Best Expansion Tank For Water Heater This Year – Plumbing Reviews
Our winners of the Best Expansion Tank For Water Heater this year are:
BEST OVERALL
Amtrol ST-5 Thermal Expansion Tank
- 5-gallon capacity
- Stainless steel construction
- Pre-charged to 20 PSI
- Diaphragm design
- Easy installation
Introduction
When it comes to ensuring the longevity and safety of your water heater, an expansion tank is an essential component. The best expansion tank for water heaters helps to manage the excess pressure that occurs when water is heated and expands. This can prevent damage to your water heater and plumbing system, saving you from costly repairs.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the key points to consider when buying an expansion tank and provide reviews of some of the top options available on Amazon. Read on to find the perfect expansion tank to keep your water heater in top condition.
Reviews & Comparisons
1. Amtrol ST-5 Thermal Expansion Tank
The Amtrol ST-5 Thermal Expansion Tank is designed to control pressure in domestic water systems. It’s a top-rated choice for its durability and efficiency.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Amtrol ST-5 because it’s made with high-quality materials and offers a reliable solution for managing thermal expansion in water heaters.
Features
- 5-gallon capacity
- Stainless steel construction
- Pre-charged to 20 PSI
- Diaphragm design
- Easy installation
Pros
- Durable
- Effective pressure control
- Easy to install
- Good brand reputation
- Long lifespan
Cons
- A bit pricey
- May require professional installation
- Limited warranty
- Not suitable for very large systems
- Requires regular maintenance
Our Verdict
The Amtrol ST-5 is an excellent choice for those seeking a durable and efficient expansion tank. Its high-quality construction ensures it will last for years.
2. Watts DET-5 Expansion Tank
The Watts DET-5 Expansion Tank is known for its high performance and reliability. It’s built to handle the demands of modern water heating systems.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We appreciate the Watts DET-5 for its robust design and ease of installation, making it a favorite among DIY enthusiasts.
Features
- 4.5-gallon capacity
- Steel construction
- Pre-charged to 20 PSI
- Butyl rubber diaphragm
- Corrosion-resistant
Pros
- Reliable
- High-quality materials
- Easy setup
- Good customer support
- Affordable
Cons
- May not fit all systems
- Requires regular checks
- Limited availability
- Shorter lifespan
- No pressure gauge
Our Verdict
The Watts DET-5 is a reliable and affordable option that offers excellent performance for most residential water heating systems.
3. Taco HVAC Expansion Tank
The Taco HVAC Expansion Tank is a versatile choice suitable for various heating and cooling applications, including water heaters.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Taco HVAC tank for its versatility and durable construction, making it a solid investment for home systems.
Features
- 2-gallon capacity
- Steel shell
- Bladder design
- Factory pre-charged
- Versatile use
Pros
- Versatile
- Durable
- Easy to install
- Compact size
- Good warranty
Cons
- Smaller capacity
- Higher initial cost
- May need professional installation
- Requires periodic maintenance
- Limited instructions
Our Verdict
The Taco HVAC Expansion Tank is ideal for those looking for a versatile and durable solution for their water heating needs.
4. A.O. Smith T-35 Expansion Tank
The A.O. Smith T-35 Expansion Tank is designed for larger water heating systems, offering excellent capacity and performance.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We appreciate the A.O. Smith T-35 for its large capacity and robust construction, making it perfect for bigger households.
Features
- 35-gallon capacity
- Steel construction
- Replaceable bladder
- Pre-charged
- Suitable for large systems
Pros
- High capacity
- Durable
- Replaceable components
- Good pressure control
- Reliable brand
Cons
- Expensive
- Bulky
- May require professional installation
- Periodic maintenance needed
- Limited availability
Our Verdict
The A.O. Smith T-35 is perfect for homes with larger water heating needs, offering excellent performance and durability.
5. Therm-X-Trol ST-12 Expansion Tank
The Therm-X-Trol ST-12 Expansion Tank is a top-rated product designed to handle thermal expansion in residential water heating systems.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Therm-X-Trol ST-12 for its efficient design and high-quality materials, ensuring reliable performance.
Features
- 4.4-gallon capacity
- Steel construction
- Diaphragm design
- Pre-charged to 20 PSI
- Easy to install
Pros
- Efficient
- Durable
- High-quality materials
- Easy installation
- Reliable
Cons
- Moderate capacity
- Requires regular checks
- Higher cost
- Limited instructions
- No pressure gauge
Our Verdict
The Therm-X-Trol ST-12 is an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a reliable and efficient expansion tank.
6. Rheem PROTECH Expansion Tank
The Rheem PROTECH Expansion Tank is designed to provide reliable protection for your water heater and plumbing system.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Rheem PROTECH for its solid construction and reliable performance, making it a great choice for residential systems.
Features
- 2-gallon capacity
- Steel shell
- Bladder design
- Factory pre-charged
- Corrosion-resistant
Pros
- Reliable
- Durable
- Easy to install
- Compact
- Good brand reputation
Cons
- Smaller capacity
- Periodic maintenance needed
- May not fit all systems
- Higher cost
- Limited instructions
Our Verdict
The Rheem PROTECH is a reliable and durable option, perfect for maintaining your water heater and plumbing system.
7. Zurn Wilkins 1-600XL Expansion Tank
The Zurn Wilkins 1-600XL Expansion Tank is built for durability and efficiency, offering excellent pressure control for water heaters.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We appreciate the Zurn Wilkins 1-600XL for its robust construction and easy installation, making it a top choice for many homeowners.
