Water tank for a bathhouse - how to choose, types of tanks, connection instructions

Many people are interested in the question: How and where to install a hot water tank in a bathhouse. There is an answer to this question and it is found in the layout of the bath rooms.

What kind of bath do you have? Your steam room is combined with washing procedures. Or do you steam first and then wash - this is one answer.

Or maybe your bathhouse has a steam room and a washing room - this is another answer to the question.

Rating of the best water tanks

There are several models of quality tanks available.

No. 5. Horizontal

The container is made of AISI 439 stainless steel. Its purpose is to store hot and cold water in baths and housing. At the top of the tank there is a filler hole, at the bottom and on the sides there are G3/4 pipes for supplying and draining liquid. The tank is hung on the wall using the mount included in the kit.

Horizontal

pros

• tightness;
• resistance to chemical and temperature influences;
• low deformation coefficient.

Minuses

There are no downsides to this model.

No. 4. Volcano

The rectangular tank is installed vertically. It is made of AISI 439 steel. Its purpose is to use it in conjunction with a heat exchanger, from which hot water flows into the container through natural circulation.

Volcano

pros

• good workmanship;
• budget cost.

Minuses

No. 3. MetalStroy

The tank is suitable for storing drinking water, organizing an autonomous hot water supply or installing a summer shower. The tank is made of AISI-430 steel with a thickness of 1 mm.

MetalStroy

pros

• high strength;
• hygiene;
• thick steel;
• light weight.

Minuses

The absence of nickel in steel makes it less resistant to corrosion, which shortens the service life of the product.

No. 2. Ferrum

A triangular-shaped container is mounted on the chimney. For connection it is equipped with elbows DU-115. Laser welding technology is used in manufacturing, which ensures the reliability of the seam.

Ferrum

pros

• excellent build quality;
• attractive design.

Minuses

high price.

No. 1. Teplodar Parus

The water in the tank built into the chimney (DN 115) heats up to 70...75 degrees. You can fill it through the hatch in the upper part. Steel thickness – 0.8 mm.

Teplodar Parus

pros

• long service life;
• high-quality performance.

Minuses

quite high price.

Table. Comparison of water tank models.

Types of tanks

Water tanks of different configurations are installed. The method of heating water may also differ. When choosing a container, you should take into account all the nuances.

The purpose of the hot water tank in the bathhouse

Capacity

The volume of the installed tank depends on the number of people who can simultaneously be in the bathhouse and use hot water. On average, 10...20 liters of boiling water should be provided for each person (with a small reserve). Today, tanks with a volume of 50...100 liters are produced. As a rule, it is not advisable to install a tank with a capacity exceeding 100 liters.

The shape of the container can be any

Material

When choosing a container, you need to consider that it must be able to withstand high temperatures (up to 250 degrees) for a long time.

Metal tank for water in the bath

You should not try to save money and install tanks made of ferrous metals. This approach cannot be justified not from an aesthetic point of view, but mainly from practical reasons. Due to constant exposure to high temperatures, the metal will deform over time and traces of corrosion will appear on it. This significantly reduces the service life of the tanks and the quality of the water in them.

The most common tank option is stainless steel construction. The demand for such tanks is explained by their attractive appearance, durability, resistance to various types of external influences, high heating rate, ability to retain heat for a long time, relatively low weight, hygiene, high durability and ease of maintenance. The tank configuration may vary. But high-quality stainless steel costs a lot. And you need to take into account that today there are many counterfeit products on offer, which will soon rust.

Not so often, but there are tanks made of cast iron. They are not afraid of rust. However, it must be borne in mind that, despite the fact that the water in such structures will not cool quickly, it takes more time to heat it up. Due to the bulkiness of the tanks, you need to carefully consider their location. Today, not many companies produce cast iron tanks, and they are not very cheap.

Enameled containers can be used, but they are not the best option. Of course, such material does not corrode and is very hygienic.

But low resistance to mechanical damage over time will inevitably lead to the fact that the metal with a fairly thin coating will become chipped (as a result of not very careful handling) and these areas will rust. It will no longer be possible to fix the problem.

Location and design

Three methods are used to place the tank: traditional (directly near the firebox), on the chimney, and remotely. What is the difference?

Bath stove with tank

Tank built into the oven

The reservoir can be located on the side or above the firebox. The water in it heats up quite quickly (exposed to open fire). To drain it, a ball valve is installed. Of course, this design does not involve pipeline laying work, which saves labor and material resources. However, using such a container is not very convenient; usually a tank of not very large capacity is installed, and its installation takes up useful space in the steam room, which usually is not very much. The best solution in small-sized baths is the top location of the tank. Since the metal will be in direct contact with the fire, the thickness of the tank walls must be at least 8 mm.

