IN hiking conditions either in country house the presence of a shower is a pressing issue. Often, in order to wash in uncomfortable conditions, you need to find a large container (basin, bucket), then fill it warm water, and then use a ladle or mug to begin the washing process. This method, although real, creates a lot of problems. Therefore, the best option for a dacha is a do-it-yourself stomp shower, a video about which you can see below.
The peculiarity of this shower is that it is compact, while the water flow is controlled by the foot. Also, the system does not provide for the presence of mechanical elements, which indicates its strength. In addition, even the youngest family members can operate this device without the help of elders, since it is absolutely safe.
Hygiene is just as important on the go as it is at home. Sometimes, in order to wash yourself at the dacha, you need to do a lot of inconvenient manipulations (find a container, heat the water, pour it on yourself, etc.), so you can’t dream of evenly distributing the water. But uncomfortable natural conditions can be made more comfortable thanks to a portable shower trampler.
The trample foot shower is easy to transport, making it convenient to use almost anywhere. It can be placed in a spacious backpack, and the corrugated cable can be easily twisted, thanks to which it folds compactly and does not deform at all. Such a device is best option for hiking, as well as suburban areas that do not have the special benefits of civilization.
This type of shower is easy to use in the location of a standard country shower and even in a tent, as well as in a cabin or in an open space. The area of operation of this water device is quite wide, since it not only performs its original functions, but can also be used to water flower beds and vegetable gardens in the country. Thanks to the length of the corrugated hose, it is simple and easy to draw water, for example, from a well or borehole, if there are any within the site.
A trample shower is also used to wash various objects and surfaces: cars, floor coverings, rugs, asphalt and even windows in the house. It is also convenient to use inside a home where there is no warm water. There will always be a job for this useful plumbing element; it will never gather dust somewhere on the outer shelves of the pantry.
How the device works
To understand the principle of operation of a trampler, you first need to understand the features of its structure. The design of the shower consists of several elements:
- watering can (nozzle);
- rubber mat or pedals;
- corrugated hose that does not allow water to pass through;
- valves;
- water intake corrugated tube.
In principle, the corrugation is replaced with standard tubes, but then you should be prepared for the fact that they will need to be changed frequently, since such products often break at the bends during operation.
Portable shower-treadmill
Preparatory process for carrying out water activities using a shower-treadmill
- First, the hose, at the end of which the nozzle is attached, is hung on optimal height so that the watering can is above your head.
- Pedals or a mat are placed under your feet.
- One end of the tube is immersed in a container filled with hot water. Any solid container that holds a large amount of water can be used as a container: buckets, tank, canisters, large pans, etc.
- The person presses the mat with his foot, as a result of which warm water begins to flow from the container, entering the hose with a watering can.
The treadmill shower (see the video of its operation below) operates on a similar principle to a foot pump, which is why it has another name - a pneumatic shower.
Specifics of application of this sanitary product The fact is that, if desired, you can stop the water flow, while your hands are not busy, and this is very convenient for washing. Therefore, such a device is an excellent imitation of real shower equipment.
Advantages
- Basic operation of a shower structure. You just need to insert the tube into a container of water, and then take a couple of steps on the mat to start the system.
- Saving. The average price for a structure is approximately 1,500 rubles. Compared to traditional shower on suburban area this will significantly save money and time resources.
- Mobility. The system is simply disassembled and assembled, making it easy to transport to any location.
- Versatility. As mentioned above, in addition to main function You can water the beds with trample, as well as wash large surfaces.
- Compactness. The parameters of the shower lie in its design features, the mechanism consists of a rubberized mat and two tubes.
Water pressure
The shower is a stomp, user reviews confirm this, it absolutely depends on the person. In other words, the formation of a smooth water flow is influenced by the frequency of steps. When the movements stop, the water will stop flowing.
Shower stomp in action
At first, this feature may seem very inconvenient, but as a result, water costs are significantly saved. Thanks to this mechanism, a person needs about 10 liters of water to fully take water procedures. In particular, this design even makes it possible to do a little aerobics while taking a shower, which contributes to good fitness and significantly improves mood.
Portable shower for the dacha “Toptun-mini”
If there is no connection to the pipeline at the place where the plumbing product is used, then help will come"Toptoon-mini." It is almost the same as a standard trampoline, but its difference is that the mini models do not have a rubber mat. IN standard form there are 2 cylinders on the mat that you constantly need to press on to pump water, and the mini version has an autonomous cylinder made of medresin. However, such products function in the same way as a classic trampoline.
I would like to note that the cost of a mini shower is almost half that of a standard one. For example, a full-fledged model with a mat costs about 45 USD. e., and mini – about 25 cu. e. The economic factor plays a significant role in choosing a model; for these reasons, before purchasing, it is worth deciding whether it makes sense to pay double the price just for the presence of a rubber mat.
Shower stomp in action
Stomper - optimal solution for conditions where there is no running water, as it is an excellent alternative to a stationary shower. And the ease of use robust design and complete safety of operation makes it possible to use it even for children.
