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There are a number of requirements for heating water for a bath, the main ones being that a large volume of liquid must be heated, and within the most a short time. Currently, there are quite a few ways to solve this problem, however, the most popular is a tank on a pipe for a bathhouse. Below I will tell you about the features of this solution, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as the types of containers that are used for these purposes.
Features of heating water in a tank on a pipe
Black baths, when smoke from the stove came directly into the room, are a thing of the past. Nowadays, steam rooms are equipped with chimneys that allow gases to escape. Thus, not only are they created comfortable conditions stay in the steam room, but also increases the durability of the bath itself.
At the same time, the highest temperature in the furnace is obtained at the outlet, which is due to hot gases, the temperature of which can reach 500 degrees. As a result, the chimney pipe heats up to very high temperatures.
Thanks to this property, heating water in a tank installed on the chimney is most efficient. Essentially, in in this case The samovar principle is used. Therefore, such tanks are also called “samovar”.
This heating method has a number of advantages:
- due to the high temperature of the gases, heating is carried out very quickly;
- heat is used for heating, which is simply discharged to the street, thus increasing the efficiency of the stove;
- the water in the tank remains hot during the entire time the sauna is heated;
- the tank can have a large volume, since it can be positioned along the entire chimney. Moreover, with an increase in volume, the water heating time does not increase, as is the case with other types of structures;
- no container required additional elements, for example, pumps, heating elements, etc.;
- installing the tank is not difficult to do with your own hands;
- In this case, the durability of the chimney increases, since the pipes burn out more slowly.
Of course, along with the advantages this decision It also has some disadvantages:
- it is impossible to control the liquid level and its heating temperature;
- To get “dry” steam, you cannot bring the liquid to a boil. In the case of a tank on a chimney, this condition cannot be met;
- Installing a large tank is quite difficult, as it is heavy. Therefore, the installation instructions for such containers require the use of a fastening system. Moreover, the weight should not fall on the stove, but on other load-bearing elements, for example, walls;
- If the container is not located immediately above the stove or has a large volume, it is difficult to pour water into it, since the hole is located high.
It should also be noted that not every chimney can be used for these purposes. The main requirement for it is good thermal conductivity of the material from which it is made. For example, a brick or asbestos chimney is completely unsuitable for this purpose.
The best option is a metal product. Moreover, a stainless steel chimney is preferable, since ordinary iron quickly burns out.
The most durable are ceramic chimneys. True, their cost is very high, so they are rarely used in baths.
Types and features
A tank for heating water on a pipe exists in different configurations. The main differences lie in two parameters:
- the material from which the product is made;
- design on which the principle of heating water depends.
Below I will tell you about all the types and features of such tanks.
Materials
Water heating containers are most often made from the following materials:
- cast iron– products made from this material have a number of disadvantages, including high consumption fuel for heating water, and the liquid heats up very slowly in them. In addition, they are heavy, which can cause difficulties during installation.
However, cast iron products also have one important advantage - they retain heat for a long time. The water remains hot almost all day, which in some cases is a decisive parameter when choosing; - steel– the main advantage of these products is low price In addition, they heat up quickly, although they also cool down quickly. Their main disadvantage is that they are susceptible to corrosion, as a result of which they are short-lived;
- galvanized– these products are more resistant to corrosion than conventional steel containers, however, over time they also begin to rust. Therefore, they also cannot be called durable;
- stainless steel– such products have the same characteristics as containers made of ordinary iron, however, they are resistant to corrosion. Of course, the cost of such containers is one and a half to two times higher than galvanized ones.
You can also find enamel tanks on sale. They are more durable than regular steel ones.
However, over time, chips and cracks appear on them, in place of which corrosion forms.
Thus, it is better to choose a cast iron or stainless steel tank, depending on your needs.
Operating principle
According to the principle of operation, existing chimney tanks are divided into two types:
- samovar – this design is the simplest and most economical, therefore it is most popular. Actually, all the features of water heating described above apply specifically to it;
- remote - in this case, not the entire tank is installed on the pipe, but only a small container called a heat exchanger. The main tank can be installed anywhere in the bathhouse on the wall. This is the main advantage of this design.
