[dengle]

I replaced my water heater a couple of weeks ago and noticed the cold water side was leaking a bit still. So I loosened the union and tightened the offending connection. Unfortunately, this moved the water expansion tank very close to the exhaust vent and am curious if it's considered too close? If it was simple,I'd just readjust it,but I'll have to re solder the T connection which will be annoying to say the least but doable. Here are some pics.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

I doubt there is a concern. After the heater has operated for a few minutes touch the pipe to test for temperature. Lick your finger like Grandma did testing the sad iron and if it sizzles then that might be too close. For a more accurate indication place a thermometer between the two or shoot it with an infrared temp. gun.

 

[jaydevries]

i would be more concerned if the expansion tank is supported by more than fitting

 

[Bondo]

I replaced my water heater a couple of weeks ago and noticed the cold water side was leaking a bit still. So I loosened the union and tightened the offending connection. Unfortunately, this moved the water expansion tank very close to the exhaust vent and am curious if it's considered too close? If it was simple,I'd just readjust it,but I'll have to re solder the T connection which will be annoying to say the least but doable. Here are some pics.

Ayuh,.... I guess ya didn't use 2 wrenches, 1 to turn the nut, 'n 1 to hold the tank's position,..??

 

[dengle]

Two wrenches wouldn't work with how it was originally sweated. Everything is soldered as one piece from the water heater to the union.

 

[oh'mike]

You are missing the Dielectric union where the copper pipe enters the tank---

Add them now---not having them shortens the life of the tank----

 

[jaydevries]

now most water heaters all ready have a dielectric nipple due to unions not working as well as first thought
http://www.familyhandyman.com/diy-p...s-on-home-repair/home-care-myths-busted#step8

 

[jagans]

Very poor looking solder joints. You may want to re-do this project when you are not in such a hurry.

 

[747]

why didn't you just sweat the expansion tank fitting a little bit going away from exhaust. if you look in the last pic you have plenty of room going left a little. .

 

[AllanJ]

No problem with the expansion tank where it is.

I would add a strap or tether to the expansion tank so it is supported by more than its T connection to the pipe. There are some conditions that are nto common but if they occur they cannot be seen (are not visible) that could result in the tank filling with water and then it is heavy enough to put strain on the T that could crack the solder and cause a leak.

 

[dengle]

why didn't you just sweat the expansion tank fitting a little bit going away from exhaust. if you look in the last pic you have plenty of room going left a little. .

I literally took the section of pipe that included the threaded end that screws into the heater, the T that the expansion tank is connected into and the union to the main supply and reused it on the new heater. When it was first installed, it was in the position you mentioned. However I discovered it was slowly leaking so needed another 1/4 turn which brought it to the position it's in now. I'll either need to add another union right above the heater or re sweat the T to move the tank's position.

 

[dudleydoright]

beware

Dissimilar metals equals electrolisis. Look it up. Correct it, and grant ye heater o2 plus h a lengthier life. Be careful screwing in that inlet as there is a plastic dip tube in that fitting. Unless it is a reverse flow model. yall