How to make a shower stomp with your own hands
This device is very simple, so you can make it yourself. The following items must be purchased:
- Shower Heads; foot pump for cars;
- a plastic tank with a lid;
- rubber hoses;
- wooden or rubber stopper;
- metal or plastic tube.
Manufacturing stages
- The tank is filled with water and heated under the hot rays of the sun.
- Two holes are made in the cork various sizes(1 and 2 centimeters).
- Tubes are inserted into the holes made in the cork. Through the larger hole (2 cm), the tube should touch the bottom of the tank.
- Rubber hoses are placed over the tubes.
- The foot pump that supplies air to the container is mounted in a smaller tube.
- A shower head is attached to a large hose.
- You can also build a holder for a shower head and other amenities: a wall and a fence.
Area of use of the foot shower
In addition to its main function, the device pumping water from the tank is used:
- for watering trees, flower beds and beds;
- for washing paths near the house, cars, windows and other objects;
- for spraying plants (for example, seedlings).
A do-it-yourself trampoline shower (see assembly photo on the website) is not intended for use in an apartment if there is no hot water in it. It is better to leave such work to models (portable shower structure), which can be purchased in a special store.
However, using this device regularly is not always convenient. After all, it cannot be compared with a stationary shower with a tank and a comfortable cubicle, where there is room for bath items and towels. In addition, in bad weather conditions (rain), the water in the tank will not heat up to desired temperature, for these reasons it is better to Summer shower was equipped with an electric heating element. But as a temporary option, a shower stomp is quite appropriate. It can be assembled with your own hands or purchased assembled in a store that sells goods for fishing, recreation and gardening.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that the trampoline has a lot of possibilities, because it is convenient to use in any conditions and even in a room where there is no centralized water supply. Through this device, a warm, regular water flow is achieved, electricity is saved, and during water activities, a person engages in useful aerobics.
Portable shower-treadmill
Shower-treadmill for a summer residence
Shower stomp in action
Shower stomp in action
Treadmill shower design
Portable shower-treadmill for a summer residence
Using a portable shower
A modern resident of a metropolis does not consider it possible to give up the usual everyday amenities. When going to the country or just for a picnic, he does not want to sacrifice any comfortable conditions. Not to mention important hygiene procedures. But outside the city there is not always the opportunity to swim properly. The demand for devices for water procedures in mobile design is great. And if your dacha does not have an ordinary bathroom with all the necessary attributes, you can always take a portable shower with you for your dacha, thereby compensating for the lack of its stationary counterpart. What attracts buyers with this product:
Types of portable showers and their installation
Products vary in price, operational characteristics and a set of options. All of them are maximally adapted for easy installation and easy to operate. They can be divided according to the principle of operation and into two main types:
The convenience and ease of use were highly appreciated by the owners of these devices. It can be used not only in the country, but also as a portable shower for a hike, where it can come in very handy. The lack of electricity forces us to abandon heated products, but there are very interesting models, which are ideal for individual use in unsuitable places.
For example, a portable “treadmill” shower does not even need to be hung somewhere. The water supply will be provided by a pump built into a special mechanism. By moving from foot to foot, the user puts it into action. Two pistons create required pressure to feed it into the hose. By the way, this design is appreciated by car enthusiasts who happily use it to wash their cars. An ideal solution when there is no electricity or water. Fill the container with warm water and use the device where necessary.
Products without forced heating have a dark body to effectively absorb the thermal energy of the sun. If you fill such a shower with water and hang it, then in sunny weather you can use it in a couple of hours. If the container is placed on a hot surface (concrete, asphalt, metal), the time will be reduced. The standard capacity that comes with a portable shower is 20 liters, which is enough to use it for up to 10 minutes.
If you plan to travel by car, then it would be wise to purchase a portable heated shower powered by a car cigarette lighter. In this case, warm water will be guaranteed anywhere and at any time of the day.
A camping or recreation area on the site will be much more comfortable if you install a good portable heated shower for the cottage and equip it with a lightweight cabin made of synthetic fabric on a metal frame. As a rule, there is a place inside for fixing the hose. The throughput of this design is high, and it can serve many people. There will be no need to leave the recreation area. The Fanline portable shower, which is available in various power modifications, has excellent prospects for these purposes.
Except direct use, some models of this type of product are used for other purposes. For example, if you need to move liquid from one container to another. Or pump the water out of the basement. These tasks are easily handled by a portable shower pump for a summer residence, which processes up to 5500 liters per hour.
Home craftsmen often show ingenuity and use products own production. It's great when the owner is a jack of all trades. But it is strongly not recommended to make a portable shower water heater for your home or garden yourself. Using heating elements or other similar elements operating from the network is dangerous to life and health. When designing and manufacturing original factory products, a large margin of reliability is built in. The connection diagram and design were tested for a long time on experimental samples, until the designers were convinced that a portable shower with a water heater for a summer cottage of this design could be put into production. IN in this case to invent yourself is to endanger not only your life, but also the health of your family and others.
