How to mount the water tank over the bath. Bath water tank: types and installation options. For cold water

What is a bathhouse without hot water? But to heat it, you don't need a boiler at all - there is a stove and a fire in the stove. And the water will be heated using a heat exchanger.
But first you need to determine which specific tank will be better for a bath: on a pipe, remote or built-in, from what material it will be made - in general, what it should be so that during the operation of the bath it does not have to be changed to another.

You can, of course, find stoves for a bath with a tank, but what if there is a stove, but no heating tanks? Then you can find tanks for a bath to order or make them yourself using a conventional welding machine - and that's all.

Remote, built-in or pipe-mounted?

Bath tanks are built-in, remote and on a pipe - and each has its own pros and cons. Compare and evaluate - which one is right for your bath.

Advantages of a tank built into the oven

Once upon a time, the water tanks in the bathhouse were only built into the oven - so that the lower part of the boiler was placed in the upper part of the firebox - the hottest one. And the bottom of the tank in this case is in direct contact with the stove fire. Water from such a container can be drawn directly, or it can be discharged through the built-in tap.

Portable bath tank: pros and cons

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

Tank on the pipe - hot water no problem!

But it so happens that the bath is used not for two or three hours, but for the whole day - for example, when they wash in it, but the time after the furnace has already passed. Then the ideal option is a tank on a pipe, in which the water will be constantly heated to the desired temperature. This is on the pipe through which the smoke comes out of the oven - and its temperature can reach 500 ° C. Such tanks can be large enough - after all, the heating area of ​​the pipe is large enough, and the water will be heated quickly and evenly.

If you need to increase the humidity in the steam room, we advise you to read the article

There is one more plus of this design - in such a bath, smoke leakage through a crack in the pipe is impossible, because the tank in this case serves as a kind of fuse.

Cast iron, steel or stainless steel?

Quite a lot depends on the material from which the tank is made - both the rate of heating and cooling of water, and the durability of the tank itself.

Cast iron: hot water full day

For a long time, the tank in the bath was made of heavy cast iron - the water was heated for a long time, a lot of firewood went away, but it was hot until the evening and the whole family could wash all day. In addition, cast iron is not afraid of corrosion or high temperatures. But its solid weight is, of course, an obvious drawback.

Stainless steel bath tanks: lightweight and durable

But today, a stainless steel bathtub is gaining more and more popularity - there is no need to isolate moisture from it, it has excellent thermal conductivity, and the deformation coefficient due to sharp temperature fluctuations is negligible and cannot be compared with the properties of ferrous metals.

The best brands for such tanks are 8-12X18H10 (304) and 08X17 (430), which are still used to make dishes. They are resistant to even extreme temperatures, hygienic and do not corrode or deform.

Such tanks for a bath are made of durable and thin sheet stainless steel, where special ball valves are mounted to enter and supply water. Caring for such tanks is extremely simple.

Enamelled tanks - good for careful handling

Enamel tanks will also get rid of unpleasant rust. Their only drawback is possible chips, which will lead to corrosion. But they can be treated with special heat-resistant paint - unless the tank itself is inserted into the oven.

Heating scheme: from a heating element or a stove?

Whether it is more profitable to heat the stove in order to heat the water or in this regard, the ten is more efficient depends on how many people in the future will simultaneously steam in the bath and how quickly hot water will be needed for washing. For example, for one person, a capacity of 50 liters is enough, but for the whole company - at least 70.

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

How to correctly install and connect a water tank?

So, how to properly install the tank in the bath? If the washing water comes from the tap, that is, under constant pressure, a so-called closed water supply system is needed. For this, an ideal option would be a stove with a coil inside, to which the tank itself will be connected. But you can also implement this method: the tank will be suspended on the oven itself. For this, the simplest design of 50-120 liters is suitable, which is not difficult to cook on your own. The best option is an 80 liter tank made of non-galvanized iron, which can be purchased at any hardware store.

A properly connected tank in the bath will look like this: water is heated in the register and rises into the tank. In it, it gradually cools down and sinks down into the register itself. This is how natural circulation arises, and in order to improve it, it is more expedient to draw water from the return line - although this is not always convenient, because in this case you will have to wait a long time until the tank heats up. But the water itself can already be used as soon as the stove is heated. But it is more efficient and thoughtful if the possibility of switching the water intake from direct to return is thought out - this is much more convenient. If the entrance and exit to the tank are made from the bottom, then the circulation will be slower.