Water tank next to metal firebox

Reservoir on a pipe

If the ceiling height allows, you can install the tank on the chimney. Water is heated by hot gases passing through it. To simplify the installation process, it is possible to purchase a container with built-in chimney elbows. This tank can be fixed without much effort. By laying a pipeline from the tank, you can carry water to any point in the bathhouse, for which a pipe is connected to the bottom of the tank, ensuring the flow of liquid, for example, into the shower. Filling a tank installed in this way is not very easy due to the high location of the filler hole. It is best to use a hose lowered into a container for these purposes.

Reservoir on a pipe

Remote design

Thanks to the installation of a heat exchanger on the heater (on the chimney or directly on the stove) and natural convection, it is possible to place the tank in the washing compartment.

Water tank over brick firebox

The heat exchanger can be integrated into the oven (removable or non-removable), but you can easily install it yourself. It is a coil or container with a volume of several liters with pipes to create a circuit.

Steel, cast iron or stainless steel?

A lot depends on the building material from which the tank was made - both the durability of the tank itself and the rate of heating and cooling of the water in it.

Cast iron: hot water all day

For a long time, the tank in the bathhouse was made exclusively of heavy cast iron - the water in it took a long time to heat up, and quite a lot of firewood was consumed, but the hot water was available until the evening and the whole family could wash all day. In addition, cast iron is not afraid of either high temperatures or corrosion. But its big drawback, of course, is obvious.

Stainless steel sauna tanks: durable and lightweight

However, today stainless steel sauna tanks are becoming increasingly popular. There is no need to isolate moisture from it, its thermal conductivity is simply excellent, and the deformation rate due to very sharp temperature fluctuations is extremely small and cannot be compared with the qualities of ferrous metals.

The best brands for these tanks are 08X17 (430) and 8-12X18H10 (304), which are also used to create dishes. They are absolutely resistant to extreme temperatures, completely hygienic and cannot be deformed or corroded.

Such tanks are made for a bath from thin and durable stainless steel sheets, where special ball valves are installed to supply water. Caring for these tanks is extremely easy. Therefore, if you definitely do not want to spend your time on caring for water tanks in the bathhouse, feel free to choose this variety.

Enameled tanks - suitable if handled correctly

Enameled tanks will completely save you from unpleasant rust. Their only drawback is possible chips, which can lead to corrosion. True, they can always be treated with special heat-resistant paint - if the tank itself is not inserted into the oven.

Heating circuit: from a stove or heating element?

Whether it is more profitable to heat a stove in order to heat the water or whether a heating element is much more effective in this regard depends only on exactly how many people in the future will simultaneously steam in the bathhouse and how quickly they will need hot water for washing. For example, a capacity of approximately 50 liters is sufficient for one person, and at least 70 liters for the whole company.

The ability of the tank to warm up quickly enough also depends on its walls - the thicker they are, the longer it will take to warm up and the more it will weigh. For a sauna tank with a volume of up to 50 liters this is 0.8-1 mm, for a larger one the walls are definitely not thinner than 1.5 mm.

DIY making

If you can’t buy a tank in a store, you can assemble it yourself. To do this, you need to prepare consumables and tools:

• grinder with discs;
• file, hammer, pliers;
• welding machine;
• shut-off valve with the ability to adjust the flow;
• stainless steel sheets;
• metal pipes.

Build process:

1. Mark the main parts of the container body on the metal sheets. It's better to make it rectangular.
2. Cut out parts of the body using a grinder.
3. Connect the main parts and weld them.
4. Cut a hole in the top through which fresh water will be poured.
5. Make a hole in the bottom and secure the drain tap.

All that remains is to make hanging hooks on one of the walls of the stove, and labels for hanging on the tank itself.

How to make a heat exchanger yourself

If desired, the heat exchanger can be made independently; it is important to technically fulfill all the requirements and make a design with a large margin of safety

Materials and tools

Materials needed for working with metal:

• Vise
• Flaring tool
• Metal scissors
• Pliers
• Welding machine
• Wrench

In addition, materials needed:

• Pipes for coil
• Metal sheets for tank
• Pipes for supplying and draining water to the tank

Built-in heat exchanger made of steel pipes

Calculation of sizes and power

Here is the most interesting moment. The fact is that it is impossible to correctly calculate the heat exchanger. There are too many conditions, most of which must be determined experimentally in laboratories. There are quite a lot of reasons:

• There is no way to regulate the air supply
• Uneven fuel quality. Even if you always heat your sauna with the same type of wood, the quality of the fuel will always be different, which means the heat release will also be different.
• Heterogeneity of heat transfer. Towards the end of the combustion process, the heat transfer of firewood decreases sharply, so it is impossible to accurately calculate the heat load of the heat exchanger

Let's talk about the rules of installation and operation

System calculation

If you decide to install the system yourself, you will have to make certain calculations. It will be difficult to absolutely accurately calculate the dimensions and volume of the system, and there is no urgent need for this.

