Accumulator

[Stevemattingly]

Morning guys, hope this is one someone can advise on.
I have a 12 volt pressurised water system. I fitted a new accumulator a year ago and all worked perfectly. Lately the pump runs much quicker after turning the taps on. It used to run every 10/20 seconds when filling the bath but now is almost permanently on. I have no loss of pressure on the accumulator gauge ( the pump only runs when the tap is running). I have read that the accumulator may need pressurising? Is this the likely cause?
Many thanks and hny!

[Emmalina]

you have a bath on your boat ?

[OldManMirage]

Accumulators work by having a pressurized bladder inside the tank. They do need to be checked on a regular basis. Google or YouTube for instructions, you can probably find your exact model without much effort.

Worst case scenario is the bladder has a leak and you'll need to replace the unit. Hope this helps !

[Stevemattingly]

Originally Posted by OldManMirage

Accumulators work by having a pressurized bladder inside the tank. They do need to be checked on a regular basis. Google or YouTube for instructions, you can probably find your exact model without much effort.

Worst case scenario is the bladder has a leak and you'll need to replace the unit. Hope this helps !

Excellent, many thanks. Will check out if it can be done in situation or removed. Either way back in the bilge for me! Many thanks again

[Stevemattingly]

Originally Posted by Emmalina

you have a bath on your boat ?

Yes, it's a 50ft ex party boat. I removed the ladies toilet and squeezed in a bath. Had to be done!

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by OldManMirage

Accumulators work by having a pressurized bladder inside the tank. They do need to be checked on a regular basis. Google or YouTube for instructions, you can probably find your exact model without much effort.

Worst case scenario is the bladder has a leak and you'll need to replace the unit. Hope this helps !

For instance:
Jabsco-PAR 1 litre [33 fl oz] ACCUMULATOR TANK [# 30573-0000] Instructions:
➥ https://ca.binnacle.com/pdf/Par%20Ac...0%20Manual.pdf

”... PRECHARGE PRESSURE ADJUSTMENT
The 30573-0000 tank is precharged at 10 psi (0.7 bar).
If your pump cut-in pressure is significantly different, you may custom tune the tank to best fit your particular installation [Up to 125 psi (8.6 bar) Max. Operating Pressure].
To increase air pressure in tank, shut pump off, open a faucet to relieve system pressure and adjust precharge pressure using ordinary tire gauge and tire pump at valve in end of tank.
Pressure should be checked from time to time. To check tank pressure: turn
off power to water pump, open a faucet to relieve pressure. Check tank pressure, adjust if necessary. Close faucet and turn on power to pump..."

➥ https://ca.binnacle.com/pdf/Par%20Ac...0%20Manual.pdf

[JoeRobertJr]

I would have thought a ruptured diaphragm would result in more frequent pump cycling, but not continuous pumping with an open tap. I would think the new behavior of continuous running means the water is running out of the tap faster, or the pump is not pumping as much volume of water as it used to, such that the system pressure is not reaching the cutoff pressure of the pump.