And the circuit itself will look like this:

1. The hot water tank is installed in the steam room, under the shelves and is connected by pipes to the coil of the sauna stove.
2. For correct circulation at the tank, the upper branch is connected to the same upper branch of the furnace coil, and the lower branch is connected to the lower one. So hot water will be removed from the top, and cold water - from the bottom.
3. A non-return and safety valve is installed at the inlet of cold water - it is also called a blaster.
4. According to the instructions of the storage tank, the set pressure of the safety valve is set.

And this whole structure will work like this: the filled tank will begin to warm up through the coil and when hot water is consumed, it will automatically be filled through the cold inlet. As the water heats up, if it is not used yet, this pressure will increase, and when the critical point is reached, the explosive will be triggered - he will release this pressure.

If everything is done correctly, then the hot water in the bath will be in such an amount as needed - and under such pressure, under which it will be comfortable to wash after the steam room.

Everyone understands the importance of hot water in the bath. Without it, you can't wash and put on the stove. A technological solution would be to install a boiler for heating. But why take up extra space, for example, in a small bathhouse, if you can organize water heating in an ordinary tank by means of stove heating? And all you need to do is choose the right container for this.

Types of tanks by capacity

To begin with, we note that all tanks differ in shape and capacity. And before giving preference to a beautiful shiny shape, first decide on the main parameters. The choice of capacity by displacement is influenced by the total number of people who will wash in the bath at the same time. On average, for two people, one wash requires up to 40 liters of water, taking into account the soaking of brooms and the supply of stones. From these figures, it is easy to calculate the water indicators for washing four people. On sale you can find cold water storage tanks and hot water tanks with a capacity of 50 to 100 liters. It is recommended to purchase them with a margin, so that there is no shortage, and boiling water in a half-empty tank is an unpleasant moment.

Design options

The size is clear. Now let's talk about the method of heating water. It depends on the design features of the containers and the way they are located. The following types stand out from the main options:

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

Built-in capacities

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

Tanks on the pipe

More modern option. The tank is located on the chimney, and heating occurs due to the kinetic energy generated at the outlet. Water quickly gains temperature, but the result of boiling in such systems is higher, which causes slight discomfort. To reduce dependence on this, it is better to purchase structures with high-design tanks. Volume is achieved by increasing the lift rather than the width of the container. This protects the strategic reserve from overheating, ensuring the constant presence of hot water, not boiled one. Drainage is done separately by leading pipes from the tank to the wall.

Remote structures

Such tanks are more often used in saunas, when you need a dry temperature in the steam room. But if there is an opportunity and a place in the utility room, then the external structure will be very useful in a regular bath. The tank is located in the washing compartment, and this is where hot water is needed. You can install such a container on any stove, but the easiest option would be to install an external structure to the heater-stove. The water will be heated by convection of hot air.

What should the tank be made of?

Of course, the most common option in all forms is stainless steel. There are several indisputable proofs of 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.

In order to save money, many people still use metal tanks. But they are impractical neither from the aesthetic point of view, nor from the 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 put metal tanks in a newly built bathhouse. Moreover, many do not even try to hide them with partitions, leaving them outside for general viewing.

Enamelled tanks are slightly better than metal containers. Special treatment does not favor corrosion and the water remains clean for a long time. But they are unstable to mechanical stress. Even slightly touching the surface with a metal ladle, you can chip off the coating and the metal in this place will begin to rust. It is almost impossible to stop this process by any means.

Cast iron tanks can also be found on sale. Thick metal, which has a certain structure, does not rust, but water heats up in it for a long time, but also slowly cools down. Cast iron tanks are heavy, it is better not to put them on a small stove, but to place them on the side.

To choose a tank, in addition to its capacity, it is also necessary for 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 for the furnace will be poured, 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 constrain the space. To prevent scalding when washing, accidentally touching it.

In winter, at the end of washing, the tanks are completely emptied. Freezing, water will break any metal. Do not heat stoves with an empty tank. The high temperature deforms the container, and all the protection will peel off from the enamelled surface.

