Shop Marine Water System Accumulator Tanks at West Marine
If you own a boat with a pressurized freshwater system that suffers from frequent, noisy pump on/off cycling, we suggest you consider adding an accumulator tank to the system. An accumulator tank can resolve issues caused by fluctuating water pressure, especially when multiple outlets are used at once or when a single outlet is partially opened. These conditions often force the pump to cycle rapidly, leading to noise and excess wear.
How do accumulator tanks work?
An accumulator tank acts as a pressure-stabilizing reservoir. Inside the tank, a bladder separates air and water. When the pump turns on, it pushes water into the bladder, compressing the surrounding air. That compressed air then pushes water out when needed, helping deliver a consistent flow and reducing pump cycling.
Functions of accumulator tanks include the following:
- Water Storage: Provides a small reserve of pressurized water for immediate demand, especially when multiple outlets are used simultaneously.
- Pressure Stabilization: Helps maintain steady water pressure by using compressed air to push water through the system when the pump is off.
- Reduced Pump Cycling: Minimizes the number of pump starts and stops, lowering noise and extending pump life.
Where do you install an accumulator tank?
Accumulator tanks are usually installed on the discharge side of the freshwater pressure pump. Proper placement and tank sizing are important for optimal performance, ensuring the tank holds enough volume to meet your system’s peak demand without overloading the pump.
Brands and Capacities of Accumulator Tanks
West Marine carries accumulator tanks from Jabsco, Shurflo, Flojet, Groco, and Johnson Pump. Tank options include plastic, steel, and stainless steel construction with a range of capacities and pre-charged pressures. Select a tank that matches your pump's flow rate and your system’s demand profile.
Summary
Accumulator tanks provide smoother water flow, less pump wear, and quieter operation. Adding one to your onboard water system is a simple way to improve comfort and performance.