Simple Solar Shower Build Instructions
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Step-by-step instructions for building a solar shower out of 4" ABS pipe, including a parts, materials, and tools lists, and hyper-specific instructions, assuming you have no prior knowledge.
This solar shower is more a simpler build than the other tubular design, requiring fewer tools and fewer steps where one could irreversibly screw up.
Pre-tax cost for all the parts that go into this design is approximately $128 (as of October 2022). Some of the products come in packages with more than you need. See the specific parts, materials, and tools required to build below.
This solar shower is more a simpler build than the other tubular design, requiring fewer tools and fewer steps where one could irreversibly screw up.
Pre-tax cost for all the parts that go into this design is approximately $128 (as of October 2022). Some of the products come in packages with more than you need. See the specific parts, materials, and tools required to build below.
Note on Shower Volume:
The volume of the shower depends on the length you cut the 4" ABS pipe - from 4.0 gallons/5 feet to 7.2 gallons/10 feet.
The volume of the shower depends on the length you cut the 4" ABS pipe - from 4.0 gallons/5 feet to 7.2 gallons/10 feet.
Parts List
Part Name | Notes | Home Depot | Lowes | Ace Hardware | Amazon |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
4 in. ABS Pipe | They normally come in 10-foot sections, but if you can get it cut to the length you want and pay less, great! | Link | Link | Link | N/A |
4 in. 90-degree ABS Hub x Spigot Elbow | How to know you have the right one: It’s a 90° bend, one end is male, the other is a female. | Link | Link | Link | N/A |
4 in. 45-degree ABS Street Elbow | How to know you have the right one: It’s a 45° bend, one end is male, the other is female. | Link | Link | Link | Link |
4 in. ABS Cap | The spigot sits in this. | Link | Link | Link | Link |
4 in. Mechanical Test Plug | This seals the water inlet. I honestly can’t recommend the Ace Hardware version. | Link | Link | N/A | Link |
Rainpal, Rain Barrel Spigot | You will need a 7/8 in. hole saw and 1 in. (or pipe) wrench to install this. | N/A | N/A | N/A | Link |
Tubeless Tire Clamp-In Valve Stems | The standard hole for a tubeless tire valve is 11.5mm (0.453 in.). | N/A | N/A | N/A | Link |
Safety Cable Lock | This is to prevent the loss of the test plug or accidental injury when under pressure. | N/A | N/A | N/A | Link |
6-in Canoe Blocks | Used to align the shower to the roof bars and reduce vibration. You will need two (and it comes in a two-pack). | N/A | N/A | N/A | Link |
2-foot Lashing Straps | Used to secure the shower to the roof bars. You need two. It comes in multi-pack. | N/A | N/A | N/A | Link |
Materials List
Material | Notes | Home Depot | Lowes | Ace Hardware | Amazon |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ABS Cement | Used to seal all ABS components together. | Link | Link | Link | Link |
Silicone Sealant | Used to ensure the spigot and air valve are watertight. | Link | Link | Link | Link |
Silver or White Sharpie | Really stands out against ABS. | Link | Link | Link | Link |
Matte (Flat) Black Spray Paint | A matte black surface will absorb more solar heat than the glossy ABS. | Link | Link | Link | Link |
Tools List
Note: For these common tools, I’ll assume you already own them. But I’ll link to an inexpensive option on Amazon in case you don’t.
- Drill
- Saw
- Wrenches - 1 in., 12mm, 3/8in., and 1in. (or adjustable to those widths)
- Sandpaper or sanding sponge (I prefer a sponge for this job)
Tool | Notes | Home Depot | Lowes | Ace Hardware | Amazon |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
11.5mm (or 29/64 in.) drill bit | Used to drill hole for air valve. (A 3/8 in. drill bit (which you most likely already own) with some wiggling works.) |
Link | Link | Link | Link |
7/8 in. Hole Saw | Used to cut hole for spigot. | Link | Link | Link | Link |
File Set | Used to smooth rough edges on cut ABS. | Link | Link | Link | Link |