Since ancient times, the bathhouse in Russia was valued much more than just a special place for cleansing the body. She was a whole ritual that was associated with the complete liberation of a person from excess spiritually and physically. In many respects, it was thanks to the bath with a birch broom that Russia was famous for its red maidens and heroes. A tank of hot water, bath heat and steam helped the Slavs to be healthy and strong, protected from many diseases, invigorated the body and spirit.

The popularity of bath procedures does not fall, it only increases every year. And this applies to the whole world. After all, the person who visited the bath absorbs all the healing and healing power of the steam, and leaves there with an excellent mood and rejuvenated.

What is a bath without a normal one? And to heat it up, you don't need a boiler at all, since there is a stove and a full fire in the stove. Well, the water will be heated by means of a special heat exchanger.

However, first it is necessary to determine which tank for the bath will be better: remote, built-in or on a pipe, from which material it will be made. In general, what exactly should it be so that at the time of using the bath it definitely does not have to be changed to some other tank.

You can, of course, find it already with a tank, but what to do when there is a stove, but there is no special container for heating? In this case, you can find special tanks for a bath on the market or make them yourself using a completely ordinary welding machine.

Sauna tanks are of various types. The most famous are built-in, remote and pipe-mounted. 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, the water tanks for the baths 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 discharged through a special built-in tap.

Remote bath tank: main advantages and disadvantages

Due 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 be easily installed even in a washing room. According to all the known laws of physics, cold water will descend into the heat exchanger, while hot water will rise back.

Of course, it also happens that the bath is not used at all for a couple of hours, but for the whole day - for example, when they wash, but time has already passed after the fire. Then the best option is a bath tank on a pipe, where the water will be constantly heated to the required temperature. This is on the chimney through which smoke comes out of the stove - 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 be heated evenly and quickly.

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

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 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 was heated for a long time, and it took quite a lot of firewood, but the hot water was until the evening and the whole family could wash all day. In addition, cast iron is not afraid of high temperatures or corrosion. But its big drawback, of course, is obvious.

Stainless steel bath tanks: durable and lightweight

Nevertheless, today the stainless steel bath tank is becoming more and more popular. There is no need to isolate moisture from it, its thermal conductivity is simply excellent, and the deformation index 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 not subject to deformation or corrosion.

Such tanks are made for a bath from thin and durable stainless steel sheet, where special ball valves are installed for water supply. The maintenance of these tanks is extremely simple. Therefore, if you definitely do not want to spend your time on caring for water tanks in a bath, feel free to choose this type.

Enamelled Tanks - Suitable if Handled Properly

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

Heating scheme: from a stove or heating element?

Whether it is more profitable to heat the stove in order to heat the water or, in this regard, the heating element is much more efficient depends only on how many people in the future will simultaneously steam in the bath and how quickly he 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 warm up and will also weigh more. For a bathtub with a volume of up to 50 liters, this is 0.8-1 mm, for a more overall one - walls thinner than 1.5 mm are definitely not there.

How to install the water tank correctly?

So, how to correctly install the tank in the bath? If the water in the washing room will come from the tap, under pressure, a closed water supply system is needed. The most ideal option for this is considered to be a stove with a coil inside, a tank will be connected to it. However, the following method can also be implemented: the tank will be suspended on the oven itself. A simple design of about 50-120 liters is suitable for this, which is not difficult to weld on your own. The best option is a tank of about 80 liters made of special non-galvanized iron, which can be purchased at any specialized hardware store or on the market.

A well-connected bath tank will look like this in the bath: the water in the register heats up and rises into the tank, where it gradually cools down and soon drops down into the register. This is how circulation occurs, and in order to improve it somewhat, it is better to take water from the return line - although this is not very convenient, since in this case you will have to wait a long time until the tank heats up normally. But the water can be used as soon as the stove is heated. However, it is more thought out and efficient if a full-fledged ability to switch the water intake from direct to return is thought out - this is much more convenient. If the entrance and exit to the tank are made from the bottom, then the circulation will be somewhat slower.

The order of operations to be performed

1. The tank is mounted in the steam room, just under the shelves, connected by pipes to the stove coil.
2. For a tank for stable circulation, the upper outlet is connected to the upper outlet of the coil, and the lower one is connected to the lower one. Hot water will be removed from the top, and cold water will come from the bottom.
3. At the inlet of cold water, a safety and non-return valve is mounted - it is also called a blaster.
4. The pressure for automatic triggering of the blaster is set.

