From: Chris Hill 
Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house
Subject: Re: Hot Water Heater Size / Expansion Tank  Yes or No??
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2003 14:21:05 GMT

On Sun, 19 Oct 2003 15:39:05 GMT, "Michael Roback"
 wrote:

>I am putting in a hot water heater in a week or two on a remodel I am doing.
>I have two bathrooms, one with a shower and bath, one with just a shower,
>and a kitchen with a dishwasher.   Would a standard 50 Gal be sufficient or
>should I get a high recovery?  It is myself, wife and two little boys.
>
>Also, I have about 60 PSI of water coming into the house but about 120 PSI
>give or take, at the street.  I have it regulated down.  Do I need an
>expansion tank?  Manufacturer was explaining to me that though it is
>regulated down before it comes into the house, the pressure at the street is
>still problematic and I need a expansion tank.  Several people have
>mentioned to me that they don't think I need it.  I am confused.

Get it.  If you have a pressure reducer, you likely also have a
backflow preventer, this will prevent expansion back into the pipes at
the street and the water needs somewhere to go.  The tanks aren't that
expensive.