What is an accumulator - in plumbing terms?

murphydog999

Hi,
I would appreciate if could someone explain what an 'accumulator' is please - in laymans terms - with relation to a plumbing system, and how it works?

Owain_Moneysaver

It's a system used when mains pressure is low, to provide better water pressure at the taps.
http://www.tradeplumbing.co.uk/Cold-Water-Accumulator-Improving-Water-Pressure_c_1385.html

molerat

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydraulic_accumulator gives a basic idea of how it works

murphydog999

Thanks chaps, we are trying to work out whether a pressurised cylinder or this would be a more cost-effective option that gives the same results?

ormus

even a water storage tank high up, can be called an accumulator.
just another name for any form of stored energy.