Expansion tank for the water pump. Expansion tank for water supply: device, functions, connection

Today it is difficult to surprise anyone with autonomous water supply. Such a system is very convenient and practical, but for its smooth operation, additional devices are often used, which a common person may not even guess. One of these elements is an expansion tank for supplying cold water. On the modern market water supply there are many different models of such products. Therefore, in order not to make a mistake in choosing such a device, you need to understand what the principle of its operation is based on.

Design features and functionality

The main purpose of expansion tanks is maintaining a stable pressure level in an autonomous cold water supply system. Most often used in water supply systems membrane device closed type.

Such a product resembles a tank, inside which a membrane is mounted, made of rubber and dividing it into two separate chambers for air and water. After starting the system by means of an electric pump, the water part of the tank is filled. In turn, the air chamber begins to lose its volume. The less air left, the more pressure builds up.

At the moment when the pressure in the air chamber exceeds the set parameters, there will be an automatic shutdown pumping equipment. In turn, the pump will turn on only when the pressure level in the expansion tank drops below the minimum value. In this case, the cycles of starting and stopping the equipment occur automatically.

For convenience, many models of expansion membrane tanks equipped with a pressure gauge for pressure control. Also, modern devices have the ability to adjust the operating range to the parameters suitable for the consumer. Installing an expansion tank in a cold water supply system provides for the following functions:

• maintaining a predetermined pressure level when the pump is idle;
• protection autonomous system water supply from unforeseen water hammers, which can be provoked by a voltage drop in the electrical network or the formation of air locks in the pipeline;
• maintaining a certain volume of water under constant pressure;
• additional protection of the pump against wear.

The installation of expansion tanks for cold water supply allows for low consumption water resources, at all do not use pumping equipment, but to cover the demand due to the liquid accumulated in the reservoir.

Expansion tank with removable membrane

Basic distinctive feature such equipment is the ability to change the membrane as it wears out. To do this, it is simply removed through a special flange device, fixed with several bolts. At the same time, it is important to take into account that in tanks of large volumes, in order to stabilize the membrane, it is additionally attached with the back side to the nipple.

Another feature of such a product is that the liquid entering the tank, located inside the membrane, which prevents contact with the inner walls of the tank. Due to this, the metal of the device body remains protected from corrosion, which significantly increases its operational life. At the same time, models of both vertical and horizontal types are presented on store shelves.

Expansion tank with diaphragm

A feature of such a device is the division of the tank into two separate tanks using a rigidly fixed diaphragm. Therefore, in the event of its failure, you will have to change the entire product as a whole. In such a container, in the part with liquid, there is direct contact of water with the metal case of the device, which leads to the formation of corrosion.

To solve this problem, the internal walls of the device are opened with special dyes. However, such protection is short-lived and after a while rust still appears on the case. As well as expansion tanks with a removable membrane model with a diaphragm, they are vertical or horizontal.

How not to make a mistake with the choice of the device?

First of all, when choosing expansion membrane tanks for cold water supply, their volume must be taken into account. In addition, one should not forget about following factors affecting basic parameters of the device:

According to the advice of experts, the choice of an expansion tank for cold water supply should be based on the following standard indicators:

• if the family uses water in the house no more three people, and pumping equipment produces 2 cubic meters. meters of liquid within an hour, it is better to give preference to tanks with a volume of up to 24 liters;
• if from 5 to 7 people live in private or suburban housing construction, and the pump delivers up to 3.5 cubic meters. meters for an hour, an expansion tank of 50 liters is mounted;
• if the number of residents exceeds 10 people and a powerful 5 cubic meters pump is installed, then it is advisable to use an expansion tank with a volume of 100 liters.

In the process of choosing a suitable model of a diaphragm expansion tank for cold water supply, it is necessary to take into account what smaller sizes capacity, the more often the pumping equipment is switched on and off. Also using a small tank leads to sudden pressure drops. in the water supply system. Plus, such a device should accumulate a certain supply of water resources. Only on the basis of these parameters it is necessary to select the volume of the expansion tank.

