Thread: What is the function of this loop on the water inlet line just beyond the water meter

What is the function of this loop on the water inlet line just beyond the water meter?

Thanks.

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Looks like at one time they were connected to something, maybe a water filter.

Expansion loop?

Originally Posted by James Duffin

Expansion loop?

Could you explain what an expansion loop is?

When a pipe expands lengthwise the pipe has a place to move without buckling. Very common is long lengths of pipe.

Water softener connection.

Originally Posted by Michael Thomas

What is the function of this loop on the water inlet line just beyond the water meter?

Thanks.

I would say expansion loop and/or a water filter. Doesn't look like there is enough room to the right, behind the water heater for a softener.

It may be even simpler. If you don't have a union, you may decide this is an easier way to glue the plastic together to make the ends meet.

My money is on Mike as providing the most likely explanation, but change "glue the plastic" to read "solder the copper" (the white colour is paint). An expansion loop seems unlikely to be needed since the runs are not long, the coefficient of expansion of copper is low, and even if it were plastic the pipe is carrying only cold water with relatively little temperature variations. A previous water filter is also unlikely since a filter at the end of that loop would only serve two of the four visible branches of pipe, plus filter inlets and outlets are ususally arranged so the inlet and outlet pipes are on opposite sides not the same side.

Originally Posted by Mike Wakefield

It may be even simpler. If you don't have a union, you may decide this is an easier way to glue the plastic together to make the ends meet.

It actually looks like the piping from the water meter is offset enough that the fittings wouldn't line up to the water line in order to connect straight on. By using a "swing joint", the connection was able to be made without undue stress on the piping. (Notice how the return bend is not quite perpendicular.)

"It actually looks like the piping from the water meter is offset enough that the fittings wouldn't line up to the water line in order to connect straight on. By using a "swing joint", the connection was able to be made without undue stress on the piping. (Notice how the return bend is not quite perpendicular.)"


Ding Ding Ding Ding
I think we have a winner

My first reaction was, they didn't have a straight union and used elbows. Simply because I've never seen an expansion joint like this ever.