Water System Accumulator

Topic: Water System Accumulator (Read 1241 times) previous topic - next topic

Water System Accumulator

February 18, 2020, 06:25:33 pm

I had an accumulator. Then I didn't have an accumulator. Now I have an accumulator. This one fits nicely. It's $44 at Amazon. The documentation for my water pump (Shurflo 4048) doesn't note the cut in pressure so I set the accumulator at 28 psi. Seems to work OK.

When I was installing it, it occurred to me that I had not changed out that compartment light to LED so I did. Now when that leak occurs sometime down the road I'll have a good view of it.
jor

Re: Water System Accumulator

Reply #1 – February 18, 2020, 09:54:35 pm

WOW!!! must be nice to be retired

Never seen a bay I could eat out of.... Man o man.. one day!!

I have the same one..

Re: Water System Accumulator

Reply #2 – February 18, 2020, 10:28:44 pm

I thought the same thing and had to look back figuring he must have a 2010 or newer. Looks great!

Re: Water System Accumulator

Reply #3 – February 19, 2020, 09:32:53 am

I had a accumulator on the last coach and a I have been thinking of putting one in this rig.

Re: Water System Accumulator

Reply #4 – February 19, 2020, 09:59:42 pm

Throw it away.

Re: Water System Accumulator

Reply #5 – February 19, 2020, 10:02:09 pm

Quote from: Twig – February 19, 2020, 09:59:42 pm

Throw it away.

Depends on the water pump. The new variable speed pumps recommend against accumulators.

The older ones are much improved with an accumulator (much less pulsing).

Re: Water System Accumulator

Reply #6 – February 19, 2020, 10:32:55 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – February 19, 2020, 10:02:09 pm

Depends on the water pump. The new variable speed pumps recommend against accumulators.

The older ones are much improved with an accumulator (much less pulsing).

Throw it away.

Re: Water System Accumulator

Reply #7 – February 19, 2020, 10:41:36 pm

I use a accumulator with a 4048. Works great

Re: Water System Accumulator

Reply #8 – February 19, 2020, 11:55:20 pm

I guess I will give up that idea.

Re: Water System Accumulator

Reply #9 – February 20, 2020, 09:21:58 am

Quote from: oldguy – February 19, 2020, 11:55:20 pm

I guess I will give up that idea.

I believe it's a good idea to consider everybody's opinion, and then think for yourself. But that's just me...

If you are presently happy with the way your water pump functions, then no need to add the accumulator.

If you are bothered or irritated by your water pump cycling on and off, then adding the accumulator might smooth out the operation.

Here is my opinion, for what it is worth:

Water Pump Accumulator Tank (Reply #12)

(the whole thread) Water Pump Accumulator Tank

Re: Water System Accumulator

Reply #10 – February 20, 2020, 09:35:25 am

Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie – February 20, 2020, 09:21:58 am

I believe it's a good idea to consider everybody's opinion, and then think for yourself. But that's just me...

If you are presently happy with the way your water pump functions, then no need to add the accumulator.

If you are bothered or irritated by your water pump cycling on and off, then adding the accumulator might smooth out the operation.

Here is my opinion, for what it is worth:

Water Pump Accumulator Tank (Reply #12)

(the whole thread) Water Pump Accumulator Tank

Op-Ed

I've had 3 motorhomes, a 1973 Winnebago Brave with a galvanized water tank and an air compressor. That was sold along with the airplane way back when the airline industry "contracted."

The 1986 Rockwood, 2011-2019 had a 75 gallon poly tank and a Shurflo pump. I purchased the ShurFlo accumulator but one look at that grey plumbing and the accumulator tank went with the Rockwood when I sold it uninstalled. The constant on off of the pump was annoying.

The 1992 U225 is everything I want in a motorhome, and when we have dry camped we have found that we can flush the toilet several times without turning on the water pump. I like the simplicity of the ShurFlo pump. I like my accumulator.

Re: Water System Accumulator

Reply #11 – February 20, 2020, 09:55:14 am

IMO, unless you have a variable speed pump, the accumulator is an asset-- keeps pressure from pulsing and at partly open faucet, keeps the pump from "fluttering" on/off/on/off.