1. Last year’s trip to Kyrgyzstan was, in fact, our first serious trip, which clearly showed the strengths and weak sides our car and the organization of expeditionary life in general.
As I mentioned, each day began with three quests: find water, find a grocery store, and throw out trash. Let's take a closer look at the first one.
2. In general, for five people we had one such 10-liter expeditionary water canister (by the way, very convenient), as well as a 20-liter reserve canister in Def, which we only used a couple of times, since it was located far away and uncomfortable. Practice has shown that 10 liters for preparing food for five people, washing hands and dishes is generally “nothing”. So we had to collect water often, and at the first opportunity Lesha klimovs_travels ran to the nearest source with a canister, elevating this process into a kind of ritual. :)
Well, it’s one thing when the procedure is one-time (you can easily wash your hands/vegetables at a picnic using a five-liter bottle), another when you do this constantly for a couple of weeks, and sometimes ask others to help you (hold the same canister). 
3. The issue of washing during the expedition was no less relevant. Three long days of travel through dusty Kazakhstan exhausted us greatly, and when we saw the waters of the Syr Darya, they seemed like salvation to us!
In those days that we spent the night on the shore of Issyk-Kul, we swam in it in the evening and in the morning. But when we were riding in the mountains, washing was more difficult. 
Finally, I’ll add that I personally am the kind of person that after a hard day of travel, exhausted, I can just go to sleep in my clothes, but the next morning, in order to finally wake up, water procedures are simply vital for me. After washing away all the dirt and dust, you feel like a different person. An awakened man! :)
In general, the problem was clear and, having arrived home, I began to think about how to solve it.
4. In Def, as a rule, before installing anything useful, you need to remove something less useful to free up space. :) This time the pen turned out to be “less useful” back door and a rear view mirror. Mirror - “why does a truck need it at all?” (With) gazzzaloddi
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5. In place of the rear door handle there is a mount for a 10-liter water canister. 
6. Exactly the same one that we used in Kyrgyzstan and was successfully forgotten at customs during the inspection of cars. 
7. A little later, a tap with a water hose appeared at the canister, and now it became possible to wash hands/vegetables/dishes alone, without outside help. This is really a very convenient thing. 
8. Towards the end of winter, before the start of the new season, I began to think about a mobile shower again. Well, the shower should be hot - I think this is obvious to everyone? :)
Two domestic boilers for 500 and 1000 watts were purchased from the Elektromontazh store closest to the house. Five hundred meters turned out to be not enough during testing, but kilowatts are just right. It melted a bottle of ice in about 25 minutes when running on an inverter. 
9. Next, a 52-liter yacht water tank was purchased, which together with the canister on the door gave a total volume of 62 liters of water. As practice has shown, two people require approximately 15 liters of water per day - 10 for washing and about 5 for household needs. Sometimes it took less, sometimes more. Thus, the autonomy is 4 days, if you don’t skimp on water at all, and about a week if you save. 
10. The tank was chosen for a reason - its dimensions perfectly matched the dimensions of the side niche in my sleeping system. 
11. It fit millimeter by millimeter like it was originally, there was no need to secure it at all - the front part of it rested against the bulkhead of the body and the backs of the seats. 
12. In the same store as the tank (unobtrusive advertising in the frame), water pumps used on yachts and motorhomes were purchased. One of them was carefully implanted inside. 
13. The small fitting is the water outlet from the pump, the large one is for filling the tank. A power wire passed through the free hole; later everything was coated with sealant. 
14. Since heating 52 liters of water in the main tank is simply impractical (in terms of time and energy expended), I make a wide hole in the top of the canister... 
15. ...Where did the boiler and pump of the car shower ordered in "Expedition" go? The pump turned out to be weak and died quite quickly... 
16. ...After which it was replaced with the “correct” one, bought in the same store. Looking ahead, I will say that its only drawback is that it cannot work for a long time without water, therefore, you have to monitor the pressure and turn off the pump manually in time. 
17. The tank is installed in its place in the car and lined with plywood. 
18. Closer to the door I installed a 220 volt outlet for a kettle and water heating. 
19. Along the perimeter of the door and along the corrugation with standard wiring there was 220V power for the boiler, 12V power for the shower pump and a black hose for refilling the canister from the main tank. 
20. I connect the wiring, hoses and mount the main tank pump switch. 
21. Installing a water thermometer. It was 4 degrees outside then, and the water heated up to a comfortable 38-40 degrees in 15 minutes. 
22. Not very visible, but from the hot water is coming steam. By the way, there is a convenient water pressure regulator on the shower. 
23. Complete system. The black hose is for filling the canister with water from the main tank, the red hose is for the shower outlet. 
24. If necessary, the canister can be filled manually, in case problems arise with the pump. 
25. Since laziness is the engine of progress, and you don’t always want to manually fill the main tank, a third pump with a long hose, powered by a cigarette lighter, has settled in Def. Here's what it looked like when tested. 
