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How to make a DIY outdoor shower

Sergey Olegovich, Chelyabinsk asks the question:

Good day. Please tell us how to make a DIY outdoor shower. I recently bought a plot of land without buildings, now I am equipping it. A shower is necessary, because after work you need to wash properly. It is desirable that it can be easily assembled and taken away with you or hidden in the barn when I build it. Thanks in advance for your advice.

The expert answers:

Hello. Making a outdoor shower with your own hands is not difficult. There are several options for a portable wash structure. The simplest of them consists of a plastic canister with a stopper, electrical tape, a piece of hose or corrugated pipe, a coil of wire.

First you need to make a watering can. We cut off the bottom of the canister with a knife or scissors. A piece of hose must be attached to the neck of a plastic container and secured with electrical tape. A wire hook is attached to the lower edge of the pipe so that it can be hooked onto the support of the watering can, otherwise all the water will pour out immediately. You can do without a hose, then during washing you need to unscrew the lid a little and the water will flow gradually.

We attach the resulting watering can to a tree, post or other support. The same coil of wire, electrical tape, scotch tape, etc. is suitable as fasteners. If not, then attach it to the fence post, if the height allows. If it is too low, then for the shower you will need to dig in a support so that it is higher than you and other people who will wash.

Second option outdoor shower consists of a container for water (basin, bucket, barrel, tank), a hose with a watering can, which can be bought at any plumbing store, a foot pump, scotch tape. We attach a shower head to a tree or a post along with a water channel to the height you need. At the bottom, we connect the hose to the pump. On the other side of it is another pipe, the other end of which is lowered into a container with water.

For the system to work, you need to press the pump with your feet, then the water will rise up and pour out of the watering can. It turns out both a shower and a simulator. Such camping structures for washing are sold in stores, but it is quite possible to assemble it yourself.

A curtain is not always used for a summer shower. If you need it, then it is easy to attach. Place 4 wooden or steel pegs next to the main shower head support and pull between them regular curtain for a bathroom or any other canvas. To keep it, sew fabric ties to it from the inside and tie the curtain to the pegs on them.

There is also a more extreme version of the outdoor shower. So you can wash yourself not only in summer, but also in cold seasons, even at very low temperatures. For example, 15 ° C. It requires a container made of plastic with a cork, a steel vat, large stones, a tent canvas or plastic wrap. The canvas or film is stretched between several trees. For convenience, they can be pre-attached to wooden pegs, so as not to look for a suitable place, but to put the frame anywhere.

This device is for taking water treatments in our country appeared relatively recently and immediately attracted the attention of users.

What are the advantages of a treadmill shower over conventional devices?

Characteristics	Short description
	The total mass of the shower-treadmill does not exceed 2–3 kg, its dimensions, depending on the model, are not more than 30 × 40 cm. Such linear indicators allow you to constantly carry the device with you and use it at the right time.
	There is no need to build special premises for a treadmill shower. The watering can can be held in hand, suspended from a tree, attached to a wall, etc. If necessary, the location of the shower can always be changed. If desired, the shower can be connected to a large water barrel and used permanently.
	The device can be used not only for taking water procedures, but also for watering beds, washing a car and other household needs.
	The treadmill shower does not have complex parts, which can significantly increase the service life. In addition, it does not require periodic maintenance and repairs. If there are risks of contamination, an elementary strainer can be installed at the inlet.
	The pump pumps water without electricity, it can be installed in the country and connected to a large container with water - the time for taking a shower increases significantly. The treadmill shower proved to be excellent at picnics by the reservoir, you can take it with you on hikes.

Before considering options self-made soul-treadmill, you should find out the principle of operation of the device, such knowledge will help you choose the best option, taking into account the experience of plumbing, financial capabilities and the desired technical characteristics.

The treadmill shower consists of the following elements.

Before you start making your own shower-treadmill, you need to find out the technical characteristics of factory devices and what they depend on. This knowledge will make it possible to plan what indicators can be adjusted during production, how to do it and what positive or negative consequences they will lead to.