You should also be aware that in most tank designs it is possible to install additional water tanks. At the same time, all improvements can be carried out without interrupting the operation of the main water supply system. After installing an additional tank, the total volume of the tank will be the sum of the used tanks.

In addition to technical parameters, when choosing an expansion tank for cold water supply, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer. In pursuit of savings, you can purchase a product that will keep breaking and the homeowner will spend the money to repair it.

Often to reduce costs finished products companies use cheap materials with low quality. Of particular importance is the quality of the rubber used to make the membrane. This affects not only the operational life of the membrane tank, but also the safety parameters of the water coming from it into the house.

If a device with replaceable membranes is purchased, it is necessary to find out the cost of spare elements. Very often unscrupulous manufacturers for the purpose of profit cost of replacement parts artificially high. In such a situation, you should think about purchasing a model from another company. Often, large manufacturers are ready to take responsibility for their products, since reputation comes first for them. Therefore, it is advisable to give preference to models of expansion tanks of well-known brands.

Independent installation of the expansion tank

All models of expansion tanks are separated into two main groups, which are determined by the connection method in cold plumbing. On the market there are models of vertical and horizontal design. At the same time, there are no special differences in the design of such devices. Of primary importance are the features of the placement of water pipes in the room where the equipment is installed. At the same time, during the installation of the membrane tank, one should adhere to certain recommendations of experts:

• The installation of the expansion membrane tank must be carried out in a place to which there is free access. This is necessary for regular maintenance of equipment.
• It is important to provide for the possibility of dismantling the connecting pipes in order to replace or repair the tank in the event of a breakdown.
• It is important to consider that the diameter of the pipes to be connected must correspond to the inlet pipes of the expansion tank.
• When installing the device, it must be grounded, which reduces the likelihood of electrolytic corrosion.

An expansion membrane tank is installed on the suction side of the pumping equipment. At the same time, there should not be any additional elements capable of making hydraulic resistance into the plumbing system.

Expansion tanks are an integral part of any autonomous cold water supply system. This device supports required level pressure in the water supply system, premature wear of pumping equipment is prevented and a certain supply of water resources is preserved. However, this can only be achieved with the right choice and installation of the device.

The value of the expansion tank for water supply in an autonomous system

To date, an autonomous cold water supply system for a private house or summer cottage has become quite widespread and is no longer a novelty for anyone. And all because these devices have proven their reliability and effectiveness in practice, however, it should be noted that to maintain them in working condition, special mechanisms are needed, about which the so-called "unenlightened layman", that is, a person who throughout his life used exclusively centralized water supply at home without even realizing it.

Take at least into account the fact that the operation of an autonomous water supply system for a private house or cottage will be able to function for a long period of time only when it is ensured that an expansion tank (special tank) for water supply is included in it (we are talking about them and go) - its required volume (100, 200 liters or less) will be selected individually. Now you can easily buy any suitable model, however, in order to purchase a suitable model, you must still have general ideas about the types of equipment and clearly understand the principle of operation of this device.

In addition, choose suitable option capacity is only a smaller part of the matter - the greatest difficulty is connecting the expansion boiler to an autonomous system.

How does the expansion tank work and how is it arranged (regardless of the volume of the special tank - 100, 200 liters or less)?

The main function of this device is to maintain pressure in the system that supplies water to a private house or cottage. In most cases, closed membrane-type devices are used for water supply. Rexpansion tank for water supply of this type -This is a container with a rubber membrane built into it, which, in turn, divides the expansion (storage) tank, regardless of what the volume is - 100 liters or less, into two cavities - one of them will be filled with water, and the second with air . After the system is started, the electric pump will fill the first chamber. Naturally, the volume of the chamber in which the air will be located will become smaller. According to the laws of physics, when the volume of air in the tank decreases (again, regardless of whether the volume of the tank is 100 liters or less), the pressure will increase.

When the pressure reaches a certain level with a subsequent increase, the pump turns off automatically. It can only be activated again if the pressure drops below the set value. As a result, water will begin to flow from the water chamber of the tank (separate container). A similar mechanism of action (its constant repetition) is automated. The pressure indicator is controlled by a special pressure gauge, which is installed on the device. It is possible to change the initial settings.