26. And here it is - in real conditions in Kazakhstan. I bought a 10-liter polyethylene bucket from Sportmaster, which when folded takes up virtually no space. We stop near a water pump, fill a bucket, and throw it into it submersible pump, wire into the cigarette lighter - and the process began, as they say! :) 
27. You can also use a pump and a bucket to wash off dust and dirt from your car yourself, which is what we did in the Boguty Mountains. Def also enjoys water procedures! :)
If anything, there are very few car washes in Kazakhstan, since all the locals wash their cars themselves. 
28. Well, if any of the pumps fail, I always have a spare one with me - again, we duplicate important components. 
29. After arrival, fittings for quickly connecting hoses were installed in the upper part of the canister. 
30. A small adapter was also made that allows you to connect the shower to the tap of a relatively high-hanging canister, and wash with water that flows by gravity - again, in case the pump fails. 
31. Finally, a few more words about quick preparation salon for bed. This is roughly what our trunk looks like during trips - an inflated sleeping mat is folded in half at the back, inside of which there are pillows, sleeping bags and blankets. Light and bulky things like backpacks with clothes are placed on top. 
32. As you can see, the back seats are empty and there is plenty of space in the car. 
33. We simply fold the seats; their backrest, together with the rest of the sleeping system, forms a flat bed 140 by 180 centimeters. 
It's really very convenient - you just stop anywhere and the bedroom is immediately ready, no fuss with moving things around the cabin in the morning and evening! 
35. Well, to sum it up. As a result, the car essentially had two tanks installed. The main one is filled with water using a pump or manually from a suitable container. Next, the water is pumped into a canister, heated there, and used for taking a shower or washing dishes.
Perhaps this whole system may seem complicated or unreliable to some. And although almost everything was ready in the spring, I decided to write about it only now - after she walked with us through the Astrakhan salt lakes and half of Kazakhstan. Both there and there it was hot and dry, so the shower helped us out a lot and added a certain comfort to our lives, which was so necessary for us every morning. Apart from one replaced low-quality pump, everything else works exactly as intended.
Well, the opportunity to quickly accept hot shower, setting up a camp anywhere - priceless, as practice has shown! :) 
When it comes to making a structure such as a shower, craftsmen usually imagine a booth with a tray connected to a water supply, or on which a water container is installed. However, if it is not possible to find finished products, then you have to use any available material or products with another purpose. Therefore, the question of how to build a shower with your own hands using the minimum number of elements required for this is of interest even to experienced specialists.
Hiking options
When going on vacation to nature, a person tries to provide himself with maximum comfort on the spot. At the same time, you should not carry a lot of things with you, and when loading the car there are a lot of necessary elements that you need to take with you. Therefore, a typical tourist shower should take up minimal space, be lightweight, or be made from existing items with a different purpose.
Store designs
Of all existing models There is only one such system worth noting. It looks like an ordinary tight bag, to which is attached a small valve with a detachable watering can and a hatch with a lid for filling. It is worth noting that the price of such a design is quite small, and it takes up minimal space, weighing practically nothing.
This product is filled with water and hung on a tree. Then, opening the valve, they begin to use it as a regular shower. It is worth noting that the operating instructions allow you to use even hot water, but each specific model has its own tolerances.
Considering the features of this design, it can be classified as a marching one. At the same time, you can create a semblance of this device yourself using a tarpaulin or film.
Advice!
A similar system can also be used for transporting and storing drinking water.
Therefore, the need for it on hikes is obvious.
Homemade products
Most tourists make a basic shower from a canister with their own hands, without damaging the product. It is enough just to have an additional cover with you, in which holes are made in advance. It is put on after filling with water and used in.
You can also use large ones plastic bottles or other similar containers. However, if there is a strong need, the easiest way is to use a kettle, put a watering can on the spout and hang it on a tree. You can build such a shower outdoors with your own hands in a few minutes.
Advice!
There are many ways to organize the supply of water from a height, but you can only spray a stream from a watering can.
Therefore, it is worth taking it with you.
Country houses
When creating a shower on the site with your own hands, you have to face a number of problems that need to be solved taking into account the terrain and the expected level of required comfort. Therefore, the manufacturing process should be divided into stages.
Pallet
- The easiest way is to make a cushion with crushed stone and sand, on top of which they install. This is how they usually do a shower in the village with their own hands, assuming that the drain will go straight into the ground.
- The manufacturing method is also quite common. concrete base . You can pour it yourself or use a ready-made slab for this. In this case, they must make a bias towards the intended water drainage. To simplify the work, some craftsmen simply use stones that are compacted into the ground.
- If you are making a shower with your own hands, you can use any available materials.. The main thing is that they can be easily walked on even in the presence of water, and there is the possibility of organizing drainage.
Advice!
The outflow of water must be done so that the liquid goes into the ground, and not under the foundation of the building.
Tank
- When making a shower in the yard with your own hands, you should immediately think about what kind of container should be used for water. This is especially important if it is not possible to purchase a standard tank.
- It’s immediately worth noting that the barrels that previously contained chemical substances or petroleum products are not suitable for these purposes. There may be a sediment left in them, which will then dissolve in water and can lead to poisoning of the body.
- Also, do not use open containers. They may contain sick birds or their waste products.
