Accumulator

[Diane jones]

Hi everyone. Our cold water feed accumulator has packed up. We have looked at a few, some say not potable that's not an issue we don't drink from the tank. A lot are marked as hot water accumulators. Does this mean that they are not suitable gor our requirements.

Thanks in advance

Diane 

[Sea Dog]

For what it's worth, your fresh water system is supposed to be potable so, whether you drink from it or not, you ought really to fit the right accumulator. They're not difficult to source  and when you sell your boat, someone may well use the system as intended without knowing you've fitted the wrong type. I doubt there's much in it price wise.

[MtB]

2 hours ago, Diane jones said:

Hi everyone. Our cold water feed accumulator has packed up.

 

What happened to it? Most can be re-pressurised. But if its leaking, a new one is easiest. 

 

On bigger ones a new bladder is sometimes available but is probably more trouble than its worth, fitting a new bladder.

[blackrose]

The cheaper accumulator tanks and hot water pressure vessels marked "not potable" are likely to have internal metal surfaces which aren't made from stainless or other corrosion proof materials and are intended for central heating systems filled with water and antifreeze or corrosion inhibitors. 

 

It doesn't matter if you drink it or not, if filled with fresh water they will rust though in about a year. 

 

Guess how I know? 🥴

57 minutes ago, MtB said:

 

What happened to it? Most can be re-pressurised. But if its leaking, a new one is easiest. 

 

Yes, have you tried pumping it up to the correct pressure* using a bicycle pump and a tyre pressure gauge?

 

*That's 3 or 4 psi below your water pump's cut-in pressure, set with the pump switched off and a couple of taps left open so there's no pressure in the system. 

Edited February 25 by blackrose

[Diane jones]

It's burst so we will need to replace. In all honesty we were looking for the cheapest solution. However after all the advice I've received on this forum we've decided to go with a decent potable accumulator. 

Thanks to everyone who replied I've learnt so much from you all.

[Tony Brooks]

3 minutes ago, Diane jones said:

It's burst so we will need to replace. In all honesty we were looking for the cheapest solution. However after all the advice I've received on this forum we've decided to go with a decent potable accumulator. 

Thanks to everyone who replied I've learnt so much from you all.

 

Have you seen this one

 

https://www.screwfix.com/p/flomasta-potable-expansion-vessel-18ltr/148kk

 

other sizes available.

[bizzard]

I made mine. Champagne bottle with a half blown up balloon inside with a Tee piece araldited into the neck for the pipes.

[MtB]

1 hour ago, bizzard said:

I made mine. Champagne bottle with a half blown up balloon inside with a Tee piece araldited into the neck for the pipes.

 

Cheaper to buy the correct item, I'd have thought! 

 

Champagne £50

Araldite £7

Balloon £1

Tee piece £3

[Jen-in-Wellies]

1 minute ago, MtB said:

 

Cheaper to buy the correct item, I'd have thought! 

 

Champagne £50

Araldite £7

Balloon £1

Tee piece £3

I suspect @bizzard had a champagne bottle already. Hick!

[Tony Brooks]

I think that a clear plastic pop bottle would do the job, having seen what happened when a full one fell off the roof of a car and promptly shot across the road.

[Onewheeler]

1 hour ago, Tony Brooks said:

I think that a clear plastic pop bottle would do the job, having seen what happened when a full one fell off the roof of a car and promptly shot across the road.

Can you suggest one with BS threads for the top?

[Tony Brooks]

40 minutes ago, Onewheeler said:

Can you suggest one with BS threads for the top?

 

No, but I use a pop bottle with a commercial vehicle tyre valve, sans valve core nutted into the cap to make a water rocket, I am sure something similar could be done