I'm getting all set to replace a water pump. I'm thinking of installing a accumulator tank also. I've never had one before and I've heard they can help reduce the wear of a pump? I'm replacing a 5.7 Shurflo with a newer 4.5 gpm Shurflo. My question is have any of you ever installed an accumulator tank after just using a pump before? If so, did you see any benefit with an accumulator tank? Do they help or do they reduce the flow of water? Thanks for any advice.

We have had accumulators in our HTT and our TT - in fact, we added it to the second rig because we liked how it reduced the use of the pump motor. (Basically, if you're using the water pump for any length of time, rather than running constantly, having an accumulator will make it pulse instead.) Will probably get an accumulator in our next unit.

They help take the pulsing out of pump when flow thru faucet etc. is low.If the new pump is a 'smart sensor' pump...accumulators are not recommended

IMO all closed water systems need at least a small accumulator.No change in water flow volume or pressure.

I bought one, small enough to fit in the close quarters near the pump. liked it so much we took it with us to our new rigs the last three times.

I have a little one in my system and wouldn't be without it.It sure seems to keep the pump from working itself to death and evens out the flow of water.

Accumulator Tank | Good Sam Community

kknowlton
Explorer II
Sep 30, 2013
We have had accumulators in our HTT and our TT - in fact, we added it to the second rig because we liked how it reduced the use of the pump motor. (Basically, if you're using the water pump for any length of time, rather than running constantly, having an accumulator will make it pulse instead.) Will probably get an accumulator in our next unit.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Sep 30, 2013
They help take the pulsing out of pump when flow thru faucet etc. is low.

If the new pump is a 'smart sensor' pump...accumulators are not recommended
time2roll
Nomad
Sep 30, 2013
IMO all closed water systems need at least a small accumulator.
No change in water flow volume or pressure.
old_guy
Explorer
Sep 30, 2013
I bought one, small enough to fit in the close quarters near the pump. liked it so much we took it with us to our new rigs the last three times.
Dave_H_M
Explorer II
Sep 30, 2013
I have a little one in my system and wouldn't be without it.

It sure seems to keep the pump from working itself to death and evens out the flow of water.
azrving
Explorer
Sep 30, 2013
An accumulator will not reduce the amount of time a pump runs. It will reduce the number of times a pump runs.

http://www.modmyrv.com/2009/06/10/rv-diy-water-accumulator
RJsfishin
Explorer
Sep 30, 2013
Some pumps seem to not need one as bad as others, but using a lot of low water flow in a conservative situation, they all need one IMO. I just put the little sure-flo in my new to me RV, And I have never had an RV w/o one. If you never experience any pump chatter under low flow conditions, maybe not so important.
doughere
Explorer
Sep 30, 2013
I installed a 2 gallon accumulator in our 5er. The pump runs to fill the tank, and then shuts off; you can usually use the sink or toilet without the pump turning back on. It completely eliminates pump chatter if set up correctly. I wouldn't be without one.

Regards,
Doug
ScottG
Nomad
Sep 30, 2013
Don't use an accumulator tank with the sensor, it wont work right and your just wasting the "sensor" part.
BurbMan
Explorer II
Sep 30, 2013
doughere wrote:
I installed a 2 gallon accumulator in our 5er. The pump runs to fill the tank, and then shuts off; you can usually use the sink or toilet without the pump turning back on. It completely eliminates pump chatter if set up correctly. I wouldn't be without one.

Regards,
Doug

I agree it's nice to be able to use the toilet or get a glass of water quietly at night without the pump running every time you open a faucet.

If you do install one, remember to put a shut off so you can bypass it for winterizing purposes like you do with the water heater.

Here's how I did mine:

The tank just tees into the water line after the pump, with a shut off just before it, so once the system is depressurized you can isolate the tank for winterizing.

Be sure to get a tank that is specifically designated for "potable water". They also make less expensive ones for HW hesting systems, the difference is in the rubber bladder inside.