For example, 5 kW is enough to heat a medium-sized room. This power can be provided by a heat exchanger with an area of ​​1 m². But the temperature in the furnace constantly fluctuates; when fully heated, 1 m² provides up to 9 kW, and when the furnace goes out, the power begins to drop rapidly and can drop by 5 to 10 times. Therefore, the area of ​​the unit is taken with a significant margin, which makes it possible to equalize the heating of the liquid.

The configuration of the heat exchanger itself can be different; there is no consensus among experts. Some argue that stainless steel pipes are the best option, others prefer plates or manifolds consisting of 2 mating channels.

Connecting the system to the shower stall.

Tips for installation

If you decide to assemble the system yourself, then you should take into account several mandatory requirements.

• Tanks should be welded from metal with a thickness of at least 2.5 mm. The requirements for the upper, large tank are minimal; the main thing is that it does not rust or leak.
• The requirements for piping and the heat exchanger itself are somewhat higher; in the past, the most popular material for a heat exchanger was cast iron. Indeed, the material is very durable, does not corrode and holds the temperature for a long time. But cast iron also has serious disadvantages; it is heavy, which requires serious fastenings. And cast iron takes a long time to heat up.
• At this time, most experts prefer to assemble a system from stainless steel; its price is of course higher than that of cast iron or conventional steel grades that are susceptible to corrosion, but the savings here will cost more in the future. For the heat exchanger, stainless steel grades 08X17 (430) will be the most optimal; or 8-12Х18Н10 (304) they have optimal heat transfer parameters and meet all hygienic standards.
• As for the connecting pipes, naturally they should also be made of stainless steel. The drive pipe with cold water must initially, when leaving the large tank, fall slightly below the level of the heat exchanger; a drain valve is mounted at the lowest point and then rises at an angle of 2˚ to 5˚ to the entrance to the heat exchanger.
• The outlet pipe, through which hot water will flow into a large tank for a heated bath, must exit the heat exchanger, pass through the wall at an angle of at least 30˚ and connect to the tank.

Material for container

In the old days, the most popular material was cast iron. Of course, it will take a little longer to heat up, but the temperature will be maintained better. An important factor is the resistance of cast iron to corrosion and its long service life. But cast iron is a heavy material and such a container will need powerful support.

Cast iron stove with tank.

Ferrous metal is now practically not used for these purposes due to its tendency to corrosion and the high probability of deformation due to sudden temperature changes.

Stainless steel is deservedly considered a universal material. This metal is not afraid of corrosion and is relatively lightweight. In order to weld a large-capacity tank, a sheet 1.5 - 2 mm thick is enough. During temperature changes, such containers do not deform.

The video in this article shows the opinion of a specialist.

Assortment of tanks.

Coil for furnaces

One of the easiest heat exchangers to manufacture is a coil. All you need is to find a pipe made of a sufficiently ductile metal. Copper or aluminum are most often used, as both metals are resistant to corrosion and bend easily. Then the pipe is bent, and in principle it can be any shape.

In order for the water to actively move by gravity (without a pump), the total length of the coil should not exceed 3 meters (this includes the connection to the remote tank). When creating your own heat exchanger, “try” it on the stove: it should not come into contact with an open flame, but should be heated by hot air. An external thread is cut at the ends, to which a remote tank is then connected through fittings.

The coil can be located not only inside the firebox, but also outside. It is hardly worth wrapping the stove, but a metal chimney will heat water quite effectively. After all, if the furnace does not have an afterburner, then the temperature at the furnace outlet can be up to 500 o C. For an example of such a heat exchanger on a pipe, see the photo.

In the simplest version, the heat exchanger can have the shape of a horseshoe. Then you can use stainless steel - this way you can bend it. For example, the video clearly shows a similar shape that was used in the Vitra sauna stove (for a video on how to move the heat exchanger in a Vitra stove from the left side panel to the right, look at the end of the article).