- The easiest way is to make a shower from a Eurocube with your own hands, since this container fits perfectly in all respects and at the same time has sufficient volume. However, the heavy weight must be taken into account and strong supports must be used during installation.
- The tank for such purposes is selected very carefully, since this is the basis of the entire structure and it will depend on it appearance frame.
Advice!
Installing a faucet with a watering can on a container is quite simple, but it is worth remembering that it is best to use a screw or needle locking mechanism.
These systems allow you to precisely regulate the pressure force, which significantly increases the level of comfort.
Fencing
Some craftsmen prefer to create the simplest ceilings using regular film. However, if done solar collector for a shower with your own hands, it is assumed that the structure will be under open air and light will penetrate through it. This causes some discomfort for some people because inner space will be viewed.
Advice!
Sometimes old Construction Materials are perfect for this task.
However, they need to be put in order and subjected to protective treatment.
Regular paint may be suitable for this.
Constructions in the apartment
Sometimes situations arise when it is necessary to install a shower in an apartment, but it is not possible to install a shower stall. Then you can use specially developed designs or non-standard technical solutions.
Bath
The easiest way to install a shower in an apartment with your own hands is if it is located in the bathroom. You can use the bowl itself as a pallet, but in the places where it touches the wall you need to seal all the joints using sealant. It is also assumed that the installed mixer will have a shower head, which will be able to be fixed on the wall.
Next, you should purchase a special fence or curtain that will protect the room from splashes. At the same time, it can completely cover the entire perimeter or only the bathtub, which is located a meter from the mixer.
Advice!
Such solutions are quite simple, since they have been used for a very long time and some companies are developing a lot of products for them.
However, when choosing them, you need to be very careful so that all the elements fit perfectly together into a single system.
Toilet
Even in our time, there are still apartments that simply do not have such a room as a bathroom. There are also situations when people buy a room in a dorm and want to get their own amenities, saving space. Therefore, in such cases, a shower room is made in the apartment with your own hands, but it is connected to the toilet.
First of all, in such situations it is necessary to drain. At the same time, in sewer pipe they cut a branch, which is walled into the floor screed with waterproofing, making something like a storm drain at an angle. Of course, the level of the threshold and floor will rise significantly, but this is a necessity that cannot be avoided.
Next, simply install a mixer with a shower head on the wall. In such a room you can safely take water procedures. In this case, the closed toilet seat will serve as a kind of chair, which is very convenient for some people.
Advice!
Such a solution can be called extreme, but in certain technical conditions it is the only one.
However, if it is possible to use the cabin, then it is worth using it.
There are two ways to solve problems with a water storage tank for a shower: buy ready-made products in a store or make them yourself. The second option is much preferable for several reasons:
- It is possible to choose the volume of the container to suit your own needs. Depending on the design of the shower and the number of family members, you can install a container with different volumes;
- If desired, additional automation systems can be installed. If you have minimal experience in performing plumbing work without big problems, you can automatically fill the tank, taking water only from the top warmest layer, electric heating etc.;
- low cost. All structural elements can be used, there is no need to buy anything. If you have to go to the store, then only for cheap additional elements;
- the pleasure of doing your own work. This is an important factor, in many cases outweighs all others.
The article will provide detailed step-by-step instructions for making several options for shower tanks; each has both strengths and weaknesses.
The shower tank can be metal made of galvanized sheet steel, stainless steel or carbon (black) iron and plastic. In order to consciously choose the best options, you should familiarize yourself with the real comparison table manufacturing materials.
| Material of manufacture | Advantages | Flaws |
|---|---|---|
| Almost unlimited service life. But this advantage is unlikely to be critical for shower buildings in suburban areas. | Technological complexity of production. Professional tools and the ability to weld with stainless steel are required. Another very unpleasant drawback is the high price. | |
| Service life up to fifty years. The tank is lightweight and can be installed even on fragile supporting structures. | Complexity of manufacture, you need to have special tools and skills for soldering. In terms of cost, they occupy an average position. | |
| For most cases, the best option both in terms of price and performance. | Requires periodic cleaning inner surface, on the external ones the paint layer should be restored. | |
| They are cheap, there are no problems finding containers. | They are afraid of negative temperatures and harsh ultraviolet radiation. | |
| The service life is several decades. | Not all users are satisfied with the price. |
Experienced practitioners advise making a shower tank from used plastic or metal containers. Such containers are easy to find, and in most cases you won’t have to pay anything.
For one washable one, up to 40 liters is enough; depending on the number of family members, you can calculate the optimal sizes. For information, it is worth saying that when manufacturing shower tanks, industrial companies base it on a calculation of approximately 20 liters per person; 40 liters allows you not only to take a shower, but also to fully wash yourself without the need to save water.
Plastic barrels
A very common option for making a tank for a shower stall, it has good physical strength. It is allowed to use both new and used ones. The volume can be different, from 50 to 1000 liters. There is no need to use large containers for showering; it is enough to have a volume of 50–200 liters.
