Running hot water

By
karl0svandango

7th September 2017

Now to explain how I have running hot water in my van conversion. I recommend reading my previous post first on my water system if you have not done so yet.

The water system in my van conversion.

How to install a water system in a van conversion.

Water system diagram

Instant hot water tank. Straight out of box.

To have running hot water in my van is a luxury to me, I don’t know what I would do without it.

I have purchased a propane instant hot water tank off eBay for £116. It runs on my 11kg gas bottle that is stored in the kitchen cupboard. When I turn the tap on for hot water or turn my shower on, the instant hot water tank turns on automatically and gives me hot water near enough straight away.

These tanks are not designed to be used in small environments such as a van and it is not recommended. But as long as it is ventilated and has a gas flue to the outside of the van then I don’t see what harm can be done.

I am explaining how I have installed mine. I am not saying this is the correct or incorrect way of installing one in a van conversion.

Installation

1. Location

I’m going to install it above my kitchen near the double back doors.

The tank will go here above the kitchen worktop near the back doors.

2. Fixing to wall

Before fixing it to the wall with screws I glued heat shield material to the wall where the tank will go.

Heat shield glued to the wall where the tank will go.

Screwed to the wall at the top and bottom of the tank.

2. Exhaust flue

I used a Truma roof flue that I purchased off eBay £22. I sprayed the flue black to try and blend it in with the roof rack.

On the roof of the van above the tank, I cut a 87mm hole for the flue to slot in and sealed around with black sealant.

Cutting 87mm hole in the roof for exhaust flue.

Flue installed on the roof and sealed around the edge.

Inside the van, I had to cut a hole in the wooden tongue and groove roof for the flue to come through.

Exhaust flue coming through the roof.

Exhaust flue

I connected the hot water tank to the exhaust flue with a flexbile gas pipe. Idealy I needed a 90mm wide pipe but could only find 80mm or 100mm…so I went with 100mm and tightend with jubillee clips.

A 1oomm flexible gas pipe connected between tank and flue.

3. Connecting water and gas

Cold water, hot water and the gas pipe have come through a hole I cut in the kitchen worktop, they will connect to the hot water tank. See my other post water system and Gas installation.

Hot, cold and gas pipe coming through kitchen worktop.

I used a 1/2″ BSP to 8mm Brass Female Barb Hose Tail at the end of each pipe that connected underneath the tank. Tightened with Jubilee clips.

Pipe connections underneath the tank.

Pipes connected to the tank.

4. Shower

The hot water outlet pipe goes to the kitchen tap and the other one goes to the shower connection.

I used a garden hose water lock connection at the end of the pipe. The reason for this connection is so when I disconnect the shower from the connection the water will lock off and not come out.

Shower pipe to connection

Shower connection at the end of the pipe.

I drilled a hole in the side of hot water tank cupboard for the connection to fit in and have easy access from the outside.

shower connection for easy access from the outside.

The connection has been glued in the hole so it will not fall out.

shower connection from the inside of the cupboard.

For the shower head and hose to connect to the water lock connection I had to use a 1/2 to 3/4 inch BSP male nipple thread.

Shower water connection.

shower hose with male connection on

shower hose connected to hot water tank.

Shower connected to hot water tank. just need a place to hook it on.

eh…that will do for now. Needs a better hook.

5. Cupboard and shelf

To finish the hot water tank off I made it into a cupboard so you cannot see the tank and build shelves next to it for more storage above the kitchen area.

cupboard build around the tank

On the sides of the cupboard, I added air vents so it could breathe a lot better inside.

air vent purchased off eBay

vents Installed on the side of the cupboard and shelves built

The kitchen is finished. Just needs some homely touches.

6. Rattling problem

When driving around the hot water tank was making a horrible rattling noise and it was unbearable to drive around with. I needed to open the tank to find the problem.

hot water tank opened and the heat shield is rattling.

Once the tank was opened up by unscrewing it I found the problem. One of the heat shields was bent inside and when I was driving it was rattling against other parts inside. To fix the problem I just simply bent the shield away from other parts of the tank. Problem solved.