One type of coil is a register. This is, as a rule, a welded structure made of pipes, which is often somewhat reminiscent of heating ones. The register for a sauna stove is most often made of stainless steel, since only it can withstand harsh operating conditions for a long time. Welded structures are large in size and weight, and therefore they are more often installed in brick kilns. In an iron furnace it is not always possible to find a place to place a small heat exchanger tube, let alone a bulky welded structure. And when designing brick sauna stoves, you can allocate space for a register.

Hot water tank for a bathhouse - how to choose?

Everyone understands perfectly well the importance of hot water in a bathhouse. Without it, you can’t wash yourself or use the heater. A technological solution would be to install a heating boiler. But why take up extra space, for example, in a small bathhouse, if you can organize water heating in a regular tank using stove heating? And all you need to do is choose the right container for this.

To begin with, we note that all tanks differ in shape and capacity.

Design options

The sizes are clear. Now let's talk about the method of heating water. It depends on the design features of the containers and the method of their location. The main options include the following types:

• classic tanks built into the oven;
• containers on the pipe;
• remote tanks.

Built-in containers

The first option is considered a classic. The container is located on the side or above the stove. Heating occurs as it heats up, and there is a ball valve on the tank for draining. On the one hand, they are quite convenient and do not require additional work to remove pipes or arrange places for fastening. But stoves with such tanks are large in size, and in some bathhouses that do not stand out in size, their installation will involve the loss of precious meters. In such cases, it is necessary to choose a sauna stove with a tank located on top. In this design, it will not block the passage.

Remote structures

Such tanks are more often used in saunas,

What should the tank be made of?

Of course, the most common option in all forms is stainless steel. There is several indisputable evidence for this: they are not subject to corrosion, the water in them warms up faster, and due to the special properties of the metal, it cools down more slowly. Stainless steel does not deform from high temperatures, is lightweight and always looks attractive, complementing the design of the interior space.

To save money, many people still use metal tanks. But they are impractical neither from an aesthetic point of view nor from a practical point of view. And if the unsightly appearance can be hidden behind the brickwork, then it is impossible to cope with the rust that appears over the years inside the container. And constant heating deforms the metal. And if people who have had such tanks for a relatively long time can still be understood, then it is impossible to understand the complexity of the thinking of those who install metal tanks in a newly built bathhouse. Moreover, many do not even try to hide them with partitions, leaving them outside for everyone to see.

You can also find cast iron tanks on sale. Thick metal that has a certain structure does not rust, but the water in it takes a long time to warm up, but also cools down slowly. Cast iron tanks are heavy; it is better not to place them on a small stove, but to place them on the side.

In addition to capacity, you also need to choose a tank based on its design features. Conventional stainless steel containers, powered by furnace heating, are produced in rectangular, square and semicircular shapes. Depending on the free space and taking into account whether the foundation will be poured under the stove, the type of tank is selected. Also, do not forget about the free space. They need to be positioned in such a way that they do not restrict the space. So that when washing you do not get scalded by accidentally touching it.

In winter, after washing is completed, the tanks are completely emptied. Once frozen, water will tear apart any metal. Do not fire stoves with an empty tank. High temperatures deform the container, and all protection will peel off from the enamel surface.

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Types of tanks by capacity

To begin with, we note that all tanks differ in shape and capacity. And before you give preference to a beautiful shiny form, first decide on the basic parameters. The choice of container by displacement is influenced by the total number of people who will wash in the bathhouse at the same time. On average, two people need up to 40 liters of water per wash, including soaking brooms and applying to stones. From these figures it is not difficult to calculate the water indicators for washing four people. On sale you can find storage tanks for cold water and tanks for hot water, with a capacity of 50 to 100 liters. It is recommended to purchase them with a reserve so that there is no shortage, and boiling water in a half-empty tank is an unpleasant moment.

How to install and connect correctly?

During the process of installing and connecting a tank in a bathhouse, one of the main priorities is deciding how the water in the tank will be heated. The water in the tank can be heated either from the heat of the stove in the steam room, or using a heating element. The main factor here is the number of people visiting the steam room and their need for hot water. The thickness of the tank will also affect the rate at which the water heats up.

Connection diagrams for the water tank may vary. If there is running water in the premises, it is necessary to use a closed water supply system. For this purpose, it is most advisable to use a stove that has a coil, which, in turn, will be connected to a water reservoir and heat the liquid. The container itself can be mounted on the wall. Sometimes tanks are mounted directly above the furnaces, but with this installation option it is best to use lighter and smaller structures. For containers that have a water circuit, stainless steel or galvanized sheet is often used.