For all plastic containers there are two general requirements:
- Manufacturing material: UV-resistant plastic. It is quite difficult to find such containers, and they are not cheap;
- must have a dark color, preferably black. Plastic must be painted with mineral paints when preparing polyethylene for pressing. Most plastic barrels are blue or white. Why is it recommended to have containers made from colored plastic? Because paints on the surface of plastic will not last long; within one summer they will fall off. The reason is not only the low adhesion coefficient, but also the high temperature expansion values. And all dyes react negatively to changes in the linear dimensions of the painted surface.
Step-by-step instructions for making a plastic tank
If you have an old plastic barrel, you need to wash it thoroughly. The container can be considered clean only when various odors have completely disappeared. For installation in a vertical position, a frame and a base must be made, the stop is located over the entire bottom area. To reduce wind loads, it is better to place the barrel on its side, but then problems arise with sealing the lid.
How to seal the lid
Step 1. Thoroughly wash the joints between the lid and the barrel, remove oily stains, dust and dirt.
Step 2. Try on the lid, check whether it fits tightly around the entire circumference. If necessary, level the cover. To do this, heat the deformed areas construction hairdryer, place the lid in place on the barrel and press firmly. The lid is held in this position until it cools completely. Wear gloves and follow safety precautions.
Step 3. Degrease the surfaces again and carefully lubricate special glue. If you have a machine for welding plastics, great; such a seam has a strength of at least 90% of the strength of the base material. If you don’t have a device, use glue.
Step 4. Wait until the adhesive is completely dry. The time depends on the brand of glue and drying conditions.
Step 5. Reapply glue where the lid meets the barrel and let it dry again. Don't rush, don't make mistakes.
Step 6. To increase the strength of the connection, lubricate the joint again and wrap it tightly with clean plastic film. Tighten the film on top with soft wire.
Instead of wire, it is permissible to use a clamp
If you have little experience in such work, then do not rush to install the barrel on the shower stall; first check it for strength and tightness. Everything is fine - cut a small hole in the upper part, connect the fittings and the shower head. If leaks are discovered and cannot be eliminated, place the barrel in a vertical position.
How to make inserts into plastic barrels
Not as simple a question as it might seem. The fact is that it is near the insert that points of increased tension in the material are formed; over time, microcracks appear, which increase until complete destruction. As a result, the barrel has to be completely replaced; repairing such leaks is very difficult. And after repairs, no one can guarantee that problems will not appear again in the same place or near it in a few weeks.
For high-quality insertion you will need a drill with a set of drills of appropriate diameters, rubber gaskets, bolts and metal plates. The insert is made not only for the shower head, but also for supplying water and draining excess.
Practical advice. For all connections use silicone hose. It is not afraid of frost, is resistant to UV rays and, which is very important for plastic barrels, is soft and does not create additional loads on the connection unit.
Step 1. Buy tank inserts. They consist of washers, rubber seals, fittings and nuts.
The number of taps depends on the number of pipelines connected to the barrel, and the diameter is selected taking into account the size of the nominal diameter of the hose. Additionally you will need a faucet coupling, a faucet, a shower head, a float from an old one cistern. If you plan to install additional automation fittings, then at the same time buy elements for fixing it to the plastic barrel. It is advisable to use quick releases to connect/disconnect the hose; they make the process of caring for the country shower tank much easier.
Step 2. Prepare two metal plates for each insert, approximately 5x10 cm in size, and at least one millimeter thick. It is due to them that the platform will significantly expand, taking static loads from the connected water fittings and dynamic forces that occur when turning on/off a shower head or water supply shut-off valve. Be sure to remove any sharp corners on all sides of the plates with a cylindrical grinder.
Step 3. In the center of the plate, drill a hole for the insert; two holes will be needed for two plates; sand off the sharp corners and burrs after the drill.
Step 4. Drill a hole in the barrel; the location must meet the requirements for the placement of the insert and its specific purpose. It is quite difficult to drill a hole in a round plastic barrel; the drill constantly “runs away”, especially with a large diameter.
Practical advice. Drilling holes will become much easier if you use simple recommendations.
Hold a small nail in the pliers and heat it with a lighter until a red glow appears.
Without giving the metal time to cool, very quickly, in a pre-marked place, melt a small hole in a plastic barrel with a hot nail, possibly a blind hole.
Take a drill with a diameter of approximately 2 mm, drill through hole. The mark you make will hold the drill in the desired position. This will be the center, then you can continue working with a large diameter drill.
Step 5. Sandpaper remove all burrs around the perimeter of the hole; they should not interfere with the hermetically installed metal strips.
Step 6. Bend the metal plates along the radius of the barrel. Use any available devices for this. There is nothing to worry about if you fail to bend the plate perfectly, but it is advisable to strive for such a result. The more accurately the radii coincide, the larger area contact, the less the load per unit area, the more efficiently the device operates.
Step 6. To fully guarantee the elimination of leaks, lubricate the surface of the plates with any glue or sealant; you can do the same operations with inserts.