Most accumulators have a shrader valve (like a tire) and you can and need to check the PSI:

Shore water off, water pump off, open a faucet to drain off pressure.

"Touch" the valve with a small screwdriver-- if water comes out, the bladder is bad and the accumulator needs to be replaced.

Now with your tire gauge, check for proper PSI-- should be cut-in PSI less 2 PSI. So, for the common pump 25-2=23 PSI

A bicycle pump works just fine for pressurizing.

Re: Water System Accumulator

Reply #12 – February 20, 2020, 12:59:04 pm

I checked with the manufacture of my pump and he said the pump I have can't work with an accumulator. The reason I like an
accumulator is like Ed said is you can flush the toilet during the night without turning on the pump, other than that the pump
works great.

Re: Water System Accumulator

Reply #13 – February 20, 2020, 05:58:28 pm

The instructions with my water pump indicated that because it is variable speed, the accumulator is not recommended.
I installed an upside down see through water filter housing with a scraper valve as an accumulator and believe that anyone who installs an accumulator regardless of which water pump, will appreciate the slow cycling of the water pump.
The upside down see through water filter housing is inexpensive and does not require a pre-charge, just open a tap to run water and when pump starts, immediately shut power off to water pump. Then use a hand pump to add air to the accumulator until it is full of air. No diaphragm to leak, just need air re-charge once a month.

Re: Water System Accumulator

Reply #14 – February 22, 2020, 09:33:36 am

I installed a variable speed pump years ago, and I increased the air pressure in my accumulator to approx 80-90PSI (with no water pressure). I left the accumulator in place to absorb the expansion caused when the water heater goes from cold to hot.

In normal operation the pump doesn't know the accumulator is there.

Re: Water System Accumulator

Reply #15 – February 22, 2020, 10:06:44 am

The pressure in my accumulator was way under the appropriate set point for my pump. I aired up the accumulator and wow what a difference it is having an accumulator on my old (brand new pump) sureflow setup. I wouldn't want it any other way. Like many said, the ability to use a fixture without the pump running and surging is great! It also has to extend the life of the pump.

Re: Water System Accumulator

Reply #16 – February 22, 2020, 10:51:25 am

Quote from: oldguy – February 20, 2020, 12:59:04 pm

I checked with the manufacture of my pump and he said the pump I have can't work with an accumulator. The reason I like an
accumulator is like Ed said is you can flush the toilet during the night without turning on the pump, other than that the pump
works great.

I often wonder if accumulater is not recommended as not needed, not to be used, or will work without causing another issue with pump. ??

Re: Water System Accumulator

Reply #17 – February 22, 2020, 11:08:08 am

It all depends on the type of pump you have. Some require it to function properly and some don't require it.
John M.

Re: Water System Accumulator

Reply #18 – February 22, 2020, 11:24:45 am

Quote from: John Morales – February 22, 2020, 11:08:08 am

It all depends on the type of pump you have. Some require it to function properly and some don't require it.
John M.

Jor, thank you for reminder of this same issue.

As I remember mine does not require, as I removed my tank at install of WP. I'll research more with instructions and mfg. whether adding a tank would cause another issue. And yes, has worked terrific for two years, and yes pump comes on at night when toilet is flushed. Pump is quiet, self priming, has more pressure in shower than previous.
SHURFLO 4048153E75 Electric Water Pump Amazon.com: Shurflo 4048153E75 Electric Water Pump: Automotive

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Water System Accumulator

Reply #19 – February 22, 2020, 12:38:00 pm

In my opinion (FWIW)

If one is happy with the way their water pump functions, then no need for a accumulator. Ain't broke - don't mess with it.

If the water pump frequently cycling on and off irritates you, then adding a accumulator might smooth out the operation.

Some here seem worried that adding a accumulator will damage their water pump...

I can't imagine any scenario where adding a accumulator to a coach water system would damage or harm any water pump.

A water pump (regardless of design) turns ON when it sees the "cut-in" pressure for which it is set.

The pump turns OFF when it sees the "cut-out" pressure for which it is set.

Adding a accumulator simply extends the time interval between those two actions. It works both ways.