Technical characteristics of the treadmill shower

Maximum water suction depth

Depends on the elasticity of the body, the stiffer the body material, the more vacuum it can create during the increase in the internal volume. But it is impossible to significantly increase the suction depth. Why? The fact is that when you press on the pump housing, you will have to overcome not only the pressure to supply water to a certain height, but also the resistance of the housing.

Consider the features of the pump. For example, a person weighs 70 kg. If the body creates a vacuum adequate to 15 kN to suck in water, then to create water pressure, it will be possible to apply a force of no more than 55 kN (70 kN - 15 kN). This means that the greater the suction depth, the lower the lift with the same pressure on the pump. We took the weight of an adult as an example.

And if a child uses a shower-trample? Due to this inverse relationship between the suction and head parameters, the designers found an acceptable middle variant... The factory device can raise water by no more than 50 cm, and the supply pressure depends on the applied forces. Such parameters allow people with low weight to use the shower-trample; the washing process does not require much physical effort.

Maximum head of water supply

The greater the compression force of the pump housing, the higher the water pressure is created. The indicators are limited only by the weight of the person. And, of course, the physical strength of the body material.

Performance

It depends on two parameters: the internal volume of the pump and the frequency of pressing. The first parameter is set by the manufacturer, averaged values \u200b\u200bare selected. If the pump has a very large volume, then in order to press the camera, a person does not need to "stamp" in place, but raise his legs high. This is inconvenient, the designers did not go this way to increase the productivity of the water supply.

The average parameters of the pump are selected so that the volume of water squeezed out from one pump is continuous until the second pump is switched on. But this does not mean that the frequency of pressing can be increased indefinitely. The fact is that the process of filling the pump takes time; you can press on the pump body only after its entire volume is filled with water. The overall dimensions also depend on the performance.

The factory models are made of durable rubber, the intake and exhaust valves are mounted on special rigid elements. Finding a rubber in a store that matches its physical characteristics is almost impossible. In addition to strength, it must be hermetically fixed on the sidewalls, agree on the length and diameter, ensure stability and durability. In connection with such problems, we offer other options for self-production of a shower-treadmill.

Having this knowledge, you can start making your own soul-treadmill. We will consider two options for devices, both have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Pneumatic shower trample

By the principle of action, it does not resemble the factory version, and in terms of comfort it is not only inferior to it, but also surpasses it in many respects. The device we offer pumps not water, but air, although the principle of operation of the pumps is the same.

What are the main differences?

1. If the usual shower-trampler takes water from the tank and supplies it to the watering can, then in a sealed container with water, using a foot pump, an excess pressure is created, which pushes the water into the shower.
2. The pump does not pump water, but air.
3. Water pressure can fluctuate significantly.

Step-by-step manufacturing instructions

We only give schematic diagram manufacturing, everyone can make minor changes to it, taking into account the available materials. Shower water will flow under pressure, air will be pumped car pump or frog pumps for inflating rubber boats.

Step 1. Find a suitable container for water. This can be a plastic twenty-liter container for bottled water, a metal or plastic barrel, a milk can, a canister, etc.

Practical advice. If you plan to make your shower mobile, then you don't need to look for a large capacity. Practice shows that twenty liters is enough to wash one person. In addition, you cannot pump hundreds of liters of water with your feet; it takes a lot of time and physical effort.

We recommend using plastic canisters to make your shower. They have sealed lids, carry handles and a volume of up to 50 liters. Another plus of this container is that the large wall thickness allows it to withstand significant pressures without problems.

Step 2. Attach the inlet and outlet pipes to the cover. Air will be pumped through one branch pipe, the other is used to supply water to the shower head.

For example, consider installation of branch pipes on the lid of a plastic canister or barrel... Diameter of nozzles within 10 mm, select specific values \u200b\u200baccording to pump hose diameters and available parts.

Important. If you hold the lid with your hands, then be very careful. Remember that the drill can pull out the cover, especially drill carefully after the hole has appeared on the back. The lateral edges of the cutting tool grip the plastic and begin to rotate it with great effort. It is at this moment that the lid most often breaks in and injures the master.