The whole structure will work in this way: the filled tank will be heated through the coil, when warm water is consumed, it will automatically be filled through the cold water inlet. As the cold water heats up, if it is not yet used, this pressure will constantly increase, and when its critical point is reached, an explosive will automatically work, which will release all pressure.

If you do everything correctly, then the hot water in the bath will be in the amount necessary - and under pressure, under which it will be convenient to wash after the steam room.

Water tanks are an integral part of any bath. Usually two tanks are used - for cold and hot water. And if the requirements for the first are not too high, then the second should be chosen very carefully, taking into account all possible factors. There are many types of tanks, and they differ not only in shape and material, but also in the method of installation.

Hot water tank requirements

If you have to wait a long time for the water to heat up, or add it to make sure there is enough for everyone, this reduces the comfort of being in the bath. It is also very unpleasant if the water becomes rusty. The reliability and durability of the container also means a lot, since the prices of the tanks are very high and replacement will be expensive.

Based on this, the main requirements for a hot water tank can be identified:

• it should heat up quickly;
• have high resistance to corrosion;
• withstand high temperatures;
• easy to clean;
• have sufficient capacity.

Types of tanks

All tanks are divided into types according to two criteria: the method of installation and the material of manufacture. According to the method of installation, the tanks are:

• built-in;
• portable;
• samovar type (mounted on the chimney).

By material of manufacture:

• cast iron;
• made of stainless steel;
• made of enamelled steel.

Each type has models that differ in shape, volume, wall thickness. Most of the containers are equipped with standard taps and have shower outlets, but there are also those from which water is drawn through the top with a ladle. In order not to be mistaken when choosing, you should familiarize yourself in detail with the advantages and disadvantages of all these types.

The most economical and convenient option. The tank is installed during the laying of the oven. Its lower part is located inside the firebox, due to which the water is heated directly by the flame. Hot water is drawn from the top with a ladle or with a built-in tap.

Due to direct contact with fire, the walls and bottom of the container should be as thick as possible, therefore the most preferred material for such a tank is cast iron with a thickness of 5 mm or more. No less popular are stainless steel tanks with a wall thickness of 1 and 1.5 mm. Enamelled steel containers are not suitable for this installation method. Cast iron tanks are in the shape of a bowl, made of stainless steel, usually in the form of a cube or cylinder.

Benefits of built-in tanks:

• water heats up quickly;
• the water temperature is maintained for a long time;
• free space is saved, since the tank does not protrude beyond the stove;
• simple installation.

Disadvantages:

• the heat transfer of the furnace decreases, since the bulk of the heat goes to heating the water;
• the dimensions of the tank are limited by the dimensions of the furnace;
• the tank must have thick walls, which increases its weight and cost.

Metal tanks for sauna stoves

This method is convenient in cases where no more than 4 people are steaming in the bath at the same time, or people wash themselves separately. For example, if 3-4 people take turns steaming in the bath, this takes a lot of time, respectively, and it will take longer to maintain the water temperature by throwing up firewood. The built-in tank saves on fuel by staying hot for a very long time. But for large companies, this option is not the most optimal, since it does not provide the required amount of water.

The remote tank is located at a distance from the furnace and is connected by pipes with a heat exchanger built into the furnace. Without this, its exploitation is impossible. Most often, such a tank is installed in a washing room or mounted on the wall of the steam room next to the stove, if its dimensions are larger than the area of ​​the firebox. When choosing a place for a container, it must be borne in mind that the length of the pipes should not exceed 2.5-3 m. Remote tanks can be made of stainless steel and enameled, cylindrical, rectangular and even triangular in shape - for installation in the corner of the room.

Advantages:

• the tank is installed where it is more convenient;
• large containers can be used;
• there is no direct contact with fire, so the tank can be enameled and with thinner walls.

If 6-8 people regularly take a steam bath, a portable tank is an excellent option.

Disadvantages:

• without maintaining a fire in the firebox, the water cools quickly;
• the oven cannot be used without water in the circuit;
• more complex installation in comparison with the built-in tank.

Tank on a pipe or construction "Samovar"

This option implies the installation of the tank around the chimney, and in some models the pipe is located outside the tank, in others - inside.

