Quote:
Originally Posted by n8xwb
Comparing my using a cable tie to replacing a fuse with a piece of wire is not a fair comparison.
The water valve is not a safety device. It is simply placed where it is as a matter of convenience. If you didn't have such a valve and you needed to replace a sink (or toilet) you would have to turn the water off to the entire house.
My villa does not even have an expansion tank. So clearly some of my valves may be getting a little weaker with age and occasionally pop off. Sure, I could replace them, or perhaps unstall an expansion tank which is not required, but why bother spending the money? My solution has worked flawlessly for years AND I haven't even had to use any of the valves in question! So, I haven't had to cut and replace any cable ties!!
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It is true that you don't need to install an expansion tank, but it is a code requirement for new construction, and it is a good idea. But, as a minimum, you should buy a pressure gauge and measure the water pressure in your house. You should also place a plastic cup under the discharge pipe for the relief valve on the water heater to see if it is tripping. It trips when the pressure exceeds 150 psi, but the valve will only open for a short time and then close, releasing only a small amount of water. Your water pressure may be too high, which could damage your plumbing fixtures and could cause a catastrophic failure of your water heater.