Step 3. Insert a nipple into the hole, there should be a metric thread at both ends. Put on rubber gaskets (you can also on one side), install metal washers on top and tighten the connection with nuts.

Practical advice. We strongly do not recommend fixing the pipes only with sealant or glue. During use of the installation and pumping air, dynamic forces of alternating direction act on the nozzles. Over time, the glue or sealant will peel off, which will lead to a leak in the connection. If the air outlet is small, then the shower can still be used, only the pump will have to be pumped more often and faster. If the gaps are significant, then you will have to engage in repair work.

Step 4. Attach a long hose to one branch pipe, it will supply water to the watering can. A short hose for air supply is fixed to the second. To make it easier to put on the plastic hose, heat its end in boiling water and in this state, put on the plastic. After cooling down, the diameter of the hose is reduced, the connection is quite reliable. Moreover, there will be no large pressures in the hose. If in doubt, secure the end additionally with a small clamp of a suitable diameter. To increase the density of the connection, several turns of electrical tape can be tightly wound on the branch pipe.

Step 5. If necessary, attach special adapters to the nozzles for connecting the pump hose and shower head. Connect them also after heating the end of the hose.

How to use such a shower?

Pour water into a container and place in the sun for heating. If there is no time, then you can immediately cold water dilute with warm.

Important. Always leave about a third of the volume of the air container. Due to this, it will be possible to create a sufficient pressure reserve for the complete pouring of water. Pump air with a foot pump, there is no need to pump a lot of air. One atmosphere pressure raises water to a height of 10 meters. For your information, bicycle tires have a pressure of only 0.5 ATM.

The pump does not have to be switched off, it has a built-in check valve that eliminates pressure drop. Practice shows that a pressure of about one atmosphere can guarantee the pouring of 15 liters of water from a twenty-liter container when it is filled with water to two-thirds of its volume. You can take a shower immediately or wait a little until it warms up to a comfortable temperature.

What are the advantages of the proposed design? There are quite a few of them and they all significantly increase the comfort of using a portable shower.

1. There is no need to constantly stamp on the soul. For the elderly and sick people, this is a tiring exercise.
2. Water turns on / off as needed. There is an opportunity to wash quietly.
3. The unit can be used by small children. They either turn on the watering can themselves or wash themselves with the help of their parents.

Such advantages make this shower design quite popular among the numerous owners of summer cottages. The shower can be installed not only outside the city, but also taken with you on a picnic, fishing or on a land plot for agricultural work.

If you install a non-return valve on the inlet pipe, then such a device will be very useful when processing plants. chemical means pest and disease control. A check valve can be purchased at any hardware store. The presence of a check valve makes it possible, after pumping up air, to disconnect the pump and carry the container in hand. No need to take expensive models with automatic pressure control. An ordinary rubber valve in a normally open state is enough. The valve is held in this position by a spring. When the air jet moves in the opposite direction, the air presses the rubber gasket to the socket and closes its outlet from the branch pipe.

Video - Foot-treadmill shower "Rain"

Video - Shower from a plastic bottle and pump

Shower-trample from two pumps "frogs"

You can try to make another version of the treadmill soul. For these purposes, take the so-called "frogs" as pumps. These pumps are used to inflate rubber boats. There are two types of devices in the implementation.

1. Rubber. The body is molded from hard rubber, which, when restored to its original shape after pressing with a foot, pumps air through the inlet valve. When the body is pressed, the inlet valve closes, the outlet valve opens under pressure, the pressure is supplied to the hose. The pump volume is approximately 1.5 liters.
2. Plastic (like Bravo 7011). Consist of top and bottom plastic panels, which are interconnected by a particularly durable rubberized fabric. The working volume of such pumps can be three or more liters.

   The units also have inlet and outlet valves, and the principle of air injection has been changed. Between two plastic plates a metal spring is installed, it is she who compresses / expands depending on the applied forces, the upper plastic cover approaches the bottom or moves away from it. Due to such movements, the internal volume of the pumps changes.