The main functions of an expansion tank built into an autonomous water supply system (as a special container) are as follows.

A membrane expansion tank (special container) installed in a system or a dacha performs several functions at once:

1. Ensuring stable pressure in the event that in certain moment the pump is not working.
2. The container protects the water supply system of an honest house or cottage from a likely hydraulic onslaught, which may occur due to a sharp change in voltage in the network or if air enters the pipeline.
3. Saving under pressure a small (but strictly defined) amount of water (that is, this device, in fact -) .
4. Maximum reduction of wear of the water supply system of a private house.
5. The use of an expansion tank allows you not to use the pump, but to use the liquid from the reserve.
6. One of the most important purposes of this kind of devices (in this case we are talking exclusively about membrane expansion tanks) is to ensure the supply of maximum pure water residents of a private house.

Varieties of expansion (membrane) tanks

There are two main types of these containers.

• Expansion tank with replaceable membrane. As the name implies, the main characteristic feature is to replace the membrane, which provides certain advantages. Its recess is carried out by means of a special flange, fixed with several bolts. There is some nuance - in devices designed for a large volume, in order to stabilize the membrane, it is fixed to the nipple. In addition, the liquid that fills the tank is present inside the membrane and does not interact with inside devices - in turn, this property makes it impossible for metal corrosion and deterioration of water quality. Naturally, thanks to this feature, tanks with a replaceable membrane function much longer. It should be noted that such devices are made in both horizontal and vertical versions.
• storage tankequipped with a fixed diaphragm. Naturally, such models are inferior to the above devices in a number of parameters. Firstly, due to the fact that water comes into direct contact with the inner wall of the tank, metal corrosion and water pollution occur. The membrane, if it fails, cannot be replaced -storage tank you will have to buy a new one (the difference in price is very noticeable). Some models are covered from the inside with special moisture-resistant paints, but they do not provide any protection at all. There are also horizontal and vertical type device.

How to make a competent choice of an expansion tank?

No matter what, dominant technical specifications when choosing an expansion tank, this is its volume. And already the need for a certain amount of volume is dictated by a wide variety of conditions:

Approximate figures given by leading experts as an example:

The most common average family, which includes no more than three people, needs water supply, the pump capacity does not exceed 2 cubic meters. m / h, then the most reasonable choice would be to purchase an expansion tank with a capacity of 20 to 24 liters. With an increase in the number of consumers to eight people, it is worth purchasing a device with a volume of less than 50 liters. There are more than ten consumers - at least 100 liters are needed. This is the most optimal values- and not a lot, and not a little. In the event that you are in doubt - it is better to take with a margin, a little more - this certainly will not damage your autonomous water supply system in any way.

Important! When choosing an expansion tank, it is necessary to take into account the need for a reservoir for storing a certain amount water.

Manufacturer brand selection

Remember the most important thing: the water supply system is not something you can save on. In the event that you purchase a low-quality expansion tank (even if at a bargain price), then you should understand that you risk being left without water supply at all for an indefinite time and with the need for very significant financial costs that differ from the difference in the cost of these tanks for a couple " zeros." As you have most likely understood correctly, the costs will be associated with, which failed due to poor quality expansion tank.

Particular attention should be paid to the quality of rubber - the main component of the membrane (this component affects not only the durability of the device, but also the quality of the supplied water).
As a reliable manufacturer, we can safely recommend the following brands: Elbi, Reflex, Zilmet, Aquasystem.

A few words about how to install an expansion

According to the connection method, it is customary to separate horizontal and vertical tanks. The choice in this case (regarding only this parameter) is based on which device will be easier to place in the room allotted for it.

The heating system of a private house (as well as water supply) must be functional and reliable. If during installation any violations were made or something was not done, then it will not last long, even if it works for some time. One of the main elements in any autonomous system related to the use of water is an expansion tank for water supply, the selection, installation, installation of which will be discussed in this material.

