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  #1  
Old 11/5/07, 10:33 AM
Patrick Coulter Patrick Coulter is offline
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Default Expansion tank on side!

What do you guys think of this? I have only seen expansion tanks (with diaphram) installed vertically, not horizontally. In fact, I just installed a similiar tank myself and the directions indicated it should only be installed vertically. Also, the low water cut-off is on the return. When I installed mine, the directions indicated to put it on the supply line.



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  #2  
Old 11/5/07, 10:34 AM
Patrick Coulter Patrick Coulter is offline
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Default Re: Expansion tank on side!

I tried to attach a photo but it wouldn't attach. The system was a Utica boiler. Model number MGB100HD. Manufactured in 3/04.



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  #3  
Old 11/5/07, 1:43 PM
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Michael Larson Michael Larson is offline
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Default Re: Expansion tank on side!

Patrick,

Learn how to post pics with this Tutorial
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  #4  
Old 11/5/07, 9:38 PM
Patrick Coulter Patrick Coulter is offline
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Default Re: Expansion tank on side!

I checked out the tutorial and I was trying to do it correctly but I keep getting a message indicating "The Page Cannot Be Displayed."



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  #5  
Old 11/5/07, 11:12 PM
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Michael Larson Michael Larson is offline
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Default Re: Expansion tank on side!

Quote:
Originally Posted by pcoulter
I checked out the tutorial and I was trying to do it correctly but I keep getting a message indicating "The Page Cannot Be Displayed."
Did this happen while you where doing the tutorial?

I just did it and it worked fine.

What type of connection do you have?
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  #6  
Old 11/8/07, 8:26 AM
Patrick Coulter Patrick Coulter is offline
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Default Re: Expansion tank on side!

Hi Mike, Sorry took a while to get back to this. Haven't been on lately. Yes, it did happen during the tutorial and after it. I use Verizon Fios as my provide for High Speed Connection but when I just tried to upload the picture again I got a different message saying the file is too large. (Its just a simple picture from a 7megapixel camera.)



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  #7  
Old 11/8/07, 8:49 AM
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Michael Larson Michael Larson is offline
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Default Re: Expansion tank on side!

Quote:
Originally Posted by pcoulter
Hi Mike, Sorry took a while to get back to this. Haven't been on lately. Yes, it did happen during the tutorial and after it. I use Verizon Fios as my provide for High Speed Connection but when I just tried to upload the picture again I got a different message saying the file is too large. (Its just a simple picture from a 7megapixel camera.)
Your are geting close Pat.

jpgs can't be larger than 640 x 480

The other format sizes are also listed when you upload

After you have resized you pics I'm sure it will work just fine.
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Old 11/8/07, 3:13 PM
Patrick Coulter Patrick Coulter is offline
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Default Re: Expansion tank on side!

Quote:
Originally Posted by mlarson
Your are geting close Pat.

jpgs can't be larger than 640 x 480

The other format sizes are also listed when you upload

After you have resized you pics I'm sure it will work just fine.
expansion-tank-side-img_0798_2.jpg

TA-DAAAAAAAAA!!



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  #9  
Old 11/8/07, 3:29 PM
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Michael Larson Michael Larson is offline
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Default Re: Expansion tank on side!

Looks like an Amtrol Extrol.

The EXTROL is installed on the supply-side of the boiler system. Its
sealed-in air pre-charge prevents water from entering the tank until the
system pressure begins to rise.

Installation Guide(PDF)

It should also be vertical as shown in the installation instructions.
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  #10  
Old 11/8/07, 8:50 PM
Patrick Coulter Patrick Coulter is offline
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Default Re: Expansion tank on side!

Thanks Mike. That's what I thought. I wrote it up as "an atypical installation that should be further evaluted by a licensed plumber", rather than saying for certain that it was incorrect.



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  #11  
Old 11/15/07, 6:09 PM
Ian Gills Ian Gills is offline
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Default Re: Expansion tank on side!

In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with that installation. Expansion tanks can be installed horizontally. The recommendation that they are installed vertically is to reduce stress on the (normally copper) pipe, which should be adequately supported even if the tank is suspended vertically.

They look like galvanised fittings which will support the weight, so what is the problem?

Last edited by Ian Gills; 11/15/07 at 6:13 PM..
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Old 11/16/07, 5:32 PM
ddicara ddicara is offline
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Default Re: Expansion tank on side!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ian Gills
In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with that installation. Expansion tanks can be installed horizontally. The recommendation that they are installed vertically is to reduce stress on the (normally copper) pipe, which should be adequately supported even if the tank is suspended vertically.

They look like galvanised fittings which will support the weight, so what is the problem?

I agree....there is nothing wrong with that install. The stress put on the connector is minimal and the Bladder will work just fine.
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  #13  
Old 11/16/07, 5:51 PM
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Michael Larson Michael Larson is offline
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Default Re: Expansion tank on side!

So, the manfacturer's instructions to mount vertically are unimportant?
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  #14  
Old 11/16/07, 6:44 PM
mthomas2 mthomas2 is offline
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Default Re: Expansion tank on side!

Looks pretty strightforward to me:
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expansion-tank-side-exptank.gif  
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  #15  
Old 11/16/07, 6:56 PM
ldapkus ldapkus is offline
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Default Re: Expansion tank on side!

Quote:
Originally Posted by mlarson
So, the manfacturer's instructions to mount vertically are unimportant?
Who reads those things??? Get rid of those things before the wife finds it and tells you how to do it.
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