   Such pumps have the ability to increase the rate of water intake. To do this, you first need to remove the rubberized casing, it is fixed to the upper and lower parts with ordinary clamps. Be aware that some of the clamps may be disposable. During tightening, their hooks are deformed; when compressed again, they either slip or wedge. Before disassembling these pumps, buy new clamps just in case. After removing the housing, the internal spring is accessible. It must be removed and replaced with a stiffer one, but be sure to install a stainless steel spring. We warn you that you must observe the golden mean. A very stiff spring will significantly speed up the suction of water by the pump, but at the same time the force required to compress the device will noticeably increase.

Two such pumps are connected to a single structure using a tee and plastic pipes. You need to connect two inputs and two outputs. The inlet hose is lowered into a container with water, the outlet is connected to the shower head.

The design is ready to use, but it has significant drawbacks.

1. The pumps cannot lift water from a long distance. This will slow down the process of water supply; washing under a weak stream is very inconvenient. It is advisable to lift containers with water, the difference in height is recommended at least one meter. In this position, water will enter the pump housing much faster. It is often technologically impossible to enlarge the inlet of pumps; in this way it will not be possible to accelerate the water supply.
2. To mount two pumps, you need to use a special rigid stand, and it cannot be wooden. And during the attachment of pumps to other materials, significant difficulties arise. It will take a lot of time and effort to solve problems, factory pumps do not have technological holes designed to fix them in a stationary position. We'll have to come up with special elements, to do it in such a way that the functionality of the devices is not disrupted. At the same time, the pumps must sit firmly in their places and not move during the water supply.
3. It takes a lot of time and tangible material resources to manufacture. In terms of cost, a ready-made shower-trample is quite competitive with those made independently, and in terms of comfort it is much superior. Is it worth the time, money and effort to end up with a device with the worst technical characteristics and increased cost in comparison with ready-made factory analogues?
4. ABOUT a common disadvantage of all types of treadmill souls is that it must be installed on hard surfaces. It can be a specially made wooden stand, sidewalk slabs, etc. Otherwise, after a few minutes there will be dirt under your feet, and the grass lawn will turn into a swamp.

We considered two options for self-manufacturing portable shower units, but there is also a third one, in our opinion, the most successful. According to the reviews of many owners of an industrial-made soul-treadmill, they use such devices no more than two or three times. And then they remember the old, simple, cheap and versatile way. They buy an ordinary ladle and pour themselves with water from a bucket.

Video - Shower trample

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Travel toilet and shower: urban comfort in the field

Greetings, comrades. Recreation in nature, as you know, is useful - 2-3 hours in the fresh air will not bother anyone. But longer events, for example, a multi-day hike, will require participants to provide effective method maintaining personal hygiene. Indeed, even in the forest, it is not always possible to find a secluded place for these purposes, not to mention a tourist camp in an open space.

And today we will consider what a traveling version of the toilet can be, and get acquainted with its multifunctional portable counterparts in the form of a tent, which can be both a room for the departure of natural needs, and a shower stall.

Personal hygiene

Of course, you can argue that you can do without a shower for 1-2 days on a tourist trip, but experienced tourists will object to you and argue their arguments:

1. You can get dirty much faster on a hike than in everyday life;
2. Dirty skin will prevent your body from fully recovering overnight;
3. The lunch shower invigorates, which is important during long transitions;
4. In extreme heat, you just need to cool down.

The situation is the same with the toilet:

1. It is not safe to go far from the camp every time to meet natural needs, especially at night;
2. It is unhygienic to adapt the bushes right next to the sleeping place;
3. In an open area, the problem of arranging a secluded place only intensifies.

Captain Obvious informs: protection from adverse weather conditions can be added to the collection of arguments about the need to take a camping bathroom. Agree, the rain dripping behind the collar and the sodden earth underfoot is unlikely to please anyone.

Constructive tandem

The apartment is known to have separate shower and toilet. On a hike, where every kilogram of weight matters, the most preferable would be a joint design - a travel shower-toilet.

What it is?