As for efficiency, the water in such containers heats up just as quickly as in samovar-type structures. In this case, it is possible to control the liquid level in the tank, as well as the heating temperature.
The only thing you should take into account is that if the container is located at a height of more than 3 m, a pump will be needed for normal circulation.
To make a choice, you need to evaluate all the advantages and disadvantages of each option and settle on the most optimal solution for you.
In the photo - a remote container
Volume calculation
So, we have figured out the types and features of tanks for chimneys. Finally, I will tell you how to calculate the optimal volume.
This is done extremely simply - one person requires 10 liters of water for bath procedures and 5 liters for a shower, i.e. only 15 liters. Of course, it is advisable to calculate the volume with a margin - it will be 20-25 liters per person.
As a result, if the bathhouse is designed for a family of four, a capacity of 80-100 liters is sufficient. The cost of such a stainless steel product is about 5,000 rubles.
Conclusion
Tanks installed on chimneys, although they have some disadvantages, nevertheless provide the most efficient heating of water. Therefore, nowadays they have become the most popular solution. The only thing, keep in mind that their choice must be approached competently, taking into account the nuances outlined above.
You will find more information in the video in this article. If after reading the material you have any questions, ask them in the comments, and I will be happy to answer you.
Water tanks are an integral part of any bathhouse. 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 installation method.
If you have to wait a long time for the water to heat up, or add it so that there is enough for everyone, this reduces the comfort of staying in the bathhouse. It is also very unpleasant if the water takes on a rusty color. The reliability and durability of the tank also matters a lot, since the prices for tanks are very high, and replacement will be expensive.
Based on this, we can highlight the main requirements for a hot water tank:
- it should heat up quickly;
- have high stability to corrosion;
- withstand high temperatures;
- easy to clean;
- have sufficient capacity.
Types of tanks
All tanks are divided into types according to two criteria: installation method and material of manufacture. According to the installation method, tanks are:
- built-in;
- remote;
- samovar type (mounted on a chimney).
According to the material of manufacture:
- cast iron;
- stainless steel;
- made of enameled steel.
Each type has models that differ in shape, volume, and wall thickness. Most containers are equipped with standard taps and have shower outlets, but there are also those from which water is drawn through the top using a ladle. In order not to make a mistake 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 furnace. Its lower part is located inside the firebox, due to which the water is heated directly by the flame. Hot water is drawn through the top using a ladle or using a built-in tap.
Due to direct contact with fire, the walls and bottom of the container must be as thick as possible, therefore the most preferred material for such a tank is cast iron with a thickness of 5 mm. Stainless steel tanks with wall thicknesses of 1 and 1.5 mm are considered no less popular. Enameled steel containers for this method installation are not suitable. Cast iron tanks are bowl shaped, stainless steel tanks are usually cube or cylinder shaped.
Advantages of built-in tanks:
- water heats up quickly;
- water temperature is maintained long time;
- free space is saved since the tank does not protrude beyond the stove;
- easy installation.
Flaws:
- the heat transfer of the furnace decreases, since the main part of the heat is spent on heating water;
- the dimensions of the tank are limited by the size 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 bathhouse at the same time, or people wash separately. For example, if 3-4 people take turns steaming in a bathhouse, this takes quite a lot of time, and accordingly, it will take longer to maintain the water temperature by adding firewood. The built-in tank allows you to save on fuel while remaining hot for a very long time. But for big companies This option is not the most optimal, since it does not provide required quantity water.
The remote tank is located at a distance from the firebox and is connected by pipes to a heat exchanger built into the furnace. Without this, its operation is impossible. Most often, such a tank is installed in a washing room or mounted on the wall of a steam room next to the stove, if its dimensions are larger than the area of the firebox. When choosing a location for a container, it is necessary to take into account that the length of the pipes should not exceed 2.5-3 m. Remote tanks can be made of stainless steel or enameled, cylindrical, rectangular or 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 steam in a sauna, this is an excellent option.
Flaws:
- without maintaining a fire in the firebox, the water quickly cools;
- the oven cannot be used without water in the circuit;
- more complex installation compared to a built-in tank.
