Accumulator Install

dmc94572 · 03-16-2022, 12:19 PM

With my 2014 19 it has the original ShurFlo water pump dated 2013. As i plan an extended trip thru Mexico, seems a good idea to replace with same new pump. Also add an accumulator that helps somehow while showering. Anyone have any knowledge how and where this accumulator goes with respect to the new to be installed fresh ShurFlow water pump?

cpaharley2008 · 03-16-2022, 12:29 PM

If my memory serves me right, it goes after the pump and is like an auxiliary tank in that you can draw more water before the pump comes on again.

wdr2 · 03-16-2022, 01:45 PM

What size accumulator are you installing?

Eggscape · 03-16-2022, 03:14 PM

You can check out my accumulator tank install in this link:
https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...tml#post287086

dmc94572 · 03-16-2022, 03:20 PM

SHURflo 182-200 Pre-Pressurized Accumulator Tank,Black, 9.1" x 4.8" x 3.8"

Ron in BC · 03-16-2022, 03:30 PM

That's the same size accumulator that I used and have used in every boat and trailer that I've owned. A larger one isn't required.

Yes, they smooth out the pulsing of the shower but the feature that I like the best is that you can get a usable amount of water, including a light flushing of the toilet, without the pump having to start. Probably better for the pump and doesn't disturb sleeping people.

Ron

alanmalk · 03-16-2022, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

...
A larger one isn't required.
...

Nope, not required, but nice for a couple of "full size" flushes after bedtime (for us old guys). The tank is appx 4 times the volume of the smalller one.

brroberts · 03-16-2022, 06:40 PM

Post 31 of my mods thread has my accumulator install.

https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...tml#post400972

dmc94572 · 03-16-2022, 08:40 PM

Is it just water pressure that operates the accumulator?

alanmalk · 03-16-2022, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmc94572

Is it just water pressure that operates the accumulator?

The tank has two compartments, one for air which is permanent, the other for water that flows in and out. When the pump is ON, the water compartment compresses the air chamber. With the pump OFF and a water tap opened, the compressed air pushes the water back out.

Eggscape · 03-16-2022, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

That's the same size accumulator that I used and have used in every boat and trailer that I've owned. A larger one isn't required.

Yes, they smooth out the pulsing of the shower but the feature that I like the best is that you can get a usable amount of water, including a light flushing of the toilet, without the pump having to start. Probably better for the pump and doesn't disturb sleeping people.

Ron

Exactly…keeps the granddaughter from waking up.

Mike Lewis · 03-16-2022, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanmalk

Nope, not required, but nice for a couple of "full size" flushes after bedtime (for us old guys). The tank is appx 4 times the volume of the smalller one.

Alan- which model is the larger one that you have?

Ron in BC · 03-16-2022, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanmalk

The tank has two compartments, one for air which is permanent, the other for water that flows in and out. When the pump is ON, the water compartment compresses the air chamber. With the pump OFF and a water tap opened, the compressed air pushes the water back out.

Also, the air bladder has a Schrader valve just like an inner tube and the pressure can be adjusted to the manufacturers recommendation. Non-air bladder accumulators need to be topped up from time-to-time.

Ron

MarkinVan · 03-18-2022, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanmalk

Nope, not required, but nice for a couple of "full size" flushes after bedtime (for us old guys). The tank is appx 4 times the volume of the smalller one.

Is the tank you are using the same as the expansion tanks for hot water heaters?
I've heard people picking up the 2 gallon tanks at Home Depot but Home Depot doesn't seem to have accumulator tanks and none of their expansion tanks seem to have an ability to change or adjust pressure.

alanmalk · 03-18-2022, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

Alan- which model is the larger one that you have?

Here is a link - but it is a bit changed since I bought mine 7 years ago. The 2.1 gallon size is the one I bought (or close to it).
Tankless Water Heaters

kathytony1985 · 03-18-2022, 08:04 PM

The documentation for the Shurflo water pump on our 2021 Escape says an accumulator is not beneficial as it doesn't have the same issues as older models. I tend to agree as we have not experienced pulsing nor water temperature fluctuations when showering. Others may have a different experience than us, just wanted to share if it will save someone a few dollars.

Ron in BC · 03-18-2022, 09:51 PM

The documentation does indeed say that it's not required and I've had other brands that did pulse much more than my current one.

However my major reason for having one continues to be that it allows for a usable amount of water to flow without turning the pump on.

Ron

kathytony1985 · 03-18-2022, 09:56 PM

Ah, gotcha. :-)

Illinois Joe · 03-19-2022, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmc94572

With my 2014 19 it has the original ShurFlo water pump dated 2013. As i plan an extended trip thru Mexico, seems a good idea to replace with same new pump. Also add an accumulator that helps somehow while showering. Anyone have any knowledge how and where this accumulator goes with respect to the new to be installed fresh ShurFlow water pump?

I've had them on past RV's. They do help to reduce pump on/off cycling especially when you have the faucet on for just a trickle of water coming out. Regarding where to put it, I believe the instructions for a Shurflo accumulator show that you can put it anywhere in the piping downstream of the pump (i.e. pressure side). Just put it somewhere easy to access so you can top off the air pressure side as needed.

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