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Thermal Expansion occurs when cold water is heated in the hot water heater.
As the water heats, it expands and increases the pressure of a closed system.
The St. George City Water Department installs backflow prevention devices
(Dual Check) in each water meter connection they find lacking one. You may
have one installed on your water system. This device prevents water from
flowing backwards into the public water line once it has entered a private
system. These devices protect the water quality by preventing backflow.
A dual check at the water meter creates a closed system on the customer
side.
The International Plumbing Code 607.3.2 states, a water system with a backflow
device, that creates a closed system, must be equipped with a device for
controlling pressure.
The best protection is the installation of an expansion chamber. This chamber
has a bladder in it that expands as the pressure increases and prevents
the water pressure from developing in the first place.
We encourage all St. George water customers to be in compliance with IPC
regarding thermal expansion. |
