Build a Homemade Portable Water Heater
Edited by Graciela Franchesca Rosario, Lynn, Eng, Maria Quinney and 3 others
Warm water is needed in everyone's life. It is used to take a bathe, to wash clothes, dishes, floors, etc., but one-seventh of the people in the world do not have access to warm water. It is necessity, especially in cold climates. Warm water is also used to remove oils, germs on the skin and bacteria that could cause illnesses. If you live somewhere that hot water is no accessible, or perhaps you're camping or roughing it at a cottage, you can build your own portable and affordable water heater. Portable water heaters have been made using simple materials like the following:
- PVC piping.
- A cheap coffee maker.
- A float from a toilet bowl.
- A pond pump.
- Other tubes.
A portable water heater can be used in any situation you don't have access to warm water. Also, it's good to be prepared for any situation.
Steps
- 1The water heater only requires 1200 watts (10 amps) of energy, so that means you can use 1500 watt power inverter and link it to a car battery.Advertisement
- 2The water heater must be cleaned thoroughly at least once a month, or else there will be formation of thick layers of calcium and lime inside.Advertisement
- 3There is a solar water heater that is inexpensive to construct, costing less than $10 to construct. It can be folded and placed in the car, suitcase, backpack, or boat for easy transport.
To Make the Portable Water Heater
Items you will need:
- 1Used garden hoseAdvertisement
- 2Auto inner tube
- 3Small clamp
- 4½-inch plastic pipe coupler
- 5Good-quality rubber-sealing compound
- 6Nozzle or hose valve
Steps
- 1A secondhand inner tube shouldn't cost more than $1.50 from a tire store. A 14-inch tube can hold around 19 quarts of water. But if you would like a smaller or greater capacity, use a 13-inch compact car size or 15-inch truck tube.
- 2Make sure the tube is functioning well, and that it does not have holes water could leak from. You can test it by inflating the tube and listening for the sound of air escaping.
- 3If the tube has no holes, now, using a pair of scissors, cut a ¼-inch hole about two inches from the outside edge.
- 4Wet your fingers using water, and put them inside the hole to clean it.
- 5Get a ½-inch pipe coupler and cut off the lower half.
- 6Pour a generous amount of rubber-sealing compound on the ridge of the coupler, and push it into the ¼ inch hole. You may leave the tube under the sun for a short while for it to soften the rubber.
- 7At the lower part of the coupler inside the hole, pull the ridge snug against the inside part of the tube. Let it dry for the recommended time. If it doesn't dry completely, the seal becomes worthless.
- 8Clean the new stem, then roughen the spot just like the space around the hole in the inner tube that needs to be patched. Apply rubber-sealer to coat the outside of the tube. The cement becomes stronger and dries faster if applied with three thin coats rather than one huge glob.
- 9Take two feet of old garden hose, and connect it to the new stem. Then let it stay under the sun too, for it to soften. Place the clamp around the stem and hose to connect them.
- 10You will need a standard nozzle at the end of the hose. This is where you will connect the water control valve. If there isn't one available, you can buy a garden hose repair tool. This will cost less than $1 at most hardware shops.
- 11For better use, you may use a funnel to pour water into the hose.
- 12If you are getting your water from a stream or lake, you can fill up the tube with air first, then dunk the entire device into the water, and open the new valve. The water will enter, forcing the air out.
- 13After that, put the device in the sunshine. When left directly in the sun, the temperature of the water inside the water heater will increase an average of 10 degrees an hour, leveling off at about 115 degrees Fahrenheit. For quicker heat gain, put the tube on the warm roof of a truck or car that is parked under the sun. You may extract water from this position as well.
- 14To experience the function of the shower, you have to place the filled tube over your head. You are able to do this if you hang the tube from a branch or pole or put it on the roof of your camper. Just be cautious of the sharp edges that may result in a puncture. For a really good shower, you may buy a plastic sprinkler at less than $1 and connect it to the end of the hose segment.
- 15For traveling and camping purposes, you may place the rubber doughnut on the roof of a shed or outhouse as a convenient and good source of warm water.
Refill when necessary.
- 1When you're done with it, empty the tube then roll it up.
Other Ways to Build Portable Water Heater
Use a 20-pound barbecue tank. This can be carried on camping trips. Build a shed with sides, put on a Shur-Flo 12v pump with battery. This can be bought at about $125-250, depending on the model. This is wonderful to have in case of emergencies such as blackouts.
How to Make a Solar Hot Water Heater
- 1Paint it Black. Get a container and paint it black to absorb the sun more efficiently. Place it in the sun. The amount of heat it will absorb depends on the time of year, location, and how cloudy it is that day. Regardless, it is a great investment in order to have a hot shower in a place you otherwise couldn't.
Another Heater
- 1You will need two PVC pipes; you can also use drainpipe. It doesn't involve pressure on the pipe, but instead this is used to collect dust. There is no need to paint the pipe. Clamp both pipes together on a board. On the other end of the pipe, you supply water to it. If you need to add a tap, you may purchase reducer fittings. For increased flow, you may use ¾-inch pipe.
- 2A tee can feed the pipes with water. Use a tee to provide cold or hot water for the shower. This heater can hold more water than the coil. When you run out of flowing water, set up a 12v utility pump. It has less exposure to sun, so it will take more time to heat the water. You may add a water filter to remove debris. You may use wash machine hoses, or female to female connectors, because you may have problems connecting the male ends.
Questions and Answers
How to make a small water heater?
I live in a hostel where boilers and other stuff are not allowed. I need a small rod or small heater enough to make noodles. I don't like hostel food
To cook, you need a heat source like a hot plate to put a pan of water on. You could order one from an outdoor supply store what are called MREs or Meals Ready To Eat however I would caution that your hostel food may be better than the MREs.
How do I make a water heater using equipment available at home?
I have to do my science project in a week on a homemade water heater that uses batteries.
Stinkadoodlepie on YouTube makes a small water heater using batteries here. You will need an AA battery, ear buds, scissors, electrical tape and a corncob holder. Be careful, though, as you will create a full electrical circuit and could shock yourself.
How to make an electric water heater at home?
To make a simple electric water heater. I have tried: Nothing. I think it was caused by: Lack of ideas.
This Youtube Tutorial shows you how to make a simple water heater using the heating element that a coffee pot uses. It is a pretty neat idea for you to check out.
Hi, what is the difference between water heating rod and heating element?
Hi, what is the difference between water heating rod and heating element?
The difference would be that a heating element can impact larger volumes of water. Heating rods are generally used for portable water heating systems and most come with an external plug where a heating element needs to be wired in differently.
If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.