Prices for bath tanks
sauna tanks
Tank on a pipe or “Samovar” design
This option involves installing a tank around a 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 extend into the attic, or be attached only to small area chimney above the stove. The most convenient container shape is cylindrical, but there are many models with rectangular, triangular and oval sections. Heating of water is carried out using smoke passing through a pipe, which has a very high temperature.
Advantages:
- fast and uniform heating of water;
- does not reduce the heat output of the furnace;
- space saving;
- you can install a container of any volume;
- the water stays hot for a long time.
This tank is suitable for any bathhouse and any number of people. It all depends on the size of the container.
Flaws:
- installation complexity;
- increased soot deposition on the walls of the chimney.
When installing the tank, it is necessary to select the correct fastening elements in order to securely fix the tank in a vertical position. In addition, you will need to install pipes for supply cold water and hot outlet, install a faucet.
Prices for tanks on a pipe for a bath
tanks on a pipe for a bath
Which material to choose?
The popularity of cast iron tanks has decreased markedly with the advent of stainless steel tanks. However, in most old baths you can see just such tanks, traditionally bowl-shaped, built into the stove. Large tanks were additionally secured with metal chains suspended from ceiling beams to reduce the load on the oven.
Advantages of cast iron:
- very durable material;
- has the ability to retain heat for a long time;
- not subject to corrosion;
- resistant to high temperatures;
- easy to clean from dirt.
Flaws:
- weighs a lot;
- takes a long time to warm up.
Enameled steel containers are excellent as remote tanks. In the absence of direct contact with fire and careful handling, they are very durable. There are models for installation on a pipe, mainly rectangular shape. The most important thing when installing and operating enameled tanks is to avoid mechanical damage. In places where the enamel is chipped, unprotected metal begins to rust very quickly. Minor damage can be fixed 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 only disadvantages of enameled products include low resistance to mechanical damage.
Stainless steel tanks
Most popular look bath tanks. 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 container volume.
Advantages:
- long term operation;
- resistance to deformation and corrosion;
- light weight;
- variety of models in shape and size;
- hygiene;
- heat resistance;
- high thermal conductivity;
- attractive appearance.
Flaws:
- high price;
- cool quickly.
Other selection criteria
Volume of the tank
In order not to make a mistake with the size of the tank, it is enough to make a simple calculation. On average, one person needs a bucket of water for washing, 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.
| Photo | Volume | Dimensions | Material and thickness | Approximate price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 l | 500x505x250 mm | stainless steel, 1 mm | RUB 3,990 | |
| 31 l | 500x365x170 mm | stainless steel, 1 mm | RUB 3,290 | |
| 80 l | 450x600x300 mm | stainless steel, 1 mm | RUB 9,690 | |
| 90 l | - | stainless steel | RUB 4,410 | |
Tank on a pipe (for Dobrostal stoves) | 52 l | 385x385x830 | stainless steel, 1.5 mm | 6,900 rub. |
Installation method
Several factors are important 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 has small sizes, it is not advisable to reduce its performance with a built-in tank of 60 liters or more. In this case, the tank must be made remote 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 the conditions and select the optimal solution.
Convenience in the bathhouse also means a lot. The tank should be located so that the risk of getting burned on a hot surface is minimal, and water intake is convenient. If the container is located high (remote or samovar type), a tap is needed to supply hot water. Drawing water through the top is very inconvenient and unsafe.
If you carefully study the conditions, think through and weigh everything, choosing a hot water tank will not be difficult. With a well-chosen design, bath procedures will bring you only comfort and pleasure for many years.
Approximate cost of stainless steel and enameled tanks
| Tank type | Height | Volume | Wall thickness, mm | Cost, rub. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 550 mm | 50 l | 1,5 | 5620 | |
| Samovar-type enameled tank | 600 mm | 63 l | 2 | 6099 |
| Stainless steel external vertical tank | 580 mm | 60 l | 1 | 4500 |
| Horizontal stainless steel tank | 470 mm | 60 l | 1,5 | 4500 |
| 500 mm | 43 l | 0,8 | 3500 | |
| Samovar-type stainless steel tank | 700 mm | 60 l | 1,5 | 6080 |
Video - How to choose a water tank for the stove
Video - Remote tank for the oven
Video - Samovar-type tank for a bathhouse stove
Most practical way heat the water in the bath - use the heat from the stove. There are several ways to do this. One of the most obvious and simplest is to install a water tank on or inside the stove. Such tanks are called mounted and built-in. There are also set-up tanks - these are some kind of containers that are placed on top of a heated oven. To heat water, you can use the heat that usually escapes into the pipe: you can also hang a tank on the chimney pipe. And the water will heat up very efficiently: the chimney temperature can reach 500 o C.
