Accumulator Tank Adjustment Question

StepheninDen

I just installed an accumulator tank (SeaFlo 0.75L) in my 2014 T@B CS-S. I’ve had my T@B for a couple of years but only just started making any mods. This was my first plumbing venture 😅.  Install went well but took awhile due to the tight space. In the CS-S the water pump is in the kitchen hatch on top of the freshwater tank. 

I was hoping that it would keep the pump from turning on at all for a nighttime bathroom trip or two but I only seem to get about a cup of water before the pump turns on (although it is quieter). Is this normal or do I need to adjust the tank pressure? Looks like the cut in pressure for my ShurFlo pump is 40 psi. I charged the accumulator tank to 38 psi per the installation instructions. Is anyone getting more “quiet time” from theirs? Thanks in advance for any advice!!

Sharon_is_SAM

Maybe you should just use water from a jug to flush during the night.  Also, if the system is pressurized, you may be able to flush at least once without the pump.

StepheninDen

Actually flushing with a water jug should work now! My 2014 T@B CS-S isn’t pressurized (the accumulator tank now does that) so the problem with that system in the past was that as soon as you pull the flush handle the pump would turn on and in the clamshell the pump switch is in the rear hatch so you had to remember to turn that off before going to bed. The new accumulator tank should give me enough time to flush but not enough to fill the bowl. Thanks for reminding me that the jug can now help Sharon is SAM!

That said I was hoping that given the tank holds .75L, that I could get more than a cup before activating the pump. Anyone getting different results or is this normal?

jimcenname

Alde recommends keeping an air cushion in the water heater. When I combine that with my shurflo accumulator I can get over 20 fluid ounces of water out of the system while the pump is turned off all night. Good for a couple of quick flushes.

StepheninDen

Thanks @jimcenname. How do you create an air cushion in your hot water tank? I’ve got a 2014 T@B, so not sure it’s something I have control of. Do you remember what pressure you have your accumulator tank set to? 

Horigan

The air cushion is created whenever you drain and refill the hot water tank via the yellow flapper pressure relief valve.  It's recommended to do this every ten days of use or so.

Denny16

No need to completely drain the hot water tank, just lift the flipper valve for a few seconds, air cushion is restored.  You only need to do this after using the hot water system for three or four days of use.
 Cheers 

jimcenname

@StepheninDen below is a clip of the Alde instruction. I have 30PSI in my Shurflo Accumulator. 

Denny16

Jim, yes after,10 days of use, draining and refilling is always a good idea.  Between times, just flipping the safety drain valve for a few seconds, helps to maintain the air cushion, every three or four days. I think the Alde manual has a typo on one of the 10 day references.  
 Cheers 

StepheninDen

Thank you!! Very helpful to know both for the original accumulator tank question and protecting the alde hot water system!