You need to connect according to the following instructions:

• The tank itself should be installed in the steam room and connected to the pipes using a coil.
• To achieve good circulation, it is worth connecting the upper part of the tank with the upper outlet of the coil, and the lower part of the tank, respectively, with the lower one. For this reason, cold water will enter from below, and hot water will be discharged from above.

• At the point where cold water will enter the tank, a safety and check valve is used.
• Then you need to set the threshold pressure for the valves at which they will operate. The drawings are presented below.

Thanks to this principle of operation, the liquid in the container will be heated using a coil. And after it is used, the tank will be filled with cold water again.

How to choose a heat exchanger

If you need a wood-burning sauna stove with a heat exchanger, you need to decide in advance on the system that will best suit you:

1. A coil is the simplest option, which is made of a pipe in the form of a spiral. It is installed in the furnace, from where two pipes are brought out - “input” and “output”.

1. Two containers - a rectangular (lower) one is installed in the firebox, and a cylindrical (upper) one - outside. The fuel warms up the first and heat transfers to the second. Hot water under pressure goes to the right rooms, and you get a full-fledged boiler. This system allows you to significantly save money.

Remote with heat exchanger

Heating water in a bathhouse using a heat exchanger is highly efficient. This method is used in boiler houses of any size. The heat exchanger is located in the furnace flame. Water circulates through it; this heating of water is the most effective of all possible. The only thing that limits the use of this system for baths is its complexity and the resulting high cost.

Advantages

A remote tank for hot water in a bathhouse is placed in any convenient place. Heat is transferred to it through circulation pipes if a stove or boiler is used. Remote tanks are also ideal for electric heaters.

Compared to a tank directly on the stove, heat is transferred to a remote tank in a more complex way. The length of the pipes can be several meters. Of course, this causes additional heat loss, but also provides many advantages:

1. If the tank is remote, then a highly efficient heat exchanger is necessarily used to heat the water;
2. The installation location can be any; large volume containers can be installed;
3. It is convenient to install at a height, for example, in the attic of a bathhouse for a ceiling shower.

Purpose

A water tank is a reservoir designed to organize hot water supply. Regardless of the type and volume, it has an opening for cold water, as well as shut-off and distribution valves for hot water.

Despite the variety of electric and gas heating devices, the water tank does not lose its position. Its use allows you to save electricity and gas consumption. In addition, the tank remains the only device for heating water if there are power outages or the gas in the cylinders runs out.

Hot water in the bathhouse is used mainly for washing after the steam room. In addition, it is necessary for household needs and washing. Finally, hot water in the steam room serves as an additional way to heat the room and get hot steam, which is so beneficial for health.

Why stainless steel: key advantages of the material

The modern market offers a wide range of water tanks made of cast iron, stainless steel and enameled material. As practice shows, stainless steel is the most popular among bathhouse owners, which is due to the competent and acceptable ratio of operational and technical characteristics and cost indicators.

Stainless steel is characterized by excellent thermal conductivity, withstands temperature changes and objectively lasts longer than various ferrous metals.

Examples of stainless steel tanks

Stainless Steel Oven Mounting Tank

Stainless steel tank

Stainless steel containers

A logical question arises here: which of the existing brands of stainless steel is better suited for the manufacture of the container in question, intended for use in a bathhouse? Firstly, this is brand 08Х17 (430), secondly, 8-12Х18Н10 (304). The mentioned materials, among other things, are used for the production of tableware and are characterized by high resistance to high temperatures, are completely hygienic, do not rust or deform during use. In addition, such materials are unpretentious and extremely easy to maintain.

Composition and mechanical properties of different grades of stainless steel

To summarize the above, we can highlight 3 main advantages of water tanks made of stainless steel:

• the products do not require additional protection from high air humidity and can easily withstand operation in conditions typical for a steam room;
• Stainless steel has high thermal conductivity, which makes it possible to obtain hot water in the shortest possible time;
• Stainless steel tanks do not deform due to sudden temperature changes, or these deformations are insignificant.

Anti-corrosion treatment

For metal tanks, corrosion is the main problem. The key solution is stainless steel, but for now, the price for it remains 10 times higher than usual (in terms of weight). In reality, a stainless steel tank costs not 10 times more than a regular steel tank, but much less. This happens because the thickness of the walls of the stainless steel tank is made smaller. There is no reserve required for thinning due to corrosion.

Anti-corrosion treatment of tanks is carried out in the factory. Technologies in this area do not stand still and are constantly being improved. Zinc has the strongest adhesion to steel. Various protective layers are applied on top of it.