What's this?

Even the name itself speaks for itself - an expansion tank is needed to expand the entire heating circuit of the house or water supply pipes through which hot or cold water flows. The fact is that during heating, the liquid increases in volume, and the pipes through which it flows do not change their physical parameters - their elasticity tends to absolute zero. This means that the pressure inside the pipes and the entire installation will increase, which can lead to damage - so-called water hammers occur, and as a result of them - destruction individual elements installations or circuits from pipes. This applies mainly to the heating system, but it also fully relates to hot water supply.

To avoid water hammer, the engineers came up with the idea to include in the system a small reservoir filled with air, that is, the substance that, unlike water, is compressed. And if the pressure in the pipes increases during the heating of the water, then thanks to this tank it will increase very slightly. "P , you can read in our article".

On a note! An expansion tank is often installed in other systems, but the purpose of its use is the same - to reduce pressure in pipelines and the risk of air locks.

Another such tank is sometimes used to create a reserve supply of cold water and provides liquid supply to any place in the system in a matter of minutes. At the same time, the average volume of the container is about 30 liters.

For a system that provides a house with water, tanks equipped with membranes are most often used. This is a relatively small container, inside which there is a diaphragm made of an elastic material and dividing the device into two parts - with air and airless, or rather, water. When the water supply system is operating, the water chamber is filled with liquid and, acting on the membrane, compresses it, reducing the volume of the air part, increasing the pressure in it. As soon as the pressure reaches a certain level, the pump that pumps water will stop. And its inclusion occurs when the pressure drops to minimum values.

On a note! The pressure inside the system allows you to monitor the pressure gauge installed in it.

Such a tank allows you to ensure the uninterrupted operation of the water supply system and a steady flow of water in any house, even in a multi-storey one.

Types of tanks

Expansion tanks are of two types - closed and open. They differ from each other in design features.

Table. Types of expansion tanks.

Membrane tanks, in turn, are divided into two types - with a replaceable diaphragm and with a stationary one. The replaceable membrane speaks for itself - if necessary, it can be easily changed by removing it through a flange fixed with a few bolts. An expansion tank of this type serves as long as possible, and the shape of the body can be both vertical and horizontal, which makes it possible to select a container for a specific room.

Attention! In large expansion tanks, the membrane is additionally fixed with a nipple.

In containers with a stationary membrane, this part cannot be replaced - it is tightly attached to the walls of the housing. In case of failure of the unit, it is completely changed. By the way, water in such an installation, unlike the previous type, is in contact with the metal of the tank, as a result of which it inner surface corrosion occurs. Installation can also be both vertically and horizontally oriented.

Expansion tanks are not only mounted, but also floor. They may also have flat shape, differ in color: blue are for cold water, red for hot.

Popular Models

Now on the market there is a huge range of different expansion tanks from various manufacturers. Models differ from each other in quality, size, shape and even color, although they are similar in principle to each other. Choosing a tank for a specific water supply system will not be difficult. You should pay attention to the models of tanks from the following companies - Russian "Dzhileks" and Italian Elbi, Aquasystem, as well as Refix (Reflex), Zilmet. , you can read in our article.

The advantages of Gileks tanks are the complete absence of the risk of air jams in the system and the absence of water-air contact, due to which liquid evaporation is excluded, and rust does not damage the pipes. The brand produces tanks of various sizes - from 6 to 700 liters. The disadvantage of containers is that only installations with a volume of more than 24 liters have removable membranes. By the way, the diaphragm is made of high-quality EPDM - ethylene-propylene-diene-rubber. Tanks "Dzhileks" are economical, durable, inexpensive, but at the same time reliable and can have different shape.

Elbi tanks have it all Required documents, including a certificate of conformity and a sanitary and epidemiological conclusion, allowing you to safely use them in residential buildings. There are vertical, horizontal, and also for sanitary water. Vertical tanks belong to the AS / AC series and have interchangeable diaphragms, they can be of different volumes - from 5 to 25 liters - and are used in domestic water supply systems, as well as in irrigation systems and other installations that do not need powerful water pressure. The membranes inside the containers are made of EPDM, working temperature ranges from -10 to +99 degrees. The tank is protected from corrosion by resistant paint.

