Re: Adding an Accumulator!
Reply #15 –
Don't expect the addition of the (small) accumulator to work magic. The accumulator simply changes the timing of water pump activity.
Without the pressure tank, the pump must run every time you open a tap. BUT, it only runs as long as the tap is open, then shuts off.
With a pressure tank, the pump does not run as often. In some cases, like for instance when your ice maker requests a refill, it may not run at all. BUT, when it does finally come on it will run for a longer period because it has to recharge the pressure tank. How long it runs is a direct function of the size (capacity) of the pressure tank. Like Roger said, the bigger the tank the longer the interval between pump runs.
It just depends on which behavior is more desirable to you. Some people (like the DW and I) are irritated by the short brief pump runs, and prefer the pump action with the accumulator in place. Other people are not bothered at all by the pump clicking on and off with every water request. Those people don't need or want a pressure tank.
Different strokes for different folks!
Topic: Adding an Accumulator!