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3N640 N. 17th Street
St. Charles, IL 60174
phone: 630-377-3608
fax: 630-377-2833
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Thermal Expansion
Water expands when it is heated, and if there is no place for the water to expand, it can cause dripping or discharge from the water heater relief valve. In most homes, the water can expand back into the main water supply line. However, when the main supply line to the home has a backflow preventer, or the pressure reducing valve has no by-pass, or the by-pass is clogged, the water system becomes a sealed system and the thermal expansion of the water will be discharged at the water heater relief valve.
Thermal expansion, if left to continue, can cause water heater damage, dripping faucets and failure of appliance water inlet valves, such as dishwashers and wash machines.
If thermal expansion exists, the pressure regulator needs to be serviced or replaced. In addition, an expansion tank can be installed near the water heater to compensate for the expansion of the water.
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