In height, the tank can occupy the space from the stove to the ceiling, partially go out into the attic, or be attached only to a small section of the chimney above the stove. The most convenient shape of the container is cylindrical, but there are many models of rectangular, triangular and oval sections. The water is heated by the smoke passing through the pipe, which has a very high temperature.

Advantages:

• fast and uniform water heating;
• does not reduce the heat transfer of the furnace;
• saving space;
• you can install a container of any volume;
• the water stays hot for a long time.

Such a tank is suitable for any bath and any number of people. It all depends on the size of the container.

Disadvantages:

• the complexity of the installation;
• increased deposition of soot on the walls of the chimney.

When installing the tank, it is necessary to select the correct fasteners in order to securely fix the tank in an upright position. In addition, you will need to install pipes for supplying cold water and removing hot water, install a tap.

Which material should you choose?

The popularity of cast iron tanks declined markedly with the advent of stainless steel tanks. Nevertheless, in most of the old baths you can see just such tanks, in a traditional bowl shape, built into the oven. Large tanks were additionally fastened with metal chains suspended from ceiling beams to reduce the load on the furnace.

Cast iron advantages:

• very durable material;
• has the ability to retain heat for a long time;
• does not corrode;
• resistant to high temperatures;
• easily cleaned from dirt.

Disadvantages:

• weighs a lot;
• takes a long time to warm up.

Enamelled steel containers are perfect as portable tanks. In the absence of direct contact with fire and careful handling, they are very durable. There are models for installation on a pipe, mostly rectangular. The most important thing during the installation and operation of enamelled tanks is to avoid mechanical damage. In places where the enamel is chipped, unprotected metal begins to rust very quickly. Minor damages can be repaired with special paint, but if the chips are large, the tank will have to be replaced.

Advantages:

• relatively light weight;
• aesthetic appearance;
• ease of care.

The disadvantages of enameled products include only low resistance to mechanical damage.

Stainless steel tanks

The most popular type of bath tank. Due to the variety of models, such tanks can be mounted in any of the described ways - built into stoves, mounted on a wall or around a chimney. The main thing here is to choose the right wall thickness and volume of the container.

Advantages:

• long service life;
• resistance to deformation and corrosion;
• light weight;
• a variety of models in shape and size;
• hygiene;
• heat resistance;
• high thermal conductivity;
• attractive appearance.

Disadvantages:

• high price;
• cool quickly.

Other selection criteria

Volume of the tank

In order not to miscalculate with the size of the tank, it is enough to make a simple calculation. On average, one person needs a bucket of water to wash, that is, 8-10 liters. Knowing how many people will visit the bathhouse regularly, you just need to multiply this number by 10 and add another 20-25 liters in reserve.

PhotoVolumeDimensionsMaterial and thicknessEstimated price

Installation method

Several factors play a role here: the performance of the stove, the area of ​​the steam room, the volume of the container. If the room is spacious and the stove is small, it is inappropriate to reduce its performance with a built-in tank by 60 liters or more. In this case, the tank must be made external or mounted on a pipe. If the steam room is small, and the efficiency of the stove is high, the water in the small tank will quickly boil away. That is why it is necessary to carefully analyze all conditions and find the best solution.

Convenience in the bath means a lot. The tank should be located so that the risk of scalding on the hot surface is minimal, and the water intake is convenient. If the container is located high (remote or samovar type), a tap is required to supply hot water. It is very inconvenient and unsafe to draw water from the top.

If you carefully study the conditions, think over and weigh everything, it will not be difficult to choose a hot water tank. With a well-chosen design, bath procedures will bring you only comfort and pleasure for many years.

The approximate cost of stainless steel and enameled tanks

Tank typeHeightVolumeWall thickness, mmCost, rub.

Video - How to choose a water tank for the oven

Video - External tank for the oven

Video - Samovar-type tank for the oven in the bath

Choosing a water tank for a bath

If you decide to build a bathhouse on your site, you have to solve many problems. First, you should think over the external and internal appearance of the future structure. And if earlier the whole design was reduced, as a rule, to the construction of the simplest log "chicken coop" with a combined sink and steam room and a tiny dressing room, nowadays they build luxurious baths with many separate rooms. Some even manage to equip them with a mini-pool. Secondly, the choice of materials and components. The bath will have to be equipped with all the necessary things and, among other things, put a water tank in it: separately for cold and hot. As it turned out, today there are many options, and it is not so easy to choose containers.