Bucky Elbi horizontal way the units belong to the AFH series and have replaceable membranes. They have more capacity than the previous series - from 25 to 100 liters of water. Such installations can already be used in small industries. Tanks are made of durable steel and have a special platform for mounting the pump.

Refix tanks are suitable for use in both technical and drinking water systems and are excellent hydraulic accumulators. All parts that come into contact with water are protected from rust, and the liquid is perfectly stored inside the rubber bulbs. Models DD, DE are designed for water saving applications in potable water systems, ideal for use in environments with increased level rust formation. The tanks of the DE series have a bulb, which is only replaceable in models with a volume of more than 50 liters. The models of the HW series, designed for individual water supply systems, also have feet for installation on the floor and a place to mount the pump.

The international company Zilmet has been holding a high position in the equipment market for more than 50 years, and in Europe it is considered largest producer expansion tanks. Their Hydro-PRO units are used to handle any type of water in various types of installations. The equipment is made of durable and high-quality carbon steel, and special internal MIG welding is used in the production, thanks to which it is possible to avoid damage to butyl rubber membranes. Inside the tanks are covered with high-strength powder resin, which prevents rust from prolonged contact with moisture. Operating temperature range - from -10 to +99 degrees.

Aquasystem tanks have replaceable membranes and come in various volumes - from 8 to 50 liters. The maximum coolant pressure is 0.5 MPa, and air - 0.15 MPa. The operating temperature range of the equipment varies from -10 degrees to +110. Tanks are made of black steel, painted with powder paint.

Attention! Don't be fooled by cheapness! As you know, a miser pays twice. The fact is that the use of low-quality equipment can lead to serious damage not only to the expansion tank, but also to the system itself, and repair will cost much more than buying high-quality equipment right away.

With regard to the quality of the equipment, Special attention pay attention to the rubber from which the diaphragm is made. Good rubber is not only a guarantee of a long service life of the equipment, but also the safety of those who will use water from a water supply system equipped with a tank.

The choice of accumulator

When choosing an expansion tank, you should pay attention to its characteristics, the materials from which it is made. Be sure to evaluate the material from which the pear or diaphragm is made, its strength and quality, compliance with all hygienic and sanitary standards, allowable temperatures use. From right choice In accordance with the operating conditions, the durability of the work will also depend.

Important point when choosing equipment correct selection required capacity. This will prevent the number of pump starts in the system, which will extend its life. You can calculate the correct volume for the cold water supply system using the formula:

Vt = 16.5*(Qmax/a)*((Pmax*Pmin)/((Pmax – Pmin)*Pprec)),

• Qmax is the maximum water consumption (l / min.);
• a - the optimal frequency of switching on the equipment for 1 hour (varies from 10 to 15 and is indicated in the pump passport);
• Pmax and Pmin are values ​​​​(measured in bar) that show the pump on and off pressures (pressure switch settings);
• Pprec (bar) - an indicator of the initial pressure in the cavity with air inside the expansion tank (should not be more than Pmin; on the contrary, it is set 0.5 less than Pmin).

Note! When calculating according to this formula, 1 is added to all values. And the value of the tank volume Vt obtained by the formula is always rounded up.

For hot water supply systems, the volume is calculated differently:

V = 0.0221*C / (1-((Pi+1)/(Pf+1)),

• C is the total amount of water in the water heating system;
• 0.0221 - indicator thermal expansion, in the range of 10-60 degrees equal to this figure;
• Pi is the pre-injection pressure indicator of the expansion tank;
• Pf - pressure indicator during bleed safety valve.

The volume of water used, in turn, is affected by the number of people living in the house, the number of water use points (faucets, washing machines, etc.), the possibility of including several such points at once.