All these methods are good, but they do not provide the ability to supply hot water to the shower. And today, few people imagine a bathhouse without a shower. Remote water tanks provide this opportunity. A heat exchanger is installed in the stove, the tank is hung next to the stove or in another room (in the attic, for example), they are connected to each other by pipes through which water circulates. Passing through the heat exchanger, the water heats up and enters the tank, from where it can be distributed to the shower or tap. The system is simple and effective.
Built-in tanks were the first to appear. These containers are installed either above the firebox or on the side of it; they can be of any shape, but rectangular ones are more common. The thickness of the walls (made of stainless steel - it is irrational to use others in the oven) in containers up to 50 liters is 0.8-1 mm, in larger ones up to 1.5 mm. To drain the water, taps are provided (usually ball valves), and water is poured into a special hole. But built-in tanks are not always convenient - you can’t leave them empty, and boiling water is a source of “heavy” wet steam, which is not the best for a steam room. Therefore, you have to constantly drain hot water and add cold water in its place. Troublesome. The same thing can happen with mounted tanks, but here the situation is somewhat different: hanging or removing such a tank is quite easy. In any case, you can install the stove so that you can do this without much inconvenience.
Built-in water tanks are not the best solution
Hanging water tanks for the bathhouse
A hanging tank is a sealed container with a lid (removable or hinged) and a tap for draining hot water. It is attached to one of the side or back walls. The fastening is usually metal hooks. Most often they are made of stainless steel, since only stainless steel successfully withstands difficult conditions for a long time. You can find enamel water tanks, but without problems they only last until the enamel chips and cracks. These defects can be covered up for some time with special enamel, but sooner or later they will show themselves. Other methods of protection against corrosion or are unacceptable due to high temperatures (paint or polymer coatings may burn or melt) or are too expensive and, as a result, their cost is higher than stainless steel, and their quality indicators are worse.
Hanging water tanks - made of stainless steel are more reliable and durable
Most manufacturers offer hanging tanks for their stoves as an option (for a fee), but no one bothers you to make such a tank yourself. However, how profitable this is, you need to calculate. Consider the cost of material and labor. If you do it yourself, that’s one thing, but if you order from someone, you need to count.
Important! The quality of welding must be very high, and the seams must be sealed.
There are very interesting option water tank. You can't call it hinged. He's more of a sidekick. The figure demonstrates the principle of heating water in this embodiment. An inclined pipe sealed at the end is welded into the furnace. Its arced open end is placed at the bottom of the water tank installed above the stove. How does heating occur? Cold water from the bottom enters an inclined pipe, where it is heated to a boil. The hot air bubbles released during heating rise through the pipe and when they enter a colder environment they burst, thus transferring a significant part of the heat. These same bubbles stimulate convection (mixing) of water layers.
Not everyone likes mounted or built-in tanks: they take away some of the heat to heat the water, thereby slowing down the preparation of the steam room. And this process is almost constant, because in order for the water not to boil and raw steam to escape, you need to regularly drain the hot water and add cold water.
Tank on pipe
Heating water using heat from a chimney is beneficial for three reasons:
- you use heat that was previously simply discharged outside;
- the heating process does not in any way affect the preparation time of the steam room;
- Chimney pipes burn out more slowly: most of the heat is spent on heating, and the operating mode becomes milder.
A similar method of heating - from hot air passing through a pipe located in the middle - is used in samovars. That’s why such devices are also called samovar-type water tanks. In cross-section, the geometry of such containers can be different: square, rectangular, triangular, round, oval. You choose what you like best, or what will “stand up” better, stick more easily, etc.