Hot water tank

There are quite a few requirements for hot water tanks. It must be resistant to corrosion, temperature extremes and retain heat well. And naturally, it should be a metal water tank. It remains only to find out from which metal. Hot water tanks are made of stainless steel or cast iron. In theory, a welded square tub made from sheet material can also be installed, but it will rust and leak much faster. At first glance, a stainless steel container seems preferable: it is lighter (therefore, it will be easier to install it), quickly warms up and does not corrode. However, such a water tank will cool down faster. In addition, thin-sheet containers can deform over time. Nothing like this can happen with a cast iron product, but it will be much more difficult to install it.

Now let's talk about the form. In principle, any will do, but experts do not recommend purchasing square tanks. This will inevitably lead to the appearance of zones with different temperatures, which lead to the expansion and deformation of the metal. When choosing a form, one should be guided by the method of heating the water (direct or indirect), as well as the place of installation. There can be three of them: directly above the firebox (traditional version), a remote tank with a heat exchange system by means of copper or brass pipes or directly on the chimney ("samovar" tank). It is not known which method is preferable, but recently the second and third options are increasingly being chosen. This allows you to increase the space in the bath due to the fact that the water tank is moved outside of it.

The dimensions of the container should be calculated based on the fact that each person needs about 10-12 liters of boiling water. However, it is not recommended to set the hot water tank less than 50 liters or more than 100 liters.

Cold water tank

In principle, such a container can be made of any material: either metal or plastic. True, there is one caveat: plastic containers should not be located near the heating zone or in the steam room - they can deform from high temperatures. And some types of plastics, when the temperature rises, begin to emit harmful, sometimes with an unpleasant odor, substances. Connoisseurs can be advised to return to old Russian traditions: use a wooden barrel or tub as a water tank. Such containers are not only functional, but also create a special atmosphere and are an excellent addition to the interior interior.

Water bath tanks: how not to make a mistake when choosing

The main elements of the bath, if you intend to get the most out of the process, are the stove and the water tank. So that everything related to the water tank for the bath is done correctly, let us dwell on the main issues that may arise when setting up a steam room on your own.

The main questions that arise when choosing an element such as a bath tank are:

• Its parameters
• Which type to choose: remote, built into the oven, on a pipe?
• What should be made of: steel, stainless steel, cast iron?

Tank parameters

If you are used to doing everything with your own hands, then, of course, try to make a bath tank yourself. However, you should first think about what type of container is suitable for your steam room, what principle of water heating will be applied, what material to make the tank from, so that later you do not have to invest money in re-equipment again.

So, you must decide whether you will heat the stove in the bath or simply heat the water using the heating element built into the tank. And in order to understand what is more profitable for you, to heat the stove or use an electrically heated container, estimate how many people will be steaming at the same time. Another important factor is the volume of water that needs to be heated and the allowable time for heating to the required temperature.

For example, if you want to steam alone, a person is unlikely to need more than fifty liters of hot water. But in order to please the whole family or a group of friends, you need to put a water heating tank with a volume of seventy or more liters.

Also pay attention to the thickness of the tank wall. It depends on this parameter how evenly the water in it will be heated and how long its temperature will remain. But remember that the thickness of the tank wall directly affects its price and weight.

In any case, a stainless steel tank for a bath with a volume of up to fifty liters should have a wall thickness of 0.8-1 mm. For containers with a larger volume, a wall thickness of 1.5 mm is desirable.

Advice from the master!

And do not forget that no matter what material the tank in the bath is made of, you need to equip it with the optimal number of terminals and make an input for water. When choosing a tank in a store, ordering it in a workshop or preparing to cook a canister for a bath yourself, take into account all the parameters mentioned, and the process of washing in a bath will be a complete pleasure for you.

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Choosing the type of container

It is known that when choosing a tank for a bath, you will need to compare the parameters of the main three types of tanks:

1. Traditional built in oven
2. Remote
3. On the pipe

A few decades ago, no one would have doubted that the best option for a bath tank is the option built into the oven. That is, the bottom of the boiler is completely placed in the upper part of the furnace, and, being in the hottest part, it has the ability to accumulate the greatest amount of heat for heating and maintaining the temperature of the water.

