What should be installed to minimize thermal expansion in hot water systems?

To minimize thermal expansion in hot water systems, the installation of an expansion tank is essential. As water is heated, it expands, and this increase in volume can create pressure fluctuations within the system. An expansion tank provides a space for the expanding water to go, thereby alleviating pressure build-up and reducing the risk of damage to the system.

The expansion tank contains a bladder or diaphragm that separates water from a cushion of air. As water expands, it pushes against the air cushion, which absorbs the excess pressure. This efficient management of thermal expansion helps in maintaining a stable system pressure, enhancing overall safety and function of the plumbing system.

Other components, such as a pressure relief valve, primarily serve to release pressure if it exceeds a certain limit, but they do not actively manage thermal expansion. A throttle valve regulates flow rather than addressing expansion, and a pressure gauge measures the pressure within the system without preventing expansion or mitigating its effects. Thus, an expansion tank is specifically designed for this purpose, making it the appropriate choice for minimizing thermal expansion.