Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Why not add an Accumulator Tank for water pump? (Read 1469 times) previous topic - next topic

Why not add an Accumulator Tank for water pump?

"An Accumulator Tank and a Pressure Tank are the same thing. An Accumulator Tank is intended for installation in any pumped water system controlled by a pressure switch. They are not suitable for 'VSD' or 'Smart Sensor' type pumps that automatically vary the speed of the pump motor to maintain constant pressure."
My first FT had an accumulator tank and it worked very well and it kept the motor quiet.
MY current FT does not have an accumulator Tank and it has a VSD / Smart Sensor type pump.
I'd like to find out why accumulator tank can not be used with a VSD/ Smart Sensor pump?
My current pump is a Shurflo 4048153E75 Electric Water Pump
and I'd like to add  SHURflo 182-200 Pre-Pressurized Accumulator Tank,Black, 9.1" x 4.8" x 3.8"

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Former 2003 GV U295 (6230) (2015 - 2025)
Former 94 GV U225 (2013-2016)

Re: Why not add an Accumulator Tank for water pump?

Reply #1 –
I have exactly the setup you are inquiring about. The 4048 with the same shurflo accumulator tank. It works together flawlessly. No noise, no excessive pump running, great water pressure. Again no issues. Installed my myself with filter and valve for antifreeze additive before the pump
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Why not add an Accumulator Tank for water pump?

Reply #2 –
We have same.    But.  I went out of my way to buy an American made pump this time and it may very well last longer but the thing is the noisiest pump so far.  And I've done all the " pump isolation procedures " that are recommended.

 I don't know if it's harder on the pump with the accumulater in the loop but we're doin it.  The little bit of extra noise doesn't bother us though. Especially if the American made last longer. 
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: Why not add an Accumulator Tank for water pump?

Reply #3 –
The accumulator should soften the pump noise a little .  When used in auto fuel injection systems, they are often referred to as fuel system silencer . They are the second area of interest for a loud fuel pump.Right after the rubber mounts and contacting /sitting on the body. 

Re: Why not add an Accumulator Tank for water pump?

Reply #4 –
I have an accumulator tank and a variable speed water pump.  I don't see any issues and I have this set up for years.
When I first installed the water pump I did remove the accumulator tank, but I realized I needed the tank to prevent the T&P valve on the water heater from weeping.  The original location for the tank was right above the water pump - very tight.  When re-installing it, I decided to locate the tank under the kitchen sink where, on my floorplan, there is an unused corner.  Its on a long hose so I didn't have to do the connections in such a tight space.  The tank can be locate anywhere in the cold water circuit.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Why not add an Accumulator Tank for water pump?

Reply #5 –
Quote from: propman –
I'd like to find out why accumulator tank can not be used with a VSD/ Smart Sensor pump?
In an abundance of caution, the manufacturers of the VSD pump are concerned that the pump and the accumulator might become "resonant."  Then again the manufacturer's attitude could just be:  If "they" still need to install an accumulator tank why would they buy our VSD?

 
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Why not add an Accumulator Tank for water pump?

Reply #6 –
Prop Man (why no name), Your Shurflo 4048 and smaller cousin 4008 are both excellent pumps. They are not variable speed, but use a fixed speed pump with an internal spring controlled bypass that opens to allow output flow back to input to reduce pump cycling off - on with low faucet water flow.

We and others use your Shurflo choice of accumulator anywhere on output side ½" hose. Lots of flexible in and out hose if there is room, will reduce pump sound. No negative issues with accumulator.

We had lots of space around water pump, so our pump is not bolted down and with long in & out hoses, we can move pump out of compartment while running for diagnostic or maintenance.

Also, this is the time to put ball valves on in and out line so pump can be changed without draining tank or manifold.

BTW, the very old Shurflo 5.7 variable speed pump, after failure (they all fail), can still be used by directing 12v wire to front pressure switch, bypassing control circuit under pump.

Re: Why not add an Accumulator Tank for water pump?

Reply #7 –
Al (propman's name),

Previous discussion (link below) on subject of accumulator tanks.  Some members like having them - some don't.  I prefer having one with our Shurflo 4008...  DWMYH

Fresh Water Pump

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"
 

Re: Why not add an Accumulator Tank for water pump?

Reply #8 –
I hated that noisy pump so I just teed into the line and added a tank.  The pump is now quiet and I wouldn't go back. 
Rick & Rhonda
2003 U320 4220  Build #6199
Was
91 36' GV 300 Caterpillar, 92 40' U280 300 Cummins, 97 36' U295 300 Cummins, 2002
U320 450 Cummins
(Guess we're hooked)

The selected media item is not currently available.