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Topic: Water Pump - Accumulator (Read 698 times) previous topic - next topic

Water Pump - Accumulator

I got rid of my accumulator and replaced the water pump which looked to be original. It was working fine but 21 years! Also did away with some rinky winterizing plumbing. I've put in a couple of on-demand AquaJets but decided on an on-demand SureFlo this time  (4048153E75). Used Sharkbite fittings. I actually used one more of these fittings than intended as I inadvertently cut the tank drain pex! I retained my leak monitor which simply sounds an alarm when it detects water on the floor of the compartment.

This would have been a great time to install SeeLevel sensors on the water tank but wonder of wonders my audit box system (minus camera) is still working well. Probably just jinxed it.
jor

93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Water Pump - Accumulator

Reply #1 –
Clean install. Nice job. The hoses will make it quieter. You don't need the accumulator tank with the surflo. The on demand pumps are problematic.
You have the same setup we have. works awesome
Chris
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: Water Pump - Accumulator

Reply #2 –
If the pump was working fine, why did you replace it?  I'm curious, because I'm not really happy with mine.  Every time I turn on a faucet, I can hear the pump chugging and the water pulsing into the sink..  The accumulator tank was supposed to alleviate this.  I did check the Schrader valve for water indicating torn bladder, but only noticed air escaping.

Does the Sureflow give a quiet steady flow?

2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8

Re: Water Pump - Accumulator

Reply #3 –
So now I am wondering.  I've also replaced the water pump with a shur flow unit ( don't have the model # in front of me) and I left the accumulator tank in there. Will it come to be problematic with an on demand pump and still using the accumulator tank ??
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Water Pump - Accumulator

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Sven and Kristi –
Every time I turn on a faucet, I can hear the pump chugging and the water pulsing into the sink..  The accumulator tank was supposed to alleviate this.  I did check the Schrader valve for water indicating torn bladder, but only noticed air escaping.

Have you set accumulator PSI correctly?
With shore water off, pump off, system depressurized (open a faucet) :

PSI at the accumulator should be 2 PSI lower than cut in pressure.  So, for many older pumps 23 PSI.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Water Pump - Accumulator

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Bob & Sue –
So now I am wondering.  I've also replaced the water pump with a shur flow unit ( don't have the model # in front of me) and I left the accumulator tank in there. Will it come to be problematic with an on demand pump and still using the accumulator tank ??
Have you checked the screens in your faucets. And yes, demand pumps (varible speed type) don't work correctly with accumulator tanks.
Chris
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: Water Pump - Accumulator

Reply #6 –
Quote
f the pump was working fine, why did you replace it? Does the Sureflow give a quiet steady flow?

Just a preemptive move. The pump and accumulator were working fine but I prefer the on-demand to that long recharge time that the accumulator demands. The Sureflo is quieter and will run dry without any problem. Also, the documentation indicates it is not to be used with an accumulator. I was also happy to rip out the jury rigged winterizing set up and gain more room in that compartment. I should have installed a ball valve between the tank and the pump but didn't feel like another run to Home Depot. I'll do that when I put in a SeeLevel system which I prefer to the factory setup. Then, I can throw the Audit box which is a liberating action!
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Water Pump - Accumulator

Reply #7 –
Quote from: jor –
Just a preemptive move. The pump and accumulator were working fine but I prefer the on-demand to that long recharge time that the accumulator demands. The Sureflo is quieter and will run dry without any problem. Also, the documentation indicates it is not to be used with an accumulator. I was also happy to rip out the jury rigged winterizing set up and gain more room in that compartment. I should have installed a ball valve between the tank and the pump but didn't feel like another run to Home Depot. I'll do that when I put in a SeeLevel system which I prefer to the factory setup. Then, I can throw the Audit box which is a liberating action!
jor
That was my beef too, the long run time, especially at night..Hoses make it so quiet. Water pressure is like city pressure. In some cases better.
Good move
Chris
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: Water Pump - Accumulator

Reply #8 –
Follow-Up on the Sure-Flo pump:

When operating the drinking water fixture on the sink the pump would cycle on and off. Worked fine but it was annoying. These pumps have a little allen screw that allows adjustment of the pressure switch. Just a little tweak and no more cycling.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Water Pump - Accumulator

Reply #9 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Have you set accumulator PSI correctly?
With shore water off, pump off, system depressurized (open a faucet) :

PSI at the accumulator should be 2 PSI lower than cut in pressure.  So, for many older pumps 23 PSI.
I've been busy with the coolant issue and now a height adjustment valve.  I'll likely take out the accumulator tank and switch to the Sure-flo pump to simplify things.
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8
 

Re: Water Pump - Accumulator

Reply #10 –
Jor,
You mentioned that you used SharkBite fittings, but the hoses don't look like PEX.  What is their PSI rating?  I had a flooding issue this summer when non PEX hoses under my kitchen sink failed.
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8