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Small Cabin Forum / Off-Grid Living / Hot water
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Kate
Member
# Posted: 22 Aug 2010 22:31 - Edited by: Kate
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So by combing through this forum, we've figured out our toilet, solar set-up, and water supply-- thanks to all for your voice of experience!-- but am still struggling with how to get hot water for showers inside the cabin. Propane camp systems like the Coleman seem a bit iffy when used inside and systems designed for inside use seem expensive. Any advice appreciated! What works safely?

Anonymous
# Posted: 22 Aug 2010 23:58
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Check out

http://www.excelamerica.com/calentadores_eng.htm

I think that is what you are needing.

KC
# Posted: 23 Aug 2010 07:45
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Ebay has entry level tankless water heaters starting at about $120.00.

When I was building our cabin I used a $9.00 solar camp shower. I took outdoor showers until I installed an enclosed shower stall and continued to use the shower bag indoors until I salvaged and installed a small RV LP water heater to my system.

KC

Unadillawood
Member
# Posted: 1 Sep 2010 08:40
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Do you have a wood stove? add a water coil and insulated water storage and there you go.

Kithera
Member
# Posted: 1 Sep 2010 10:51
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Why it may not be the most modern option, perhaps you can do completely without showers. Instead going for a washcloth and about a gallon of water heated on a stove.

fasenuff
Member
# Posted: 4 Sep 2010 08:58
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I use a pump up sprayer filled with warm water. While it may not have the pressure of a city water system it does feel good and still only use a gallon to a gallon and a half of water per shower. It also works good for rinsing the dishes. I suggest a 3 gallon sprayer filled half full so you don't have to pump as much. The better the sprayer the better it will work and handel the warm water. I have used quite warm water at times. The cheaper sprayers tend to expand a bit and would hate to see one burst from too hot of water.

Kithera
Member
# Posted: 7 Sep 2010 12:17
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Quoting: fasenuff
I use a pump up sprayer filled with warm water.


What kind of sprayer are you talking about? The kind often used to spray insecticide in a home? Not a bad idea, but be careful to not get those confused if you have one in the garage.

farfromhome
Member
# Posted: 7 Sep 2010 13:20
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On the topic of hot water, does anybody know what kind of pressure you can expect out of a 350 gallon tank raised 5 feet. This is for the portable tankless water heat er mentioned in this thread. This unit needs a minimum of 10 psi to work. I don't want to run 12 volt DC pump and I am more interested in the gravity fed option. The water storage tank I am considering is the 350 gallon slimline unit from Bushman Canada.

Kithera
Member
# Posted: 7 Sep 2010 14:19
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Quoting: farfromhome
On the topic of hot water, does anybody know what kind of pressure you can expect out of a 350 gallon tank raised 5 feet


http://www.ehow.com/how_5858171_calculate-elevated-water-storage-tanks.html

The answer isn't so easy, but this link shows how to calculate it. At only 5 feet through, I don't think you can do without a pressure tank and a pump.

fasenuff
Member
# Posted: 7 Sep 2010 16:19
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No, I bought one just for this porpose. When I get my cabin done I will be buying a 12v sprayer setup with a 16 gallon tank for $89.00 which I will use for the kitchen so I will not have to pump anymore. I will also install a seperate system for the shower using rain and creek water and another 12v pump. I have 250 gallon tank I bought for $75.00 that had liquids used in food preparation to store the rain and creek water in. But for now a shower is pretty nice especially this summer when it was hot. It also was handy to have nearby when burning brush and leaves to keep the fire in one spot. Keeps you from having to get close to the fire to put out the little burns that try to get away. Sitting in my chair I can spray a stream 20 feet and control the fire without even getting up. Then when the fire is burned out using what is left I can cool myself down.

rob_o
# Posted: 7 Sep 2010 21:09
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Quoting: Kithera
The answer isn't so easy, but this link shows how to calculate it. At only 5 feet through, I don't think you can do without a pressure tank and a pump.


Rearranging the equation to solve for height @ 10 PSI gives 23.07 ft.

My reference book says .43 PSI for every foot of water column. That produces 23.25 feet for 10 PSI

Either way, you are correct. 5 feet won't do it

Quoting: fasenuff
When I get my cabin done I will be buying a 12v sprayer setup with a 16 gallon tank for $89.00 which I will use for the kitchen so I will not have to pump anymore.


I bought one of those. The pump is rated for 1 GPM @ 40 PSI. That should be enough to run one of the ultra-low flow .5 GPM showerheads

fasenuff
Member
# Posted: 11 Sep 2010 11:44
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That is what I was thinking. The best part it comes with a 15 gallon tank and hose so it can be set up just for that.

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