There are two popular options for anti-corrosion protection. This is either paint for a hot water tank in a bathhouse, or glassy enamel, which is applied at high temperature. Enameled tanks are better protected from corrosion and high temperatures than painted ones.

The general technology for their manufacture is the same as for conventional enamel cookware. Glass-based food grade enamel is used for tanks and utensils, without the addition of lead.

Information. In some cases, they carry out independent anti-corrosion treatment of tanks. All homemade structures need it (with the exception of stainless steel). You need to use only specially developed compounds and apply them to a clean and grease-free surface.

Boiler for a bath

Boilers are effective in regions where there is no firewood. Gas and solid fuel options are popular. It is better to prefer solid fuels on peat. Unlike coal, they do not pollute the surrounding area.

There are two options with boilers. Either connect the tank to the heat exchanger in the bathhouse (the heat exchanger is placed in the combustion chamber of the boiler), or install the tank on the boiler itself.

Information. Unlike stoves, boilers are not assembled from bricks, but are purchased ready-made. The design with a heat exchanger has maximum efficiency; by the way, it can be implemented without a ready-made expensive boiler. This is discussed below.

You can use homemade boilers for a bath from a pipe, but this requires good quality welding work, which is the main difficulty. A common option is to manufacture the boiler and tank from large-diameter stainless pipes.

Wood-burning sauna boilers with a tank are produced ready-made. Structurally, they are designed in the same way as a regular sauna stove and differ in size. Their water capacity is usually larger, and the area for installing stones for soaring is smaller.

What designs can be used

You can place the tank in the bathhouse in different ways. The main types used are:

Built-in design. In this case, the chimney pipe runs inside the tank. This structure is considered stationary, non-removable and is installed during the manufacture of the chimney. The tank can be made in the form of a pipe (cylindrical version) or have a rectangular cross-section

It is important to securely seal the bottom entrance of the pipe to prevent water from leaking out of the tank. To use water, outlets are made from the tank directly into the shower stall or intermediate tank

Given the elevated location of such a tank, water flows by gravity.

The device of a heater with a tank on the chimney

1. Hanging structure. Such a system is removable, i.e. installed on an existing chimney. The tank is placed close to the chimney pipe and securely attached to the column. Such containers can be purchased or made by yourself. This design is typical when a gutter is formed on the back wall, repeating the shape and diameter of the chimney, which makes it possible to bring the surfaces as close as possible and ensure high-quality heating.

Design of a hanging tank for a bath

1. Remote design. In principle, the water container itself can be placed in any convenient place (for example, in a shower). In this case, the energy of the chimney heats the coolant, which is sent to heat the water container. When such a heat exchanger is mounted on a bath pipe, the installation height of the tank must be selected so as to ensure gravity flow of the coolant according to the laws of physics, i.e. the warm flow rushes upward, and the cooled flow – downward. This design provides for the presence of additional elements in the form of a heat exchanger, but it also allows you to place the tank itself in the right place.

Water circulation diagram with a remote design of the tank and stove in the bathhouse

Depending on the design, the tank can be placed at different height levels. 3 options can be implemented:

1. At the stove level: the base of the tank is placed on the top of the stove, which means no additional brackets are required. The main disadvantage is that the height does not allow gravity flow of water for showering. In this case, it is scooped by hand.

Tanks at furnace level

1. On the chimney column. This design is located at a certain height, which eliminates the previous drawback. Mounting the tank requires special brackets, and the weight of the structure is limited.

1. Attic level. Here there is a reliable support for the tank in the form of a ceiling. The problem arises in a cold attic, where you will have to think about external thermal insulation.

Diagram of installing a water tank on a chimney at the attic level

When calculating the parameter, they usually proceed from the following requirement: 10 liters per person for a bath procedure and 5 liters per person when taking a shower. In addition, a reserve should be created for unforeseen circumstances.

There are various forms of water tanks for a bath on a chimney

The dimensions of the container also depend on the design and dimensions of the chimney. The most common type is a sauna tank with a 115 mm pipe. Naturally, a bath tank for a 150 mm pipe is made of a larger diameter, regardless of the need.

The choice of volume of a metal water tank depends on the number of family members

Formula for determining the volume of a cylindrical tank

Open siphon type heat exchanger

A very interesting and effective option is to heat water on a stove, but, unfortunately, not very common. An inclined pipe, sealed at the end, is welded into the furnace. Its second end - an open cut - is welded at the bottom of the water tank. When water is poured into the tank, some of it flows into a pipe located in the oven, where it is heated until it boils.