Attention! If you use a tank of the wrong size (with underestimated values), then soon, due to a heavy load, it will begin to leak. Fortunately, with an increase in the number of people living in the house, and hence the load on the equipment, you can install an additional tank without removing the already installed one.

and the volume of the expansion tank for the heating system

Autonomous water supply system for modern home- this is not new. Quality Devices for water supply tested by users and time.

But it is better for buyers to familiarize themselves with the functionality of all devices of an autonomous water supply system before purchase and installation.

Kinds

In order to properly pump water long time, a diaphragm expansion vessel is required.

For the convenience of the system and saving space, three types of these devices are on sale:

• floor;
• hinged;
• flat.

Specialist's note: when choosing between types of expansion tanks, remember that only the floor tank has a replaceable membrane.

Operating principle

Fluid pressure builds up in the system. Then the storage tank is filled with a certain volume.

In it, the water compartment gradually increases, and the opposite compartment containing air decreases.

This process continues until equilibrium is reached, in other words, desired pressure in system. When the pressure drops below the level of air pressure, timely contraction of the inner membrane occurs.

Due to it, the water supply is normalized. The tank device functions as long as necessary to stabilize the pressure of water and air.

The right choice of instrument

When choosing a model with the necessary functions and volume, consider the fact that the frequency of the pump depends on the total volume of the tank.

The leading characteristic for any tank is not the functionality, but its volume.

At the same time, for each water supply system there are criteria that cannot be neglected, namely:

1. Number of permanent water users. (Daily use).
2. Number of points for water intake. (Appliances, faucets and other plumbing fixtures).
3. Approximate frequency of use of water intake points at the same time.
4. On-off cycle. You need to know exactly the one-hour limit of this cycle for your pump.

Approximate calculation:

When calculating for three permanent consumers, a tank with a total volume of 20-24 liters is installed. However, pumping equipment should produce approximately 2 cubic meters per hour.

When counting on four regular users with a margin, it is better to install equipment from 50 liters. The pump capacity in this case is approximately 3.5-3.7 cubic meters per hour.

If there are more than 10 consumers, then a tank of at least 100 liters is required, and pumping equipment with a rate of more than 5 cubic meters per hour.

To avoid breakage and expensive repairs, you need to carefully read the manufacturer.

In this choice, chasing a cheaper and dubious brand is not necessary. Incorrect savings can lead to breakdowns in the future.

Models with a low retail price inside are made, as a rule, without defects. But consumables are always made from the cheapest materials.

It is better to ask about the material from which the membrane is made. Its environmental friendliness and stability will improve comfort as well as the life of the system.

You may also be interested in the article about.

Read the article on malfunctions and repair of the hydraulic accumulator with your own hands.

How is it different from a hydraulic accumulator

Installation diagram of a membrane expansion tank Accumulator, membrane tanks and are devices that are most in demand in modern device plumbing and heating.

But it is better to know their significant differences, because the expansion tank creates the effect of pressure smoothing when the liquid is heated.

talking plain language, if not the right space for water that gradually changes its volume, then any non-plastic container will burst. For this, a device with a membrane was created, which normalizes the difference in a working system.

Both devices are appearance very similar. But their device, purpose and performance characteristics different.

The hydraulic accumulator is used to supply water for drinking.

Its main property is the supply of the desired water pressure.

The most important part in the tank and accumulator is the membrane.

The material from which it is made is different in devices for supplying water, including between the tank and the accumulator.

The arrangement of the chambers for air and liquid is also different. The accumulator inside is equipped with a "pear" tank. Air exerts pressure on it, it is between the walls of the tank and the water tank.

For each of the above devices, the most important parameter is the durability and reliability of the membrane. Its quality guarantees the stability of the entire system.

Watch the video in which the specialist explains how to choose a membrane expansion tank for home water supply:

The water supply system, as well as heating is very important, especially in the cold season. An expansion tank for cold water is an important element of it. From him technical condition and characteristics directly depend on the reliability and service life. The material will discuss how to implement optimal choice unit and instructions for its installation will be offered.

Types of expansion tanks for water

The water expansion tank is one of the main components of the water supply system. Traditionally, there are two main types of expansion tanks for water: open and closed (membrane) type. Let's consider them in more detail.