For all its attractiveness, this method of heating water has its disadvantages:
- Almost no device has a way to control the water level in the tank. It is not clear how much of it remains there. The situation is similar with temperature control. It is undesirable to let water boil if you want “dry” steam, and there is nothing to control its condition.
- It is difficult to mount a large tank on a pipe: the weight with water is around 100 kg or more, and you need to come up with something reliable system fastenings, and so that the weight falls not on the stove, but on some other elements. The exception is stoves with a tank on a pipe directly from the manufacturer. In this case, everything is calculated and provided for.
- If the tank is not located immediately above the stove, it is inconvenient to pour water into it - the fill hole is high.
People have already figured out how to get around the inability to control the water level in the tank. This video describes several possibilities and demonstrates one.
It is difficult to organize a shower with this method of heating water: you need to run a hose from the water tap to the mixer. But in order to ensure a sufficient amount of water in the tank for heating, it is necessary to organize automatic replenishment of water in the tank, and this requires a level control system more complex than in the video. You can do something similar to float system in the toilet cistern, but it is necessary to select materials that can withstand high temperatures.
Pipe tanks to which an external tank is connected are more convenient to install and use. A small container with two welded tubes for cold and hot water is mounted on the pipe. A larger capacity container is installed nearby, connected to this tank on a pipe using pipes (metal, metal-plastic, flexible hoses). Water is poured into the system, which is heated by circulating through the pipes.
A small tank on a pipe is also called a heat exchanger or water jacket. This method is devoid of almost all the disadvantages of the previous option:
- The volume of the tank on the pipe is small and its weight, even with water, allows it to be easily installed without any additional supporting structures.
- It’s easy to add and drain water - the second tank can be installed any way and anywhere, you can connect it to the water supply system (if there is one).
- The situation is similar with level control - place a remote tank so that you can see the water level or build in the “system” demonstrated in the video above.
- Since the tank may not be in the steam room, but in the wet room or even in the attic, in the dressing room, etc., there is no extraneous steam in the steam room and you can easily control the air conditions in it.
- You can organize the supply of water to the shower. This also poses certain difficulties, but is implemented somewhat easier than in the previous version.
Remote water tank
Such a system for heating water in a bathhouse is only possible when using stoves with heat exchangers. Many manufacturers of sauna stoves design their stoves so that they can be installed in a firebox, and they also offer ready-made heat exchangers. Almost all leading domestic manufacturers have furnaces with heat exchangers:
- Vesuvius
- Volcano
- Termofor
- Ermak
- Teklar
- Teplodar
- Varvara
- Feringer
If you are going to buy a ready-made stove, it would be more rational to buy a heat exchanger from the same manufacturer: it was designed for this system and should work well. There will be no problems connecting the heat exchanger to sauna stove: outlets from the furnace are provided, equipped with taps. You connect pipes and a remote tank to them.
Furnaces with heat exchangers have features of use:
- The system must be filled with cold water. If cold water is poured into a hot oven, a large temperature difference occurs in the heat exchanger, which leads to different sizes temperature expansions and it can be torn apart.
- When connecting the heat exchanger to the water tank and choosing a place to install them, remember that for normal water circulation, the length of the pipes should not exceed 3 meters. This length is enough to install the tank behind the wall in an adjacent room. If you are not satisfied with this option, you will need to build in a pump that will provide the required speed of water movement.
Connecting a remote tank and heat exchanger
You can use any pipes that can withstand high temperatures to connect the heat exchanger and the tank. For example, half a meter from the stove you can put metal ones (preferably stainless steel or copper), and from them through the fittings you can put either metal-plastic ones for hot water or maybe braiding. Seal the joints of the pipes leaving the furnace with a special winding, which is used for high-temperature units (tangit); it is advisable to replace the gaskets with homemade ones made from paronite.
Pipe diameter: usually take 3/4 inch or inch. Less is not recommended, since due to the high resistance, the water may move too slowly, which will cause poor heating in the remote tank and boiling in the heat exchanger. When connecting, do not forget everything horizontal sections do it with a slight slope towards the stove. It also helps improve circulation.
Also, for more active movement of water in the system, it is advisable to raise the remote tank above the level of the furnace. How more difference altitudes, the greater the difference in pressure and the speed at which the liquid will circulate in the system.
