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What should be checked if the expansion tank is no longer functioning?

  1. The gauge glass fittings

  2. The pressure relief valve

  3. Whether it needs draining

  4. The water level in the boiler

The correct answer is: Whether it needs draining

When assessing the functionality of an expansion tank, it is essential to consider whether it may need draining. An expansion tank is designed to accommodate the thermal expansion of water in a closed heating system. If the tank loses its ability to function properly, it might be filled with water and no longer allow for the necessary expansion of water. This condition can lead to excessive pressure in the system, which may result in potential damage or failure of other components. Draining the expansion tank can help restore its functionality by removing any excess water, allowing the tank to properly adjust to changes in pressure and volume within the system. This ensures that the heating system operates safely and efficiently. The other options, while important, do not directly address the immediate need when an expansion tank is not functioning. Checking the gauge glass fittings or the pressure relief valve can be useful but may not resolve the expansion tank issue itself. Monitoring the water level in the boiler is also significant, but it relates more broadly to the overall boiler operation rather than the specific problem with the expansion tank. Hence, focusing on whether the expansion tank needs draining is the most relevant course of action.