve replacements.

The expansion tank provides a space for the water to expand into. Instead of increasing pressure in the lines, the water flows into the tank. The pressure in the lines may increase a tiny amount but nothing like the increase if there was no room for expansion.

I was lucky and was able to repair my tank. I also bought a replacement that now sits in the box ready to be installed when it is needed.

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2289807)

Did you also install an expansion tank? And, does it have a drain pan under the water heater with drain piping to the outside? Anyone replacing their water heater should ensure that these things are included. They are required by the code.

Originally Posted by nn0wheremann (Post 2290092)

So, why do you need all that and a pressure relief valve and pipe that drains into the pan under the water heater, and then outside the house via the pan drain? It all seems redundant to me.

Originally Posted by npwalters (Post 2289804)

I needed to replace my water heater due to a small leak. I found the one I wanted at Home Depot. 40 gallon electric with a 6 year warranty at a cost of $439 plus tax.

I checked with Home Depots installation contractor and told the lady which unit I wanted. She gave me a quote of $1,400 to install it (in the same location in my garage) and remove the existing one. I questioned the approximate $800 dollars JUST for installation and she became very condescending and told me that was a standard quote, I didn't understand the costs involved, and if I called Lowes it would be the same since she also did those quotes.

I said no thanks. The next day I went to Home Depot, bought the water heater and the items I needed to install it. I drained and removed the old one and installed the new in less than 3 hours. Full disclosure - since it is in the garage and the water connections are easily visible and accessible I used Shark Bite connectors. I put the old one on the street and called for pickup which cost me $10.

Bottom line is the entire cost was under $500 by doing it myself. Yes, I am a little handy and comfortable with the electrical and basic plumbing.

There are contractors on this site that are much more reasonable than my experience with the HD sub. I post this to inform anyone that cares that there ARE contractors out there that will take advantage of you, especially in TV. A few phone calls could save you a few bucks.

Originally Posted by kkingston57 (Post 2290102)

Two years ago, I had mine replaced and licensed well known plumber in TV did not install a pan. Asked installer and he said that it was not required since it was in the garage and garage floor was lower than living area floor and if/when tank wore out it would drain onto the driveway. Do not know if code changed since that time. He did not pull a permit and I do not know if a permit was needed.

Originally Posted by Berwin (Post 2289973)

Why do water heaters in Florida homes have expansion tanks?

Originally Posted by villagetinker (Post 2290219)

Because the water meter has a valve that blocks reverse flow, so when the water heater heats up the water, it expands and the pressure in the house plumbing goes up, to the point where damage could occur. The expansion tank provides a cushion of air so the pressure spikes are much lower, and as previously noted these are required by code.

On a side note, expansion tanks last 5 to 7 years, and the simple test is to tap on the tank, below the weld line it should be dull sound, above the weld line it should be more like a bell.