Expansion tank open type . It is represented by a container connected in a special way to the water supply system. Water tanks of this type are usually placed at the top of the building (most often in the attic), because they are bulky, not aesthetically pleasing and not airtight. To minimize heat loss through the walls of an open water tank, they are often thermally insulated.

Diaphragm water expansion tank

Diaphragm water expansion tank. The most commonly used option in residential areas. Represented by a sealed container in the form of a capsule made of metal. Its inner cavity is divided into two parts by a heat-resistant rubber membrane. As a result, two cavities are formed: liquid and air. In the air compartment there is a valve designed to release excess air with a significant increase in pressure.

The main functions of the water tank of the closed type

The main function of the water expansion tank is to maintain a stable and optimal pressure for the water supply system. The most commonly used for this purpose is membrane construction, so we will talk about the main functions that the membrane tank performs:

• maintains a constant pressure in the system, even if the pump is not running;
• prevents the occurrence of water hammer caused by a sudden voltage drop or the presence of air in the pipes;
• maintaining a certain volume of water under pressure, which ensures its supply to any point of water intake. So, a tank with a volume of about 30 liters can provide one point with water for several minutes.
• protection of pumping equipment from rapid wear.

When choosing an expansion tank, special attention should be paid to two characteristics: the volume of the tank and the membrane, namely its quality and performance. But more on that later.

In turn, how to understand what volume of the expansion tank will be most suitable? And here it is already necessary to proceed from the following points:

• The maximum possible number of start-up cycles carried out by pumping equipment.

Advice. When choosing a tank of a certain volume, remember: the smaller it is, the more often the pump will turn on. Accordingly, the likelihood that it will fail much earlier than the due date increases.

• Water intake points, namely their number. And in this case, not only all sinks and a bathtub / shower cabin are meant, but also all household priors powered by the mains ( Dishwasher, washing machine, etc.).
• The number of people living in the apartment / house.
• Possibility of taking water from several points at the same time.

The volume of the tank depends on the number of residents in the house

A few words about the membrane. After you have made sure that it is made of sufficiently durable and quality material pay attention to the following indicators:

• the service life specified by the manufacturer;
• compliance with sanitary standards;
• operating temperature range;
• lack of diffusion.

If you have never particularly encountered equipment like an expansion tank, then when choosing a unit, be guided by a few numbers.

1. First indicator. A family of one to three people and a pump with a capacity of not more than 2 tons of water per hour - the best option there will be a tank with a volume of 20-25 liters.
2. Second indicator. A family of 3 to 8 people and a pump capacity of no more than 3.5 tons of water per hour - 25 liters is no longer enough here, the tank volume should be at least twice as large.
3. Third indicator. Very high flow water - a volume of about 100 liters would be appropriate.

Consider also the fact that a small tank provokes frequent pressure surges in the system.

Often the design of the expansion tank provides for the installation of an additional water tank, and without any complications. In the future, the volume of the unit is the volume of all containers in the system.

Self installation

Before moving on to the issue of installation, let's clarify one point: the type of tank. They are horizontal and vertical. And this is important to consider when installing the structure. Otherwise, any membrane tank is mounted according to a similar principle.

Water tank installation

If you want to do it yourself, then you should have at least a little experience with water pipes. In general, the installation process is quite simple, the main thing is to follow a few rules:

1. The tank must be installed taking into account the need for access to it for preventive / repair measures.
2. The tank must be connected to the pipeline using special quick-release connectors, so that in a certain situation it is possible to disconnect the unit from the network.
3. The diameter of the pipeline must be no smaller than the cross section of the inlet pipe.
4. The body of the expansion tank must be grounded to avoid the process of electrocorrosion.
5. There must be no equipment between the tank and the pump that can increase the hydraulic resistance.

Our article is coming to an end. Its purpose was to provide basic information about expansion tanks, including selection criteria and rules for quality installation. If you are confident enough in your abilities - go for it, but if not, then we advise you to still entrust the installation work to a professional.

Expansion tank: video

Expansion tank for cold water: photo