Step 7 Place all the elements in place; the metal plates should be on both sides of the container. You will need an assistant to fix the nut; it is difficult to do this alone. But it all depends on the size of the container. Remember that standard mortise nuts have left-hand threads; screw them counterclockwise.
Constantly monitor the position of the plates, do not allow them to rotate and change the original correct position.
Using the same algorithm, the holes for all inserts are reinforced. Don’t be lazy to make reinforcements; it greatly increases the service life of the country shower tank. Next, a faucet, hose, quick connector, or other equipment for the tank is fixed to the thread.
Video - Installing a tap on a plastic barrel
Metal shower tank
We will not consider rather “exotic”, in our opinion, options for manufacturing stainless steel tanks. Let's focus on the two most successful ones - from a finished barrel or welded from rolled sheet steel of ordinary quality.
1. Metal tank from a finished barrel
First, we should talk about the types of barrels, their advantages and disadvantages.
| Type of barrel | Advantages | Flaws |
|---|---|---|
| Low price and availability. Currently, such containers are used to store most liquid and bulk products; they can always be bought in a store or found used. They are light in weight and easily mounted on simplified frames. | Difficulties arise with attaching tie-ins and plumbing fittings; the service life rarely exceeds ten years. | |
| The mesh thickness is up to 1 mm, which allows for secure fixation. additional elements tank. Service life fifty years or more. | Currently, it is difficult to find thick-walled barrels; their cost is much higher than that of thin-walled ones. Slightly more weight, volume not less than 200 liters. Such operational parameters may limit the scope of possible use. |
Making a tank from a metal barrel
A hole is made in the bottom of the barrel for the shower head. If the barrel is thin-walled, it is recommended to install metal plates to strengthen the joint. How this is done is described above using the example of a plastic barrel. To supply water, a hole should be made in the upper part of the container. When making the frame for the tank, be sure to take into account the weight of the filled container; the fixation must be reliable and safe.
2. Making a tank from sheet steel
The optimal option for many cases, has a number of advantages.
- Possibility of manufacturing a tank of any capacity. This allows the needs of users to be taken into account to the maximum extent possible.
- The shower tank can also serve as its roof. To do this, the dimensions in length and width must correspond to the parameters of the shower; the frame of the building simultaneously serves as a frame for the tank. IN step by step instructions production, we will consider just this option.
- All systems for automating filling and additional artificial heating of water can be installed on the tank.
Step-by-step instructions for making a metal tank
For manufacturing, you need to prepare sheet iron approximately 1 mm thick; the dimensions of the sheets depend on the length and width of the shower stall. For most cases, 1.2 mx1.2 m is sufficient.
Step 1. Draw a sketch of the blanks and calculate the volume of the tank. For example, we will take a volume of 100 liters. With a length of 1.2 m and a width of 1.2 m, the height should be: H = 100,000 cm3 (100 liters): (120 cm × 120 cm) = 6.9 cm. Round up to 7 cm. For the tank you need to prepare two plates of the size 120 cm×120 cm for top and bottom. And four plates measuring 120 cm x 7 cm for the sidewalls.
Step 2. Transfer the sketches of the blanks onto the metal. Clean its surface from rust and dirt, accurately draw the outline of the workpiece. The dimensions need to be transferred only for one sidewall and top; these elements will later be used as templates for the rest.
Step 3. Use a cylindrical grinder with a metal cutting disc to cut the pieces. Check that the dimensions are exactly the same.
Important. When working with an angle grinder, follow safety rules. In terms of injury risk, this tool ranks first. The disk must rotate to the operator, this is extremely important. Beginners try to change the direction of rotation; they don’t like the fact that sparks fly towards the worker. This is very dangerous, in this position the angle grinder can be torn out, the injuries from it are complex and severe.
Step 4. Align the cut areas, try to achieve the most even line possible. Gaps of no more than two millimeters are allowed. Try to pre-fold all the elements and check their quality.
Step 5. Start welding individual elements. Adjust the current welding machine and electrode diameter. The metal should not burn out; this condition significantly reduces the strength of the seam. In addition, a strong current burns through thin sheets, making it difficult and time-consuming to repair holes. Keep in mind that the weld seam “pulls” as it cools, and the value of the angles changes. To avoid mistakes, first grab two elements in several places and let them cool. After this, check the angles with a square and, if any deviations are detected, correct them. Only after such preparation can a continuous suture be applied.
Step 6. Beat off the flux along the entire length of the seam and check its integrity. If there are gaps, re-suture. If production experience welding work is not enough, then professionals recommend stitching the inner and outer parts of the shower tank at the bottom. outside. The cover is welded only on the outside.
Step 7 Mark the connection points for the water inlet and shower head. Taking into account the diameters, drill holes and use a grinder to clean off the burrs. We do not recommend that you weld in threaded fittings; it is much easier to purchase special fittings in stores. They have a set of washers and rubber gaskets, are quickly installed in place, and do not require special knowledge. Welding adapters is quite difficult; beginners will definitely experience leaks.
Step 8 Re-clean all welds from flux, pour water into the tank and check the container for leaks. There are no leaks - pour out the water, clean the surfaces and paint external walls. The paint, of course, should be black for exterior work as well.
