Forum Discussion

MSGTRETIREDCSP's avatar
Sep 30, 2013

Accumulator Tank

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.

18 Replies

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