A pressure tank also known as an accumulator tank will give you a smoother water flow, quieter operation, will save your battery power and will extend the life of your pump. A must for every set up!
What is a pressure tank?
A pressure tank is a bladder type pressure storage vessel and/or pulsation-dampening device designed to hold water under pressure. It extends the time the pump is on and off in each cycle due to the pressure switch not tripping so often. This extends pump life, makes less noise, quietens water hammering and cycling and gives a more consistent flow rate. The pressure tank can also be used to moderate the water flow to match your Hot Water Service.
What can happen if I don't have a pressure tank on my pump system?
Your plumbing will work without a pressure tank, but if your pump does not have a bypass or is not a smart pump, we recommend it particularly when you have a shower or a toilet where the pump is rarely operating at 100%. Without a pressure tank or accumulator tank the strain will be on your pressure switch, which may cause it to fail early at an inconvenient moment.
Can I add a pressure tank to my current water pump setup?
Pressure tanks can be fitted to new or existing pump system installations.
Where do I position the pressure tank on my water pump system?
You position a pressure tank (accumulator tank) on the outlet side of the pump before the water heater or outlets. The pressure tank usually sits side by side with your pump.
Does my Smart Sensor 12v water pump require a pressure tank?
Pressure tanks or accumulator tanks are not always required for Smart sensor pumps such as the Jabsco ParMax and Shurflo pumps as these pumps will speed-up and slow-down as required to meet the demand for water. Pumps with Smart Sensors or Built in Bypasses are dearer options to purchase initially but should give you trouble free operation for many years. If you do have pressure switch failure on this type of pump the system is telling you it needs a pressure tank added to your system.
Does my 12v FL diaphragm water pump need a pressure tank?
FL diaphragm pressure pumps such as the Escaping Outdoors FL range of pumps are a great alternative, very popular and suit most budgets. They operate at one speed and are best used in conjunction with a pressure tank or accumulator tank.
Example: Your outlet releases 8 litres per minute. The pump releases 17 litres per minute. You now have an inbalance of 9 litres per minute of water pressure in your system.
When you have an inbalance of pressure, this puts the pump under immense load. The excess pressure goes back to the pumps diaphragm. The pump does not like this and the pressure switch will eventually fail or burn out in order to protect the pumps motor. The pump will stop operating. At this point many people think their pump has failed, but it is actually the pressure switch failing when it is protecting the pump. To deal with the excess water pressure you simply add a pressure tank to your system and you will have a smooth hassle free system.
How does a pressure tank help with cycling and water hammering in a water pump system?
The addition of the pressure tank helps to quieten your pump and reduces pump cycling and hammering. When the tap is turned on the excess water which is held in accumulated storage in the pressure tank will be released to the outlet first. This means the pump does not have to turn on until the stored water has first been used. Thus extending pump life, battery life and giving you a smoother quieter operation.
- Pressure tanks or accumulator tanks for caravans and RV's
- Pressure tanks or accumulator tanks for coffee carts and food vans
- Pressure tanks or accumulator tanks for boats and marine craft
- Pressure tanks for domestic use
Paul Girdler, Managing Director/ Sales
Water Pumps Now Your Online Pump Shop
We welcome your enquiry. Check out Water Pumps Now full range of pump products.
