"Hammering" or pulsation in a potable water system can be prevented by adding which component?

Adding an accumulator to a potable water system effectively mitigates "hammering" or pulsation. An accumulator is a pressure vessel that absorbs fluctuations in pressure caused by the operation of pumps or other system components. When the pump cycles on and off, it creates sudden changes in water pressure, which can lead to the characteristic hammering noise and potential damage to pipes and fittings.

The accumulator functions by storing a certain amount of water under pressure, which can be released or absorbed to smooth out these rapid changes in pressure. When water is drawn from the system, the accumulator provides a buffer that helps maintain consistent pressure, thus preventing the adverse effects of hammering.

While other components, such as relief valves, manifolds, and flex tubes, play important roles in plumbing and water systems, they do not specifically address the issue of pulsation as effectively as an accumulator. Relief valves primarily serve to prevent over-pressure situations by releasing excess pressure, while manifolds assist in directing water flow to various outlets, and flex tubes provide flexibility and movement in the piping system. However, none of these components are designed to cushion the impact of pressure changes in the way an accumulator does.