In the case of a built-in one, there is a direct contact of the flame with the walls and bottom of the tank and the design of the tank does not depend on the chosen method of smoke removal. You can take water from the tank built into the furnace either with a ladle through an openable lid, or by means of a tap, where water from the tank flows by gravity.

Equipping the stove with heat exchangers connected to the tank with copper tubes allows it not to be tied to the place where the stove is located, making it possible to install it in any convenient place. In addition, under the influence of the natural laws of physics and following the convection principle, cold water will descend through the tubes down into the heat exchanger located in the furnace, and, having heated up to the required temperature, will return to the container. The portable tank in the bath can be placed in the washing room, where the main analysis of hot water takes place.

Of course, it is important that not only the water heats up quickly in the tank, but also the required water temperature is constantly maintained with minimal energy consumption. For this purpose, many people prefer to place the bath tank on a pipe that serves to remove smoke from the stove. The smoke emitted during combustion can reach a temperature of 500 ° C and, of course, the water in the tank located around the pipe heats up quickly enough.

The above means that when planning the placement of the tank on the pipe, you can choose containers of a fairly large volume, since the heating element can be used in its entire length - from the oven to the ceiling. In this case, the water will heat up not only quickly, but evenly. This happens because by making an elliptical tank, you can quickly heat up even a large volume, since the pipe in this case, passing through the center of the tank, is a kind of heat exchanger with a significant working area of ​​heat exchange.

In addition, placing the tank on the pipe eliminates the unpleasant situation with the possibility of carbon monoxide getting into the room, since the canister then serves as a kind of fuse in case of smoke leaks.

If the type of tank is selected, it remains to decide on the type of fuel with which the stove will be heated. In modern conditions, wood-burning stoves are increasingly being replaced by electric heating elements, because electricity is a cheaper and faster way to heat water compared to wood. However, many will argue that the smell of burning logs cannot be replaced by anything. And it's hard to disagree with this.

But, on the other hand, if you really want to breathe the smell of burning wood without spending too much money on the firebox of the sauna with wood, then after the steam room you can sit in the relaxation room in front of the fireplace with the logs crackling under the influence of fire.

A boiler is not required to heat the water in the bath, since traditionally the temperature is raised using an ordinary stove, burning wood and a specially equipped heat exchanger. However, it is better for every homeowner to decide on the choice of a suitable container used as a bath tank. This article provides basic guidelines for choosing the right capacity and describes several acceptable options for their location. There is always a choice: to purchase a finished product or order a bathtub made in accordance with individual technical requirements.

• Portable;
• Built-in;
• Tanks on the pipe.

Until recently, containers with water were always built into the furnace in such a way that the bottom of the boiler was located on the top of the furnace. Thus, the bottom of the tank is in direct contact with the fire from the stove. Water from such containers is collected independently or poured out using specially equipped taps.

Thanks to the heat exchangers built into the oven, the water tank can be installed wherever it is convenient. In this case, cold water will descend into the heat exchanger, and hot water will rise into the container.

In some cases, the tank is installed on the chimney. This is necessary for the possibility of prolonged use of the bath after the firewood in the firebox burns out. In such devices, the water is constantly heated to the required temperature. The temperature of the chimney from which the smoke comes out can even reach 500 degrees. Since the heating area is large enough, the liquid will be heated evenly. An additional advantage of such structures is the impossibility of smoke leakage through the formed crack in the pipe itself. A water tank in such a situation will act as a fuse.

Remote tank

Similar liquid heating systems are used if the furnace is equipped with a heat exchanger. Some manufacturers design ovens in such a way that you can install your own heat exchanger. They also offer buyers a choice of several options for such devices. Almost every domestic manufacturer produces ovens with built-in heat exchangers.

When buying a finished oven, it would be better to purchase a heat exchanger from the same manufacturer. However, there should be no difficulties with connecting your device to a sauna stove either. Pipes with a remote tank are attached to the heat exchanger.

Features of the operation of furnaces with heat exchangers:

• Water should only be poured into a cold system before starting a fire. If the heat exchanger is hot, there will be a difference in temperature expansion when water is added there. As a result, the heat exchanger can burst;
• When connecting the heat exchanger to the storage tank, it must be remembered that the length of the pipe structure between them should not be more than 3 m. This length is enough to install the tank behind the wall in another room. If the length of the pipe from the tank to the heat exchanger is longer, a pump will have to be installed to ensure normal circulation.