Of course, you can try to save money and make a heat exchanger with your own hands, but you will need to take into account enough a large number of nuances.
And finally, watch the video and think carefully about whether you need a water tank, or whether it is better to install a boiler.
It’s hard to imagine a traditional bath without hot steam, a fragrant broom and warm shower after bath procedures. To organize hot water supply in a bathhouse, the main heat source is often used - an electric or wood-burning stove.
An alternative option is a water tank for a bathhouse, which is mounted on a heating boiler or stove. Read more about how to wisely choose a device of suitable volume and configuration for a private sauna or bathhouse.
How to choose a water tank
The water tank is a special welded structure, which is produced from modern materials, equipped with an inlet for cold water and shut-off and distribution fittings for hot water.
To choose the right tank for your bath, you should decide on the main parameters of the heater:
- type;
- material of manufacture;
- volume;
- installation method.
First, you need to provide for the principle of water intake, choose the appropriate size and installation method of the tank, so that in the future you do not spend an additional amount on re-equipping the equipment. The thickness of the walls of the structure depends on the size of the tank, which can range from 1 to 1.5 mm.
Next, you need to choose a method of heating the water - a stove or a built-in heating element. To decide which container will be more profitable to install, you need to take into account the total number of visitors for whom the bathhouse is designed.
If the bathhouse can accommodate no more than 2 people, then a device with a capacity of 50 liters is sufficient. For large companies, it is preferable to choose a tank with a capacity of 100 liters or more.
The material of manufacture and design features of the device should be taken into account when purchasing.
Types of water tanks for baths
There are three types of water tank - built-in, remote or on a pipe. Moreover, each has positive and negative sides.
Built-in structures
Built-in tank – classic version structure installed on the bottom heating stove and combined at the top with the combustion chamber.
This ensures faster heating and maintenance optimal temperature water for a long time.
In this case, the bottom of the tank is in direct contact with an open fire, and liquid is drawn from the tank from above or through a built-in tap.
Remote structures
A remote tank is provided for a furnace equipped with a heat exchanger. Such a device is connected to a heat exchanger using copper pipes, therefore it can be installed in any room of the bathhouse - washing room or dressing room.
Among the advantages of a remote-type water tank are maintaining a high water heating temperature, reliability and practicality.
The principle of operation of the device is quite simple: cold water enters the heat exchanger, and the heated liquid is supplied back to the tank.
Pipe structures
The design of the tank mounted on a pipe is quite relevant when the bathhouse is used throughout the day.
Such a device provides rapid heating of water to comfortable temperature thanks to the thermal energy released through the chimney.
Materials for making tanks
The type of material used to make the sauna tank determines the durability and reliability of the structure, the speed of heating and cooling of the liquid. Water heating devices are made of stainless steel, cast iron and metal.
Stainless steel
The most popular material for the manufacture of tanks for heating water in a bathhouse is stainless steel. It is resistant to corrosion, fire, high humidity, deformations and damages.
In addition, stainless steel products have high thermal conductivity, hygiene and resistance to temperature changes.
The stainless steel tank can be presented in cylindrical and rectangular shape.
Proper care of stainless steel products guarantees effective work and long service life.
Made of cast iron
Cast iron remains the traditional material for making water tanks. It has good performance characteristics - low thermal conductivity, resistance to corrosion, deformation, mold and overheating.
The disadvantages of cast iron products include their impressive weight and complexity of installation.
In cast iron tanks, water heats up slowly, but also cools down over a long period of time. Therefore, one volume is enough to satisfy hot water needs for the whole day.
Made of metal
Most cheap option– metal tanks that are susceptible to corrosion, rotting and deformation. Such characteristics can negatively affect the quality of water and the durability of the product.
It is strictly forbidden to paint metal devices with moisture-resistant paint, which can release toxic substances when heated.
Less popular are enameled tanks, which are sensitive to mechanical damage. If there are chips in the enamel similar devices use is not recommended. To protect the heaters from possible corrosion, their surface is treated with a special heat-resistant compound.
The most practical and reliable are considered stainless steel tanks remote type. Similar designs are distinguished by attractive appearance and operational safety.
