thinking about getting a new accumulator tank...

[ChattingLil]

Our accumulator seems to be as good as useless and received wisdom is to repressurise it. However, it appears to be ancient and unmarked, so we don't know what it is and despite our best efforts we cannot find the valve. Well, what we have found is several horribly rusted blobs and a hole in the top - so I suspect the hole is where the valve would have been - which would explain why it doesn't work...

anyhoo - this has led me to consider just ditching it and replacing with something nice and shiny. Is it easy to do? Assume it's just a matter of disconnecting and reconnecting pipes and then pressurising as per instructions?

Any pitfalls I think to think about?
Any makes/models to avoid?

On a related matter - does anyone else get a lot of condensation on the tank? Can or should an accumulator tank be lagged?

Ours is in the back of the bin cupboard - so I suppose it does get quite moist in there with food waste and teabags, etc. It's also open to the bilges.

 

[Vara]

What domestic water pump do you have, quite a lot of them don't need an accumulator. One less thing to break/maintain.

 

[Cloven]

Very easy to fit as long as you have reasonable access. I have two, one just after the cold water pump and a second one just after the hot water outlet from the calorifier. Latter is probably not strictly necessary but I put it in anyway after a hot water pipe detached itself due to excess pressure. Simple plumbing fittings and they should come already pressurised. Neither of mine have had to be touched since they were fitted. Cold water one is original so about 15 years use and hot water one about 10 years. Both however are in areas that are dry.

 

[vyv_cox]

There are two types, one with an air valve, one without. Those with a valve normally contain a diaphragm, those without usually don't. Diaphragm ones can be mounted any way up, those without must have the water connections at the bottom. Many motorhomes and caravans have plastic ones, cheaper and corrosion free. One here, although may be a little small for a large yacht. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ACCUMULAT...cessories_SM&hash=item43b76afc00#ht_576wt_958

 

[nigelmercier]

I've just bought a tiny surge damper (perhaps 0.5 litre) that plugs into a Whale push-fit socket. I can find details if interested.

[Later] Like this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002HNOZ90/dolcetto-21