ZhouDaShu Expansion Tank Mounting Bracket for Hot Water Heater,Thermal Expansion Tank Holder with 2 Earthquake Straps,Support 5-Gallon Hot Water Tanks up to 13 inches in Diameter-1 Set

A sagging expansion tank hanging from a tee is a repair waiting to happen. I installed the ZhouDaShu expansion tank bracket to take the load off the piping and give the tank a proper home on the wall. It’s a simple bit of hardware—just a heavy-gauge bracket and two stainless straps—but it solves a problem cleanly, and it’s been solid in day-to-day use.

What it is and what you get

This is a wall-mount bracket with two stainless “earthquake” straps and quick-release buckles designed to cradle a cylindrical tank up to 5 gallons and 13 inches in diameter. The hardware is basic and robust: a rigid steel bracket (coated for corrosion resistance), and straps that are long enough to wrap larger tanks, then trimmed for smaller ones. My set included mounting screws; for masonry or questionable drywall, you’ll want appropriate anchors or to hit solid framing.

It’s marketed for water-heater expansion tanks, but the form factor works for other small pressure vessels (RO tanks, small nitrogen or propane cylinders) as long as you’re within the 5-gallon/13-inch spec.

Build quality

The bracket is cut from thick metal and doesn’t flex under load. Welds and bends are tidy. The stainless straps are the highlight: they’re resilient, don’t stretch, and won’t rust. The quick-release buckles aren’t fancy, but they lock reliably and make tank removal much faster than worm-drive hose clamps. Edges on the straps are typical for stainless banding—clean but sharp—so gloves are a good idea while handling and trimming.

The finish on the bracket shrugged off the usual attic moisture and a couple of minor scuffs during installation. After several weeks in a utility room, there’s no sign of corrosion.

Installation experience

Mounting was straightforward. I found a stud adjacent to the water heater and set the bracket so the tank’s centerline aligned with the tee on the cold inlet. The bracket has multiple holes that give you a little flexibility for height and lateral adjustment; if your stud doesn’t line up, plan to add a short ledger or a piece of 2x blocking to bridge the gap. The bracket’s footprint is compact enough to work in tight mechanical closets, provided you can swing a screwdriver.

The process took about 20 minutes:
- Fastened the bracket to the stud.
- Threaded the straps through the slots.
- Dry-fit the tank, adjusted strap length, then trimmed the excess.
- Snugged the straps and reconnected the tank to the plumbing.

If you’re mounting the tank vertically, a second set of hands helps: one person supports the tank while the other cinches the straps and tightens the union. Horizontally mounted tanks are easier to balance during strap tensioning.

One important add: padding under the bands. The manufacturer advises using a stopper or protection where metal meets the tank, and I agree. I placed rubber strip material (old bicycle inner tube works well) under each strap. It prevents scuffs, distributes clamp pressure, and eliminates metal-on-paint squeak.

Fit and adjustment

The strap length is generous, which is great for older, wider tanks, and it trims cleanly for smaller diameters such as 2- to 4-gallon RO tanks. The buckles allow enough micro-adjustment to get the tank snug without deforming the shell. With my 2-gallon steel expansion tank, I had about 8 inches of strap to cut off; with a 4- to 5-gallon tank near the 13-inch limit, you’ll likely use most of the banding.

Because the bracket holds the straps in two places, the tank sits without rocking. Once cinched, there’s essentially zero sag, and the piping no longer bears the tank’s weight.

In use

The immediate benefit is load transfer: the bracket carries the weight, the plumbing carries the pressure. That reduces stress on tees and nipples—especially important for older dielectric fittings—and, in seismic zones, it offers a basic form of restraint with two bands around the tank. I can’t speak to any specific seismic rating on the straps, but the stainless bands are secure and much sturdier than ad hoc solutions.

Operationally, the setup is quiet. No creaks or clanks when the tank contracts and expands with temperature cycles. I checked strap tension a week after install and again a month later; no loosening. The quick-release buckles make it painless to remove the tank for service—much nicer than wrestling with worm-drive clamps in a tight corner.

Durability and corrosion resistance

Between the coated bracket and stainless straps, this is well suited for damp basements and utility rooms. The only potential wear point is the interface between strap and tank if left unpadded; without a barrier, you can mar paint over time. With rubber or felt tape under the bands, you’re set for long-term use.

The bracket’s rigidity matters, too. Some lighter stamped brackets flex when you cinch them; this one stays true, which helps keep the tank square to the wall and the connection stress-free.

Limitations and considerations

• Verify structure: The bracket is only as strong as what you mount it to. Aim for studs or solid blocking. For concrete or masonry, use appropriate anchors rated for the load.
• Edge awareness: Stainless strap edges are crisp. Wear gloves and deburr after trimming.
• No built-in padding: Plan to supply your own rubber/felt strip to protect the tank’s finish.
• Diameter limit: 13 inches is generous for most domestic expansion tanks, but measure before you buy. Oversize hydronic expansion tanks won’t fit.
• Not a substitute for local code: This improves support, but you still need properly rated piping, relief valves, and any required seismic restraints per your jurisdiction.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners adding or correcting support for a water-heater expansion tank.
• Anyone replacing a tank that was previously “supported” by its fitting alone.
• Small system installs—reverse osmosis storage tanks, small hydronic expansion tanks—where wall space is tight and a clean strap solution beats a shelf.

If you have a mechanical room with decent framing nearby and value easy future service, this bracket is a good fit.

Tips for a clean install

• Locate the bracket so the tank connection lines up naturally with the tee to avoid strain.
• Use rubber or UHMW tape under the straps to protect paint and prevent slip.
• Pre-bend the strap radius to match your tank for smoother tightening.
• Trim strap ends and fold or tape the cut edge to avoid snags.
• For vertical installs, have a helper hold the tank while you tighten.

Value

Functionally, this does exactly what a more expensive brand-name kit does: a rigid mount and corrosion-resistant bands, with the bonus of quick-release buckles. Given the materials and the time it saves compared to fabricating a DIY strap system, it’s priced appropriately. The reusable straps are a nice touch if you swap tanks down the line.

Bottom line

The ZhouDaShu expansion tank bracket is a straightforward, well-built solution to a common problem. It supports small pressurized tanks securely, takes the load off your piping, and installs with minimal fuss. The stainless straps and rigid bracket inspire confidence, and with a couple of small additions—padding under the bands and proper anchors—you’ll have a tidy, code-friendly setup that should last.

Recommendation: I recommend this bracket. It’s sturdy, corrosion-resistant, and genuinely simplifies both installation and future service. As long as you plan for solid wall attachment and add a bit of strap padding, it delivers reliable support for 2- to 5-gallon tanks without unnecessary complexity.