With accumulator, it takes longer for the system pressure to go from MAX to MIN pressure, and from MIN to MAX pressure.

With accumulator, the pump doesn't run as often, but when it does come on it must run longer to replenish system pressure.

So, your choice is: frequent short/quick run intervals without accumulator, or longer but less frequent run intervals with accumulator.

A variable speed pump may modify this behavior somewhat, but it still follows the same basic pattern of operation.

Regardless of pump design, I don't see how having, or not having, a accumulator could in any way harm the pump.

For those who disagree (I know you are out there already pounding the computer keys) I await your rebuttal.

Re: Water System Accumulator

Reply #20 – February 22, 2020, 01:43:41 pm

I installed an Shurflow 2 gallon accumulator tank with a pump that specifically recommends against it. It is an Aquajet 55ARV variable speed pump, which they say needs a "hard stop" to function properly. The pump has great flow and pressure (5.3 gallons per minute open flow, pressure up to 65psi), but had an annoying pulsation at very low flow settings. I decided to install the accumulator to deal with the pulsation issue in spite of the explicit warnings against it.
Our U270 has an LP water heater above the water pump, so there is no room to install the Shurflow two gallon stainless steel accumulator tank I wanted to use. Fortunately, the accumulator tank can be installed anywhere with in the cold water system so I put it under the kitchen counter behind the bottom two drawers. This did require me to shorten the drawers by an inch, but that also gave me room to replace the original LP furnace ducts with insulated ducting. That was done as part of a larger project involving new a cooktop, new two stage furnace, and some other stuff that shares in the same space.
I suspect that because the Aquajet variable speed pump gradually slows down as the accumulator approaches cutoff pressure, the motor speed control electronics are stressed by the gradual slow down as opposed to the hard cutoff the pump would see without an accumulator. So far, so good after almost a year of practically full time use. I had one scare where the pump quit working, which I immediately assumed to be caused by the fact I had inadvisedly installed an accumulator. I went over to PPL and bought the best non varible speed pump they had in stock (I think it was a Shurflow 4048). However, the actual problem turned out to be a failed crimp on the wire near the pump. Having had the stark realization that there is no such thing as dry camping without a fresh water pump, I kept the Shurflow as a spare. So far, the electronic speed control of the Aquatech pump has proven to be robust enough to hold up without any issues.
Here is a link to my accumulator install as well as some links to other threads involving the fresh water system;
Shurflo stainless steel accumulator tank

Fresh Water Overflow Vent Project;
Fresh Water Overflow Vent Project

Replumbing the water drain lines and water pump;
Replumbing the water drain lines and water pump

Adding a second valve to the Motor Aid loop;
Adding a second valve to the Motor Aid loop

Hopefully, these links answer more questions than they raise

Don

Quote from: Jack L – February 22, 2020, 10:51:25 am

I often wonder if accumulater is not recommended as not needed, not to be used, or will work without causing another issue with pump. ??

Re: Water System Accumulator

Reply #21 – February 22, 2020, 07:28:22 pm

Never had one, never will. Works fine without them but I don't live in it either

Re: Water System Accumulator

Reply #22 – February 22, 2020, 09:33:13 pm

They had told me the electronics isn't happy with the accumulator or air in the lines. Don if you aren't having any trouble maybe
I will put one in.

Re: Water System Accumulator

Reply #23 – February 22, 2020, 09:48:39 pm

You just gotta' love this forum........ so many members willing to share their knowledge

........... and opinions!

we all got'um

and FWIW........ I wouldn't be without an accumulator in our coach, also don't particularly care for the variable pump either.

Re: Water System Accumulator

Reply #24 – February 23, 2020, 09:20:04 am

Don't have an accumulator and never thought I needed one. The pump seems to be pretty quiet when it's running. However after reading through the thread I can't appreciate not having to run the pump for brief moments such as flushing a toilet That's pretty cool. I'll have to think about it. They're not expensive and not hard to install so that's not the issue. The other thing I would be careful of, or at least I am, is pumps that pump too much water. As it would be full-time boondocker I don't want to pump any more than I absolutely have to to keep water usage at the lower side.

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