The finished shower tank can be mounted above the shower stall. If you have a desire to make it from stainless steel, then the technology is almost no different. With the exception of changing welding modes and electrode brands.
You can find options for making a shower tank from galvanized sheet steel. We do not consider this option to be successful for several reasons:
- very thin walls require additional special measures to strengthen them;
- zinc has low adhesion to most coatings; the paint will peel off quickly. And using special expensive paints is not economically feasible;
- To make the tank, the elements used at the joints are bent and then sealed. This is very long, you need to have or specially make bending devices;
- Without solid experience in soldering galvanized sheet iron, you should not hope for a positive result of your work.
How can you improve tanks for a country shower?
Each owner of a summer cottage, taking into account his needs and capabilities, can independently improve the tank, install simple mechanisms that will not only increase the comfort of water procedures, but also reduce the time spent on its maintenance and preparation. We will not touch on complex automation; we will consider only the most “budget” options. Although they are low-cost, they are in no way inferior to expensive industrially manufactured analogues in terms of efficiency, safety and durability of use.
Water temperature
For those who already use the simplest shower on summer cottage, it’s no secret that the water temperature changes during washing. Sometimes temperature changes can cause significant discomfort. It is impossible to completely eliminate this phenomenon, but there are several ways to minimize the difference and increase the temperature of the water in the tank? For now, we will not consider factors that depend on the location and color of the surface; we will focus on purely technical solutions.
- Make a water intake from the top of the tank. The simplest method, but very effective. To do this, you need to attach a flexible hose Ø 15–20 mm to the inlet of the shower head. The main thing is not size, but flexibility; the hose can be made from various materials, wall thickness does not matter. In the shower, water moves by gravity, there is no increased pressure; on the contrary, it is somewhat lower than in the container due to physical phenomena that occur during the movement of the liquid. The length of the connected hose should be approximately 20–25 cm longer than maximum height barrels. Specific values are determined taking into account the characteristics of the hose. The main requirement is that it should not bend completely during operation and not disturb the speed of water flow. The upper end of the hose is fixed to any float (it is better to take a piece of foam) from below. As the barrel fills or empties, the float will move up/down, and the intake end of the hose always takes water from the warmest top layer.
- Install a simple electric heater. Nowadays there are a huge number of devices on sale, differing in power, price and method of fixation. Choose the most optimal one for yourself, taking into account the maximum quantity various factors. There is no need to focus on power. In addition to additional heating of water, the heater will perform one more task - constantly stirring it in the tank. Mount it at the very bottom, warm water will rise up and cold water will sink down. Due to continuous stirring, the temperature of the water throughout the volume will become the same. If desired, you can additionally install a temperature or time sensor, but this is already quite complex work. Yes, and the presence of conductive elements in the water tank has Negative influence for the safety of using the shower.
Filling the tank
There are two most commonly used methods for filling the tank: manually with a bucket or using a plumbing valve. Both methods are often used and have a right to life, but we recommend making the third option, which in our opinion is very successful. In addition, almost no additional costs will be required, and all work will take no more than an hour.
Step 1. Prepare the details. You will need a hose and a regular float mechanism from the toilet cistern. As a rule, they very rarely fail; such elements can be found and used for the tank when replacing plumbing equipment. If you don’t have the old ones, buy them in a specialized store; the price of the devices is quite affordable for all consumers.
Step 2. Drill a hole in the container, do not forget to install additional plates to strengthen the insertion point.
Step 3. Install the float, use sealants to prevent leaks.
Important. If for all the cases described above, small leaks are considered an unpleasant phenomenon, but not critical, then the connections with the float must be sealed. Otherwise, a large amount of leaked water can cause very unpleasant consequences.
Step 4. Adjust the position of the float so that the barrel is always filled to the required volume. If you wish, you can make a safety drain hole, insert a tube into it and lead it out into safe place. The tube will make it possible to notice a malfunction of the float in time and minimize the consequences of the “flood”. But you don’t have to do this, a shower in a dacha is not the right room to take special care of leaks, the main thing is that not all the water goes out. Of course, during a long absence, you must remember to completely turn off the water supply.
Thermally insulated outdoor shower with heating, sensors and pump
Country showers
The shower tank option should always be thought through before construction begins, and not vice versa. If your shower is temporary, then you shouldn’t waste a lot of effort and money on making a tank. You can find options for using fuel tanks from cars and trucks, large cans, milk cans, etc. for these purposes. Professionals recommend paying attention to efficiency and, of course, designer look soul. The tank should not be conspicuous, but should perform its tasks “invisibly”.
And one last thing. In everything you need to maintain the optimal ratio of cost and quality. You have a stationary shower that you plan to use on cool autumn days - think not only about electrically heating the water in the tank, but also about thermal insulation. It must be removable and installed only in cases where sun rays is no longer enough to heat the water to the required temperature. Best used foam boards, they are quickly installed and removed and can be used for several seasons. The price suits all consumers.
Video - DIY shower tank