• Waterproof fabric tent with dimensions 100x100x250 cm;
• Water tank made of rubberized fabric with shower head and hose;
• Toilet paper holders (inside) and clothes hooks (outside).

With the shower, everything is more or less clear: they hung up a bag-tank filled with water, went inside and you can wash. What about the toilet?

Most of the time, the tent is used precisely as a toilet - a latrine is equipped inside it.

What it should be - you decide. This could be:

1. Peat dry closet;
2. Folding toilet seat;
3. Tourist cardboard box-toilet.

Alternative

Seasoned tourists can tell you a lot of ways to arrange a latrine while parking. Instead of a portable toilet, you can dig a hole and set up a tent on top. For such cases, there are folding toilet seats, but their design provides for securing the bags, which is much easier and more convenient than arranging a pit.

Captain Obvious informs: if you do not want to combine a shower with a toilet, then you can equip a tandem, for example, set up 2 tents together. Do not spread them apart from each other - water for washing hands after using the toilet can be taken from the shower.

How to choose the right one

It is clear that camping equipment is best bought in specialized stores. But before you go shopping, you should determine the acceptable parameters for yourself:

1. If you are going to travel by car, then you have practically no weight restrictions. If the trunk allows, and you like comfort - feel free to take a full-fledged dry closet and a tent. If there is not enough space in the car, choose folding options;

A tent is necessary not only to create privacy, but also to protect from rain, wind and the scorching sun. You cannot refuse it, if only because it weighs 1.5 kg and is installed in a couple of minutes.

1. For traveling on motorcycles or bicycles, only folding options are suitable. Why? Lack of a roomy trunk;
2. For hiking, you need models with a minimum weight and dimensions.

Let's take a closer look at what toilet models can be purchased for travel.

For autotourists

The following models of camping toilets and showers are offered for car tourists in shops selling tourism equipment.

As I said before, on long journeys, the most important thing is to have a full toilet. First of all, these are:

1. Dry closets;
2. Toilet bucket;
3. Folding seats with waste container.

I will not talk in detail about dry closets - such information is in other articles on our website. I will focus on highly specialized models designed exclusively for travel.

My verdict: the most simple model, the idea for which is borrowed from the classic chamber pot. It is enough to remove the lid with your own hands, fix the waste bag and you can use it.

My verdict: combining a latrine with a stool, in my opinion, is controversial. If we consider the model solely as a toilet, then in general it is not bad. Of the advantages, I note the possibility of using ordinary plastic bags.

As for the shower, everything is simple here:

1. The tent should have a hole for a hose inlet and a loop for attaching a shower head;
2. Choose the color of the water bag black - in it the water heats up faster;
3. For a company of 3-4 people, 40 liter bags are preferable.

The instructions for the toilet tent contain information on the maximum possible load. If the rubberized water bag is too heavy, set up your tent near a tree to hang it from.

For motorcycle and bike tourists

My verdict: it is clear that you have to pay for compactness, but, in my opinion, the price is too high.

My verdict: the model is interesting due to its compact size and the presence of a lid. Its appearance is more classic, the service is the simplest.

Another interesting model for transportation is a toilet suitcase from an American manufacturer. When assembled, it is not much like a bathroom.

My verdict: original solution... The cost is justified by the versatility.

For hiking travel

Tourists going on a hike “on foot” prefer secluded places for rest, climbing into the wilderness. Accordingly, they choose tents of "hidden" colors.

Regardless of the folding toilet model you choose, you need to deal with odor issues while hiking. Locating a bathroom at a great distance from the camp is not an option, so it is more logical to use special kits for the disposal of human waste.

What is included in such a kit?

1. Durable double recycling bag:

• The outer bag is used to transport waste;
• Internal contains a filler - a recycling agent that absorbs odors;

1. Toilet paper set - 4 meters;
2. Hand sanitizer in a plastic bag.

Captain Obvious informs: the cost of such a solution is 1400 rubles for a package of 12 packages. As for me, for such a complete set - quite reasonable money.

