Water accumulator tanks -- pro's and con's

LaRea

OK, Handy inspired me to do my homework.  

Jabsco PAR-MAX pumps come in two flavors.  The cut-in/cut-out pressures can be either 10/25 psi, or 20/40 psi.

The Jabsco accumulator tank is rated for up to 125 psi, but the default pressure from the factory is 10 psi.  That would work fine with a 10/25 psi pump, but not with a 20/40 psi pump.

I apparently have a 20/40 pump, so the best bladder pressure would be 20 psi (set with the water pump off and no water pressure in the system).  

Handymans342

A 30/50 pressure switch would require 27 PSI in bladder tank for example

Dream_Inn

I thought I'd bring this post back up so Handy could laugh at me!  (not really, but I know he will)  I just ordered the Jabsco 1 liter accumulator and some flex hoses.  After being away from the boat for the winter, that pump is just too loud and annoying.  I'll post some pics when I get it installed.  I'll have to think about where I want to put it, but I'll probably still try under the galley floor where the pump is.  But I'm gonna look in engine room as well since the pipes are back there as well and easier space to get to (but, under floor will allow me to mess with mounting of pump while I'm there).

Handymans342

Why laugh?

LaRea

I do like having that accumulator tank.  It would be nice to have an even larger one, if I had room for it.

Handymans342

How about 2 inline?

jme097

Yeah its basically an expansion tank in a boiler loop per say. Keeps the pressure regular. Definitely a good idea. 

Dream_Inn

Now I'm wishing I had looked just a little bit more before I ordered.  I saw a 2-gallon one with decent dimensions (13" X 9" X 9" - so actually less height but bigger cube instead of 15" X 5" x 5") instead of just a liter.  It had nice mounting as well and was only 43 bucks shipped.  I definitely had the space.  Oh well, we'll see how this one goes.

Dream_Inn

Jabsco one may be worth the extra just because of the fittings.  Of course, you get the smaller Jabsco with the correct fittngs for $54. 

http://www.go2marine.com/product/160328F/jabsco-accumulator-tank-mini-tank-30573-0003.html

Dream_Inn

I like the correct fittings.  Of course you could just get the smaller Jabsco with correct fittings for $54.

http://www.go2marine.com/product/160328F/jabsco-accumulator-tank-mini-tank-30573-0003.html

YYZRC

I installed the tank, will pressurize as per @LaRea’s method of trial and error. 

Dream_Inn

You will be very happy with your purchase.  I still think about and like the one I have.

LaRea

@Dream_Inn, remember you commented last weekend that my accumulator tank didn't seem to be working right?  I just discovered that the bladder has ruptured.  I went to adjust the air pressure, and water came out the air pressure valve.  So the tank lasted six years.  

LaRea

After installing the new one, I opened the old one ... sure enough, ruptured bladder.  

Handymans342

Well that looks nasty

Liberty44140

Interesting I always wondered how those work, rubber bladder makes sense. My dad always swore by those on his sailboats but I’ve never had one…

Dream_Inn

Well, 6 years isn't terrible I guess. I know it's well worth having. I just talked someone last weekend into installing one.

Handymans342

I would have got a bigger one if possible

LaRea

I saw a 2-gallon tank that would have been really nice, but I don't have space for it.  Also it was around $200. 

Handymans342

LaRea said:

I saw a 2-gallon tank that would have been really nice, but I don't have space for it.  Also it was around $200. 

How about a one gallon?

LaRea

I probably have enough room for the 2-liter tank by Whale, but I didn't feel like re-working my plumbing.  

Anybody considering adding a tank:  anything smaller than 1 liter is probably a waste of money.  And if you have space to go bigger than 1 liter, do it.  

Aqua_Aura

I was looking at other Jabsco pumps such as the washdown pumps that have impellers rather than a diaphragm. Seems they would be much quieter and also pump more water for better water pressure especially at the swim deck washdown (mine seems weak) the rest of the faucets have good pressure. I guess the biggest benefit would be the noise level.

The washdown pumps are not approved for drinking water but we don't drink our tap water. 

 Anyone have any thoughts? 

bella-vita

If it has to much pressure it can cause problems with your plumbing.

Handymans342

The purpose of the tank is to lessen the pump runtime. 

Handymans342

How about this tank?

LaRea

It would probably work.  It's gonna weigh 20 pounds, so you'd have to be careful about mounting it.