Features
- 2-gallon capacity
- Steel construction
- Bladder design
- Pre-charged
- Corrosion-resistant
Pros
- Durable
- Efficient
- Easy to install
- Compact size
- Good pressure control
Cons
- Limited capacity
- Higher cost
- Periodic maintenance needed
- May require professional installation
- Limited instructions
Our Verdict
The Zurn Wilkins 1-600XL is a durable and efficient expansion tank, ideal for residential water heating systems.
8. Flotec FP7120 Expansion Tank
The Flotec FP7120 Expansion Tank is designed to provide reliable performance and protection for your water heater system.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Flotec FP7120 for its solid construction and easy installation, making it a reliable choice for many homeowners.
Features
- 2-gallon capacity
- Steel construction
- Bladder design
- Factory pre-charged
- Corrosion-resistant
Pros
- Reliable
- Durable
- Easy to install
- Compact
- Good brand reputation
Cons
- Smaller capacity
- Periodic maintenance needed
- Higher cost
- Limited instructions
- May not fit all systems
Our Verdict
The Flotec FP7120 is a solid and reliable option, perfect for maintaining your water heater and plumbing system.
9. Flexcon HTX-15 Expansion Tank
The Flexcon HTX-15 Expansion Tank is designed to handle the demands of modern water heating systems, offering reliable performance and durability.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We appreciate the Flexcon HTX-15 for its high-quality materials and efficient design, making it a top choice for many homeowners.
Features
- 5-gallon capacity
- Steel construction
- Diaphragm design
- Pre-charged to 20 PSI
- Corrosion-resistant
Pros
- Durable
- Efficient
- Easy installation
- Reliable
- Good brand reputation
Cons
- Higher cost
- Requires regular checks
- Limited availability
- May require professional installation
- Limited instructions
Our Verdict
The Flexcon HTX-15 is a reliable and efficient expansion tank, ideal for maintaining your water heater and plumbing system.
10. Aermotor Expansion Tank
The Aermotor Expansion Tank is built for durability and efficiency, offering excellent pressure control for water heaters.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Aermotor Expansion Tank for its robust construction and easy installation, making it a reliable choice for many homeowners.
Features
- 2-gallon capacity
- Steel construction
- Bladder design
- Pre-charged
- Corrosion-resistant
Pros
- Durable
- Reliable
- Easy to install
- Compact size
- Good pressure control
Cons
- Limited capacity
- Higher cost
- Periodic maintenance needed
- May require professional installation
- Limited instructions
Our Verdict
The Aermotor Expansion Tank is a durable and efficient option, perfect for residential water heating systems.
Buying Guide
When shopping for the best expansion tank for your water heater, consider the following key points:
- Size and Capacity: Ensure the expansion tank is appropriately sized for your water heater. A tank that’s too small won’t effectively manage the pressure, while an oversized tank could be unnecessary and costly. Check your water heater’s specifications and consult sizing charts like those from Watts or Flexcon Industries to find the right fit.
- Material Quality: Look for expansion tanks made from high-quality materials like stainless steel or durable rubber diaphragms. These materials are more resistant to corrosion and wear, ensuring a longer lifespan.
- Pressure Rating: Make sure the expansion tank’s pressure rating matches or exceeds your water heater’s pressure settings. This is crucial for the safety and effectiveness of the expansion tank.
- Installation Requirements: Some expansion tanks are easier to install than others. Look for tanks that come with clear instructions and all necessary hardware. If you’re not handy, you might want to consider hiring a professional for the installation.
- Brand Reputation and Warranty: Choose a reputable brand that offers a solid warranty. This gives you peace of mind knowing that the manufacturer stands behind their product. Reviews and ratings on Amazon can also provide insight into the reliability of the tank.
FAQs
What is an expansion tank for a water heater?
An expansion tank is a small tank that works to absorb the extra water volume created when water heats up and expands. It helps to prevent excessive pressure build-up in your water heater and plumbing system, which can lead to leaks, bursts, and other damage.
How do I know if I need an expansion tank?
If your home has a closed water supply system, meaning there’s a backflow prevention valve or pressure-reducing valve installed, an expansion tank is necessary. It helps to manage the thermal expansion of water, preventing pressure build-up and potential damage to your system.
Can I install an expansion tank myself?
Yes, installing an expansion tank can be a DIY project if you have basic plumbing skills. However, if you’re unsure or uncomfortable with the process, it’s best to hire a professional plumber. Proper installation is crucial for the tank’s effectiveness and your safety.
How long does an expansion tank last?
The lifespan of an expansion tank can vary depending on the quality of the materials and the conditions of your water system. On average, a good-quality expansion tank can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. Regular maintenance and inspections can help extend its life.
What happens if an expansion tank fails?
If an expansion tank fails, it won’t be able to absorb the excess pressure from the expanding water. This can lead to increased pressure in your water heater and plumbing system, potentially causing leaks, bursts, and damage to your equipment. Regular checks and maintenance can help prevent such issues.
Conclusion
Choosing the best expansion tank for your water heater is crucial for maintaining your system’s safety and efficiency. By considering factors like size, material quality, pressure rating, installation requirements, and brand reputation, you can find a reliable expansion tank that suits your needs. Our reviews of top products on Amazon will help you make an informed decision.