Accumulator Pressure

[JoeC]

I have fitted a new replacement 5 litre accumulator as the old one was leaking but I do not have a tyre pressure gauge to check the pressure.

 

The Jabsco water pump is rated at 25 psi and the new accumulator was supplied with about 35 psi and I have read that the accumulator should be set around 3 psi lower than the water pump so 22 psi. Until I can get hold of a pressure gauge what kind of issues or problems could the cold water system experience running at 35 psi?

 

Thank you

Joe

[Paul C]

The water system won't be running at 35psi

[TandC]

this is a helpful thread 

 

[MtB]

54 minutes ago, Paul C said:

The water system won't be running at 35psi

 

Quite possibly will, actually!

 

Most water pumps cut in and out around 2 Bar and a Bar is 15psi approx. So 2 Bar is 30psi and the upper bound for the pressure switch to turn off could easily be approaching 35psi.

 

 

https://www.force4.co.uk/item/Jabsco/Par-Max-3-Water-Pressure-Pump-40PSI/2A0H

 

 

Edit to add: 

I now notice the OP specifically states he has a 25psi pump! 

 

 

Edited March 24 by MtB

[ditchcrawler]

@Tracy D'arth  has away of doing it without a pressure gauge 

[Paul C]

1 hour ago, JoeC said:

 

 

The Jabsco water pump is rated at 25 psi

 

[MtB]

1 hour ago, MtB said:

 

Edit to add: 

I now notice the OP specifically states he has a 25psi pump! 

 

 

[BEngo]

22 psi is too high. For best effect the accumulator  wants to be set about 1 -2 psi below the cut in pressure , not the cut out pressure. 

 

You can find the cut in pressure by setting the accumulator to about 10 psi,  then open a tap to run slowly and turn the pump and tap OFF immediately the pump starts to run.  Measure the presure.  This is the cut in pressure. Note it for future use.

Open a tap until water stops. Pump the accumulator up to about 1 or 2 psi less than  the pressure measured previously. 

Turn the taps off and the pump ON.

 

Job jobbed.

 

Or try Tracy's method.

 

N

[Tracy D'arth]

To save you searching for it here is the Tracy D'arth  method that works.

 

"How to correctly pressurise an accumulator.

 

You need a bicycle or foot pump which will attach to the schrader valve on the end  of the accumulator.

Switch off the pump electric supply.

Open a tap.

Pump air in, water may run from the tap,, until some resistance is felt to pumping and then a little more. How much depends on the size of the accumulator but you will not damage it unless you go mad. Remove the pump.

Close the tap.

Switch on the pump and allow it to pump until it stops.

Very slowly let air out of the accumulator by pressing the pin in the valve, stop letting air out as soon as the pump starts up again. Pump will run and then stop.

Job done, the accumulator is now correctly pressurised to a tad under the pump cut in pressure whatever that may be."

 

[steve hayes]

I was told and have done set it to about half the cut off pressure, worked well for me.