Introduction
Embark on your outdoor adventures with a custom-built, portable, solar-powered pressurized roof top water heater and shower. Designed for camping, survival missions, or any outdoor activity, this system offers the convenience of hot water on the go. Built with minimal tools and readily available plumbing components, this DIY project is accessible to enthusiasts of all skill levels. Follow this comprehensive, step-by-step guide to learn how to assemble, install, and optimize your solar water heater for maximum efficiency and durability.
Materials Needed
- Six-foot ABS pipe (4-inch diameter, 15-liter capacity)
- Air compressor
- Two 4-inch PVC end caps
- ABS cement (solvent weld)
- Rubber Schrader valve (for tire inflation)
- Shutdown valve with retainer nut
- Radiator valve drain plug
- Forstner drill bit
- 2-inch threaded PVC end cap
- High-temperature flat black paint
- Steel wool scrubber
- Methyl hydrate (denatured alcohol)
The primary components include a six-foot-long, four-inch wide ABS pipe capable of storing and heating water efficiently. The air compressor and Schrader valve facilitate pressurization, while the PVC end caps and fittings ensure a sealed system. The ABS cement bonds the parts securely, preventing leaks. The heat-absorbing black paint enhances thermal efficiency, and methyl hydrate is used for cleaning surfaces prior to painting.
Step 1: Installing the Shut-Off and Schrader Valves
To ensure optimal functionality, position the shut-off valve as low as possible within the pipe to facilitate drainage and prevent air entrapment. Mark the placement before drilling using a Forstner bit to create a precise opening. Thread the shut-off valve into the drilled hole, securing it firmly with the retainer nut. For pressurization, install the Schrader valve by drilling a suitable hole, inserting the valve, and tightening the nuts to achieve a tight seal. Connect the Schrader valve to your air compressor to pressurize the system, monitoring the pressure with a gauge to avoid overinflation.
Step 2: Creating the Water Intake Opening
Next, install the water intake port by attaching a 2-inch threaded PVC adapter socket to the pipe. Measure and mark its position, then drill an opening with a Forstner bit. Affix the adapter using ABS solvent cement, ensuring a durable, leak-proof seal. This opening allows water to enter the system, ready for heating and pressurization.
Step 3: Adding a Radiator Drain Plug
For safe pressure management, install a radiator valve drain plug on the threaded end cap of the water intake fitting. Drill a hole matching the drain plug’s size, then thread and tighten it securely. This component allows you to release excess pressure without opening the main shut-off valve, maintaining system safety and preventing damage.
Step 4: Enhancing Thermal Absorption with Black Paint
Maximize solar heating efficiency by coating the pipe with high-temperature flat black paint. Begin by thoroughly cleaning and polishing the pipe surface with steel wool soaked in methyl hydrate to remove debris and improve paint adhesion. Apply a primer coat, followed by two evenly spaced coats of Rust-Oleum high heat black paint. This dark finish absorbs solar energy effectively, increasing water temperature during sunlight exposure.
Step 5: Securing the Shower Assembly
Mount the completed system onto your vehicle’s roof using a foam support block—preferably a canoe foam pad. Extend the foam’s slots to fit within the cross rails securely. Cut an arc on the foam to match the outside diameter of the ABS pipe, leaving a half-inch gap between the foam and the pipe’s bottom. Use one-inch nylon tie-down straps to fasten the pipe firmly to the foam, ensuring stability during transit and use.
Step 6: Connecting Hose and Installing the Air Compressor
Attach a 25-foot coiled, three-eighths-inch garden hose equipped with a multifunction spray nozzle at the shower outlet. Connect the other end to the water intake port using a PVC threaded adapter and ABS solvent cement. For pressurization, connect your air compressor to the Schrader valve, carefully adjusting the pressure to a safe level—around 30 psi. Regularly monitor the pressure to prevent exceeding the pipe’s burst threshold, which is well above 100 psi, ensuring safe operation without risking long-term damage.
Conclusion
With your system assembled and mounted, you now have a fully functional, portable, solar-heated shower perfect for outdoor adventures. This innovative setup provides hot water on demand, leveraging solar energy and simple plumbing components. Enjoy your outdoor experiences with the comfort of a reliable, eco-friendly shower system that’s easy to build and maintain.