To connect the tank in the bath and the heat exchanger in the oven, you can use any pipes that can withstand high temperature effects. A metal pipe can be installed if the tank is approximately 50 cm away from the oven. The connection areas of the nozzles can be sealed with a special winding used for high temperature fixtures. It is advisable to replace the gaskets with homemade paronite.

Tank per pipe

It is very convenient to heat water with the generated heat from the chimney. Such devices are also called samovar-type tanks. When viewed in cross-section, the geometry may differ in a certain way. Everyone can choose a suitable product for themselves in terms of volume and design features.

However, this heating method has certain disadvantages:

• In such devices, it is difficult to control the water level. Likewise, it is impossible to control the heating temperature. It is better not to bring the water to a boil if you need to get dry steam, however, it is almost impossible to control the condition of the water in such a tank;
• Installing a tank on a pipe involves certain difficulties. The mass of such containers can be about 100 kg;
• When the tank is positioned over the stove, the filler hole is too high.

However, some craftsmen find ways to control the level of liquid in the tank.

Built-in tank

The built-in or hinged tank is an ordinary sealed steel container with a lid, equipped with a special tap for the possibility of draining hot water. Such a tank can be fixed on the back wall or on the side. Metal hooks are often used as fasteners. In most cases, such products are made of stainless steel, capable of interacting with liquid without damage. Since this tank is subject to high temperatures, some corrosion protection methods cannot be used.

Material for making

Stainless steel is considered one of the most common materials for making bath water tanks. Let's list the main arguments in favor of this particular material:

• Due to the structural features of the metal, the water in the stainless steel heats up faster and cools down longer;
• Stainless steel will not deform under the influence of high temperature;
• The material is quite lightweight, retains its aesthetic appeal for a long time, and allows you to slightly decorate the interior of the room.

Custom-made or mass-produced metal tanks are installed almost everywhere to this day. However, their aesthetic qualities and practicality are significantly inferior to stainless steel. The container can be covered with some heat-resistant lining or walled into the wall, but hardly anyone will be able to protect the metal tank from rust. Metal can deform over time as a result of regular temperature increases. It is difficult to understand why many homeowners choose metal tanks despite their obvious disadvantages. However, in many new baths, such products are not even covered with anything.

Enamelled tanks slightly improve the quality of metal containers. Treatment with a special substance does not contribute to the development of corrosion, the water in such products will remain clean for a long time. However, such containers are unstable to various mechanical influences. Chipped enamel will not protect the metal product from rust. When the container is exposed to corrosion in one place, over time it will rust completely.

Cast iron products are also available for sale today. Thick metal will not rust due to its structural properties. However, the water in it will warm up much longer and cool down more slowly. Cast iron containers are quite massive. It is better not to install such products on small ovens.

How to choose

In addition to volume, the main selection criteria also include the design features of the products. Ordinary stainless containers, in which the water temperature rises after heating the stove, can be produced in a semicircular, rectangular, square shape. This takes into account the available free space, filling under the foundation stove, the type of tank used. The container should be placed in such a way that the free space is not constrained. It must be remembered that touching a hot container in the bath can get burned. Tanks can be completely emptied in winter, because after freezing water can destroy the integrity of any metal container. After icing, the entire protective layer will fall off from the enamelled product.

To determine the appropriate size of the container, you need to determine the number of people who will use such a bath. More than 50 liters of water is not needed where one person is steaming. For relaxation with a large company in the steam room, it is advisable to equip a bath with a capacity of at least 70 liters.

The wall thickness will always depend on the selected container dimensions. If stainless steel is selected with a volume of more than 50 liters, the optimum material thickness is 1 mm. The uniform heating of water, as well as the accumulation of heat in the tank, is determined by the thickness of the metal walls. However, do not forget that a tank with thick walls will be more expensive. There must be at least one place in the container for the outlet and for the filling of cold water.

To select a suitable device, it is advisable to first consult with a specialist in this field. On the domestic market, there is a huge number of containers suitable for the size of the equipped bath room. It is advisable to buy a tank with a heat exchanger in a situation where the volume of heated liquid must correspond to at least 200 liters. In addition to such containers, storage tanks can be installed that are connected to electricity and a plumbing system.