For construction lovers

A couple of tips on how, even in hiking conditions, you can bring yourself closer to civilization:

1. Take a strong and opaque polyethylene film on a hike;
2. Make a rectangular from the branches and cover it with foil;
3. Hang it on a tree for wind resistance;
4. Secure the lower part with stakes;
5. Install a folding toilet inside or hang a rubberized bag with a watering can and use it.

If you are a resident countryside or an avid summer resident, then sooner or later you will have an idea to mechanize your labor. Today the market can offer a lot of ready-made solutions for a wide range of works. Their only drawback is their high cost.

The most popular agricultural unit is a walk-behind tractor as an assistant in any work from plowing to harvesting. It can be petrol, diesel or electric. Next, we will talk about how to make a walk-behind tractor with your own hands when minimum investment funds.

1 Why design a walk-behind tractor with your own hands?

Almost zero cost is the main advantage over purchased equipment. All required materials can be found in your shed or bought from neighbors for a penny. It is collected from a chainsaw, a motor scooter, a moped, from a Ural motorcycle.

To create such a device, any gasoline, diesel or electric one is used. Such a hand-made unit will not yield to factory models in quality and reliability.

1.1 What is required in working on a walk-behind tractor?

In order for the work to proceed quickly and efficiently, you need to have the necessary tools:

• grinder and circles for metal;
• welding machine;
• drill;
• spanner keys;
• pliers.

2 What can be upgraded for a walk-behind tractor?

To make a walk-behind tractor at home, you do not need any special investments. Everything you need is easy to find. Consider several options for creating a unit at home.

2.1 Motoblock from ZAZ

Before starting work, it is necessary to develop all the drawings for assembly based on the gearbox from ZAZ. Your assistant will be made on the basis of a single-axle chassis, and is a small-sized tractor.

Self-made motoblocks from the ZAZ checkpoint are an excellent option for providing yourself with agricultural machinery cheaply, quickly and reliably. Such a unit will be able to:

• cultivate;
• yell;
• dig;
• mill;
• carry cargo up to 800 kg.

During the construction process, the creator may encounter many nuances, therefore, before starting the assembly, it is necessary to study in detail the structural features of the unit.

Homemade products for a walk-behind tractor are important additions. With their help, your ZAZ tool will become a more functional household assistant.

For the construction you will need:

• gearbox ZAZ;
• final drives;
• wheels;
• front suspension;
• steering rack.

2.2 Assembling a walk-behind tractor from a scooter or moped

2.3 Homemade walk-behind tractor from a Chinese moped (video)

2.4 Motoblock from a chainsaw

A home-made walk-behind tractor from a chainsaw is a popular phenomenon in home gardens. Basically, the simplicity of such a product captivates anyone who is familiar with drawing. The drawing is necessary to maintain the highest accuracy during installation.

If you have an unnecessary saw on your farm, you can easily convert it to a motor cultivator with your own hands. Most often, such a unit is made from a Ural chainsaw, due to the low cost and high power of the starting equipment. Such a unit will combine important qualities:

• high power and performance;
• ease;
• very compact unit.

For construction, you need a standard set of tools. Motoblocks and motor-cultivators from chainsaws (Ural, etc.) are the most profitable in economic terms.

The process itself usually begins with the creation of the frame. Such a frame is made in the form of a cube with angles of 3.2 × 3.2 cm. The engine is mounted on the cross members of the frame. Under it you need to carefully install the fuel tank. It is advisable to use brackets for this. Bearings are welded onto the supports.
The center of gravity is located above the wheel support. If you weld pipes to such a device, you will get manual control. Any ignition lock for starting the engine is suitable, for example, from a Zhiguli or a Zaporozhets.

The main advantages of a walk-behind tractor from a chainsaw with your own hands:

• not picky about lubricants;
• not picky about fuel;
• works autonomously;
• compact, used for work in hard-to-reach places.

The above are good options assembling a walk-behind tractor from scrap materials. It is also possible to make a walk-behind tractor from a motorcycle with your own hands, but this requires additional skills and equipment in the form of a lathe and milling machine. However, note that homemade walk-behind tractor from a motorcycle has great power and is able to work with any attachments.