Selecting the optimal tank volume
An equally important task is to determine the appropriate tank volume. The calculation of this parameter should be carried out taking into account the rate of water consumption per adult for bathing procedures, which ranges from 18 to 26 liters of water.
For a family of 2 people, it is enough to purchase a 50-liter tank, for a holiday with a group of 4 to 6 people - a 100-liter tank.
Factory models of water heating devices are presented in a wide range of volumes - from 20 to 200 liters. Electric boilers also have different volumes - from 30 to 100 liters.
Methods for installing a water tank
Having decided on the type and material of manufacture, you can consider available methods installation of devices that provide fast and efficient water heating.
You can install a hot water tank with your own hands in the firebox, above the heater and next to the stove.
Installation in the combustion chamber
The method involves the use of a sauna stove with a large combustion chamber for indoor installation water tank.
The following requirements apply to the water heating device: minimum thickness walls – 0.8 mm, resistance to temperature changes and deformations.
The structure is heated over an open fire, so it can capture its base and end elements. This method is often recommended for installing stainless steel tanks.
Installation above the heater
An equally popular option, which involves installing a heater above the compartment for heating bath stones and generating steam.
If a cast iron device is used, it should be suspended from ceiling structure on a metal cable and hooks. The best option– lightweight stainless steel tank.
It is economical to install a water heater above the stove around chimney pipe, which can provide accelerated heating of water from stones and pipes.
Installation near the stove
This method involves installing the tank near heating equipment. As a rule, it is used in saunas with high air temperatures and low humidity.
In this case, the hot water tank is mounted at a distance of at least 250 cm from the direct heat source, and the water is heated using a double-circuit heat exchanger with cold water supply and hot water output.
Cold water is supplied to the heat exchanger and heated, then discharged into the heater, after which the heating cycle is repeated.
Method of heating water with a heating element or stove
What is more economical for heating water - heating a sauna stove or installing heating elements?
This is determined by the length of time visitors stay in the bathhouse during health procedures.
For example, if a tank of 35 to 60 liters is sufficient for a couple, then for a large company at least 120 liters are required.
At the same time, the rate of heating of water is affected by the thickness of the walls: for devices with a capacity of 50 liters - from 0.8 to 1 mm, for products over 100 liters - from 1 to 1.5 mm.
For a washing compartment with plumbing fixtures - shower and tap - it is recommended to install a hot water supply system closed type: the heat exchanger is mounted in the stove, and a water tank is connected to it. For a small room, a design installed above the heating equipment is suitable.
Proper combination of a sauna stove and a water tank allows you to create a reliable and practical design that will provide not only quick heating of the premises, but also hot water supply. The selection of a suitable tank for heating water is carried out taking into account the design and operational features of the bathhouse.
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 small sauna, if it is possible to organize water heating in a regular tank, using 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 you give preference to a beautiful shiny form, first decide on the basic parameters. The choice of capacity by displacement is influenced by total number 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.
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.
Tanks on a pipe
More modern version. The tank is located on chimney, and heating occurs due to kinetic energy created at the output. The 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 tanks high design. Volume is achieved by increasing the lift, not the width of the container. This protects the strategic reserve from overheating, ensuring the constant presence of hot water and not boiled water. Drainage is done separately, by leading pipes from the tank to the wall.
Remote structures
Such tanks are more often used in saunas, 
when dry air temperature in the steam room is required. But if there is an opportunity and space in the utility room, then the remote design will be very useful in a regular bathhouse. 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 simplest option would be to install an external structure to the stove-heater. The water will be heated due to 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 internal space.
To save money, many people still use metal tanks. But they are impractical neither from an aesthetic point of view nor from practical point vision. And if the unsightly appearance can be hidden behind brickwork, then it is impossible to cope with 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.
A little better metal containers enamel tanks. Special processing They are not prone to corrosion and the water in them remains clean for a long time. But they are unstable to mechanical stress. Even slightly touching the surface with a metal ladle 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.
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 according to 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 time, upon completion of washing, the tanks are completely emptied. Once frozen, water will tear apart any metal. Do not fire stoves with an empty tank. Heat, deforms the container, and all protection will peel off from the enamel surface.