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The accumulator has a pressurized built-in diaphragm, instead of just an air pocket at top of the tank. The diaphragm cushions against surges to assure a smooth flow. It works with pressures up to 125 PSI. although ~25 PSI is typical. It connects to the main water distribution line after the water pump. The housing is made from (nylon) plastic. This unit mounts in any position, up, down, even sideways as seen on the right. (the mounting bracket is included). Note; a larger accumulator would be even more effective, but due to space limitations this 24oz. unit is the practical choice. |
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| As an "added bonus", the diaphragm within the accumulator acts to dampen a small percentage of water pump noise and vibration. | ||||||||||||||||||
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hardest part of this project lay in creating proper routing of water
lines. Taking a cue from another pop-up enthusiast, I used "Flair-It
Fittings", reusable flared-cone and nut fittings designed for
normal, hot, and cold potable water. No crimping tools, cements, solder,
or Teflon tape needed when using "Flair-It-Fittings". "PEX"
tubing used in most RV's today is designed to be used with these fittings,
when working on a project like this be sure to purchase some PEX tubing
for the project. Gray polybutylene tubing
used in older RV's will work as well. Although these fittings work well,
and I haven't had any leaks, it can be a challenge assembling everything. Shoving
the PEX tubing onto the flared-cone of the fittings will take a strong
grip. You can purchase a tool to tighten the nut fittings, I found a
standard pair of pliers worked just fine. Some "tips"... I've tried soaking the tubing in hot
water, with marginal success. Spraying silicone into the end of the
tubing works better. Finally, do yourself a favor and buy a cheep pair
of tubing cutters, I tried cutting the tube
without cutters and found it to be a pain-in-the-a**.
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| Below are sample pictures of some Flair-It-Fittings | ||||||||||||||||||
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some of the above pictures and text copied from "R&G mobile home supply" |
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Supplies for this mod. consist of an "Accumulator", "PEX" tubing, "Flair-It-Fittings", "Tubing cutters", and a healthy hand "grip". All of the above listed supplies can be found at either "Camping World" or "Home Depot".
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"Water surge" is commonplace in Pop-Up trailers. When you open up the
faucet all the way, you run out of water fast.
When you open up the faucet a little, water flow surges on and off in an undesirable
manner. An accumulator acts like a water system
"shock absorber"
to even out the surging. It will also help to create efficient use of your water
system.