One of the practical implementations of such a heat exchanger is shown in the photo. The design has been slightly changed, but the principle remains the same.

In this option, the tank is located on a stand in the next room. A hole was made in the wall and in one side of the stove (the stove stands on its side). The length of the pipe is such that it almost reaches the opposite wall of the firebox. The pipe is sealed at the end, the hole in the furnace is slightly larger than the diameter of the pipe, and is not insulated or sealed.

The owner of such a siphon-type water heat exchanger has been using this unit for more than 6 years. He says that smoke does not enter the room. Sometimes, if you close the door to the steam room too quickly, a small portion of smoke may escape, but this happens very rarely and does not cause any trouble.

Built-in tank, remote tank or tank on a pipe?

Bath tanks come in various types. The most famous are built-in, remote and on a pipe. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. Compare and evaluate which one is right for your bath.

Advantages of a tank that is built into the oven

Once upon a time, water tanks for the bath were always built into the stove - so that the entire lower part of the boiler was in the upper part of the firebox - the hottest. In this case, the bottom of the tank is in direct contact with the stove fire. Water from this container can either be drawn directly or removed through a special built-in tap.

Remote sauna tank: main advantages and disadvantages

Thanks to the excellent ability to install a special heat exchanger in the oven, the tank does not need to be tied to a specific place - it can even be installed in a washing room. According to all known laws of physics, cold water will fall into the heat exchanger, and hot water will rise back.

Sauna tank on a pipe

Of course, it also happens that the sauna is used not for a couple of hours at all, but for the whole day - for example, when washing, but time has already passed since the fire. Then the best option is a sauna tank on a pipe, where the water will be constantly heated to the required temperature. This is on the pipe through which smoke comes out of the furnace - and its temperature can reach 500 degrees. Such tanks can be quite large, since the heating area of ​​the pipe is very large, and the water will heat up evenly and quickly.

There is also another advantage of this design - in this bathhouse, smoke leakage through a crack in the pipe is absolutely impossible, since the tank in this case serves as a full-fledged fuse.

Advantages and disadvantages

When heating a bathhouse, you do not need to waste resources on heating water

A tank of sufficient capacity will provide residents with heated water for hygiene procedures and household needs. The liquid in the container eliminates the problem of dry air. Compared to water heating devices running on gas or electricity, the advantage of using a tank is that there is no additional consumption of resources. Connecting the reservoir to the stove will also help out in the event of a temporary shutdown of the supply of main resources.

The disadvantages of tanks depend on the material and type of construction. In steel containers, water cools quickly; cast iron containers are heavy. Installing a tank on a pipe requires special skills. The heating rate is affected by the thickness of the walls of the product.

All the details and nuances

Depending on the purposes for which you will use the room, how many people will relax there, the choice of construction method will vary. If you plan to build an entire complex, then most likely you will have to be patient.

Building a sauna tank with your own hands or calling a construction company for help is a matter of your choice, but its presence will significantly simplify some processes.

Previously, the container was placed directly in the stove or above it. Since the slab itself is made of brick, stone or metal, the structure is truly strong and durable. Today there are many options for replacement. As an alternative to this, you may be offered:

• Remote
• Mounted
• Heated by heat exchanger

Those structures and tanks that have the ability to be transported are much more practical and can be easily moved to other rooms.

Recently, the production of this type of product has become more in demand. The latest generation technologies allow you to choose from a number of tanks with any parameters and efficiency, at a price that suits you.

The main purpose of such tanks is for greater release of light and soft steam, as well as water supply in the shower or other amenities. The volume of the container and its dimensions will depend on how great the need for water is. For 3 people, 50 liters is quite enough, 80 liters or more for noisy companies, or if the bathhouse is heated several times a day.

Good functioning is also influenced by factors such as the density or thickness of the metal. A stainless steel water container is very practical and maintains optimal temperature conditions well. It’s not worth saving on such a device, and you need to understand that high-quality material will cost much more.

The choice of tank plays a big role; during the combustion process, the temperature reaches 400 degrees; if the installation is attached to a chimney, then this level of steam goes beyond such a building and can be called a classic option, since it has become widely used in the last ten years. Choose a manufacturer responsibly and try to purchase only high-quality certified products.

Selecting the boiler power

It is important to take care of the installation of an RCD (residual current device). This will prevent accidental electric shock to bathhouse visitors.

This will prevent accidental electric shock to bathhouse visitors.

