Water System Accumulator

[erben Renewal]

Greetings,

I recently had to replace my fresh water distribution pump and was wondering about whether or not I need to 'bleed/charge' my accumulator?

Happy Holidays

[Ian R]

Bladder type accumulators are not 100 % airtight ,so need air added every few months. Switch off the pump open a tap [ faucet ] then check the air pressure. The air pressure should be less than the pumps cutoff water pressure e.g. 18 PSI of air to 20 PSI of water pressure. If You don't have a guage add air until pump appears to cycle normally .
The bladder will eventually rupture if air runs out.

[erben Renewal]

Thanks!

[KuparukGypsy]

Sorry to hijack. Straight "pump to system" vs. accumulator? Pros and cons?

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by KuparukGypsy

Sorry to hijack. Straight "pump to system" vs. accumulator? Pros and cons?

I've switched to variable speed water pumps. No accumulator and no pulsing.

Dave

[sailorchic34]

While an accumulator is not needed for the newer VSD pumps, the water heater generally needs a thermal expansion tank to allow for expanded water from poping the relief valve. Oddly enough the accumulators work for the hot water expansion too.

Really depends on how your system works though..

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by sailorchic34

While an accumulator is not needed for the newer VSD pumps, the water heater generally needs a thermal expansion tank to allow for expanded water from poping the relief valve. Oddly enough the accumulators work for the hot water expansion too.

Really depends on how your system works though..

I find there is enough give in the plastic plumbing !

Dave