HOW TO INSTALL SALAMANDER’S ACCUBOOST – A 10 STEP GUIDE

Accumulator tanks are an efficient solution to deal with the problem of low mains water pressure and flow in a home. Ideal for use with mains fed systems such as combination boilers and unvented cylinders, the new AccuBoost range by Salamander Pumps, one the UK’s leading manufacturers of low water pressure solutions, features nine different models of accumulators (five pumped and four unpumped), and is designed to provide an easy to specify and install solution to all domestic and light commercial mains water boosting needs.

Pre-installation

It’s important to ensure you specify the right model for the job, including the size of the tank you need and whether you need a pumped or unpumped version.

As a general rule of thumb, you should install a pumped tank if the home’s water pressure is less than 2.0 bar, the water flow is less than 12l/min, or the highest outlet is on the second floor or higher. However, this wouldn’t apply if you have a lead or restrictive mains.

To specify which size tank is required, you should calculate the flow rate per minute of the outlets you want to run at any one time, and then identify which size tank will provide this flow rate for a minimum of 9 minutes (the average length of a shower).

Installation

Once you’ve identified which AccuBoost model you need, you can then begin the simple installation process. AccuBoost accumulators come fully built, with the exception of the 450 litre pumped unit where the pump simply needs to be attached to the vessel, meaning little or no assembly is required during installation.

1.      Choose the right location



AccuBoost tanks can be installed in various locations such as kitchen cupboards, larder-style cupboards or in a garage - wherever it can be connected to the mains water supply. Make sure the location of the accumulator tank is easily accessible, should any maintenance work need to be carried out in future.

If you’re installing a pumped model, the pump must be connected after the stopcock. However, unpumped models are more flexible in terms of location.

The installation location must also have adequate thermal protection and ventilation to protect the AccuBoost tank, pump and associated pipework from temperature extremes.

2.      Unbox the product

When you unbox the AccuBoost tank, make sure to read the installation guide. It may sound obvious, but this should always be your first port of call – the guide includes a pre-installation checklist, product descriptions and technical specifications, step-by-step instructions, as well as helpful tips, which all help to ensure a smooth installation process.

3.      Turn off the mains

Once you’ve read the installation guide, turn off the home’s mains water supply and drain down the system. 

4.      Re-route the mains cold feed

After you’ve drained the system, make a provision for the cold mains to be taken to the AccuBoost tank and re-route the existing mains cold feed to taps and the rest of the house.

5.      Install the valves



Next, you need to install a pressure reducing valve, as well as a double-check valve. If you’re installing an unpumped tank, it’s also recommended that you fit an inline filter after the stop tap, as this will allow the system to retain the built-up pressure.

At this point, there is a crucial difference between pumped and unpumped models. If you’re fitting a pumped tank, you should fit a maintenance bypass. However, if you’re installing an unpumped tanked, you need to install a full-bore isolation valve.

6.      Set the pressure (unpumped models only)



If you’re installing an unpumped model, you need to set the pressure to be 1.5bar less than the natural mains pressure.

This does not apply for pumped models, as the pre-charge air pressure of the tank is already pre-set.

7.      Fit the filter washers (pumped models only)

For pumped AccuBoost models, make sure to fit the filter washer to the inlet of the pump, and ensure the standard flat washer  is on the outlets.

8.      Create a connection to the mains



If you’re fitting a pumped AccuBoost model, you now need to create a connection from the mains to the pump inlet, as well as a connection from the AccuBoost pump outlet to the system. Pumped models also need a connection to the system from the pump outlet.

For unpumped tanks, you need to create a direct connection between the cold mains and the AccuBoost tank.

9.      Turn the stop tap back on



Once you have made these connections, you can then turn the stop tap back on and open the isolation valves, to allow water in and out of the AccuBoost tank.

Pumped models will then need to be plugged in and switched on.

10.      Installation complete

The installation process is now complete and the mains water pressure and flow around the home should be noticeably improved.

Before: 



After:



For more information on Salamander Pumps’ AccuBoost range visit https://www.salamanderpumps.co.uk/range/accuboost/28