Based on the design features and range of water heaters, we can state the following:

• If you don’t have gas, then the heaters and boilers using this fuel will “pass” by your bathhouse. If you are the happy owner of a gas bath, then you can no longer consider other options.
• Electric water heaters are expensive, but there are no problems with installing the device. It is cut into the water supply and plugged into an outlet. And that’s it – you can use it. Moreover, an electric boiler is a “one-time” device - this device will prepare the next portion of hot water after 3-4 hours. In addition, instantaneous and electric storage water heaters are afraid of excessive humidity in the bathhouse “atmosphere”.
• If you are a supporter of budget solutions and want to have a supply of hot water until the heater goes out, then you will undoubtedly like wood-burning water heaters. In this case, the water in the tank is heated by the stove itself, which imposes some restrictions on the process of installing such water heaters. They are installed during the construction of the heater. But if you haven’t missed the moment, then you won’t find anything better.

Well, now let's talk about volume:

• Large companies need an appropriate amount of water. Therefore, for a company of 4-5 people, you need either an instantaneous water heater or a boiler with a capacity of 100-150 liters.
• One or two people or a company of three people will get by with a 50-80 liter boiler.
• The bathhouse for one “user” is equipped with a 30-liter boiler.

water heaters “Success”,

which are tanks with a capacity of 40 to 250 liters, heated by heating elements at 1.5-2 kW.

Water heater “Success” 125 l

The tank is made of sheet steel, at least a millimeter thick, and the heating element is equipped not only with a thermostat, but also with a mechanical temperature regulator.

Less sociable bathhouse owners will be interested in

model GARANTERM ER 150 V

Water heater GARANTERM ER 150 V

electric boiler for 150 liters, boiling water heating element for 1.5 kW. This dressing can serve a company of 3-4 people, who can not only rinse off in front of the steam room, but also take a full-fledged hot shower. Moreover, the heater body, as well as the outlet fittings, are made of stainless steel, and moisture-resistant polyurethane foam is used as a heat insulator.

The cost of the heater is 10-11 thousand rubles.

model Ermak KVS-10-2-90

Water heater model Ermak KVS-10-2-90

wood-burning storage water heater made of stainless steel with a capacity of 90 liters. This boiler boils water using both wood and heating elements with a power of up to 2.5 kW. Moreover, this boiler has relatively modest dimensions - the wood-burning firebox is built directly into the storage tank of the heater.

The cost of a stainless steel model is 15,000 rubles.

Materials

When choosing a tank for a bathhouse or when making it yourself, an unmistakable choice of the material for its manufacture is extremely important. The heating time of the liquid, the period of its cooling and the duration of operation of the device itself will depend on this. Among the most widely used materials, cast iron, stainless steel and enameled steel are widely used.

Previously, only cast iron tanks were used for hot water tanks. Cast iron containers have been tested by time and have a number of positive aspects. In particular, a cast iron tank will keep the water hot for a long time. There is no corrosion on them and the water in this tank will always be clean. This material is very resistant to temperature changes. And finally, the shelf life of a cast iron tank is very long, since this material is not susceptible to corrosion. Currently, not many manufacturers are engaged in the manufacture of cast iron tanks. But it is quite possible to buy a used tank at a lower price. In this case, you will need to process it and give it a pleasant appearance.

One of the disadvantages is the rather long time it takes to heat the water in the tank. Cast iron tanks are heavy and sometimes need to be installed on a special foundation. If the tank is located above the stove, its fastening requires additional reinforcement. Making such a tank yourself will also be a very problematic undertaking.

Stainless steel containers are now used quite often. This material replaced cast iron tanks. The owners of the baths appreciated their high positive qualities. Such tanks do not require additional protection from high humidity. The water in a stainless steel tank heats up in an extremely short period of time. Stainless steel has good resistance to sudden temperature changes and, accordingly, does not rust, as its name already implies. The only downside that can be noted is that the water in it cools down quickly.

Tanks made of enameled steel are also a popular option for this design. A special enamel coating on such tanks reliably protects them from corrosion. The main thing is to prevent damage to the enamel, otherwise the tank may begin to rust. Although damaging the enamel layer is quite problematic, since such a coating is resistant to various types of damage. If necessary, a tank made of this material can be very easily cleaned. Enamel of various colors is available on the market.

For cold water, separate tanks are now rarely used, since it most often enters the room through the water supply. But if there is a need to install a container for cold water, then there is much less hassle with it than with a tank for hot water, since there are no particularly strict requirements for it. You can even use wooden containers, such as an oak barrel. Plastic containers for cold water are also popular. But such containers cannot be placed in a steam room, much less near a stove, because plastic is sensitive to high temperatures and can become deformed when heated. You can also make such a tank yourself.