Really off-the-wall black tank question

40_Acre_Mule · 02-08-2013, 11:12 AM

Here's a new one (maybe) for y'all...

I'm running a water line out to the barn, and I'd like to have hot, or at least reasonably warm, water at the sink.

However, I won't use it enough to justify installing a water heater.
I was thinking I could run a line up on the roof and let the sun do the job.

If I install a black tank on the roof and run the water through it, I'm thinking the sun will heat it enough for my uses.

My question:
How well would a black tank hold up to the exposure to the sun (UV rays and all that)?

j&blytton · 02-08-2013, 01:22 PM

What electrical service do you have to the barn? I had a similar situation an bought a small "on demand" water heater and have been very satisfied with it. I bought it at Lowe's as I recall.

mainah · 02-08-2013, 01:28 PM

They sell "shower bags" made of a heavy black plastic that work pretty well hold like a gallon or two just lay them out in the sun.

Drake · 02-08-2013, 06:00 PM

I think it would have to be pretty hot outside for a while to get the water up to taking a shower specs. but for a sink it might work. If the barn is not too far away from the house, why can't you just tap into the hot water line from your house ,and with a hose, connect it to the tap in the barn? This seems to be the easiest solution since you are going to have to run a line out there anyway. But if you already have a cold water line at the barn, and you are up for an "adventure," and if you've got an old ( clean) black tank lying about, what have you got to lose?

pwb01 · 02-09-2013, 01:04 PM

Some people install a length of heat tape and insulation on the pipe for warm water for washing hands for example. The length depends on how much water you need and how much access you have to the pipe. As long as there's sun though, the black tank is free energy.

40_Acre_Mule · 02-09-2013, 09:06 PM

1. The barn is too far to run a hot water line.
2. I won't use the water but once week or less, so even a cheap water heater seems like a waste.
3. I like the idea of free energy, even if it makes more work for me.
4. The water only needs to be warm enough for hand and occasional parts washing.
5. I live in South Mississippi, so even in the winter, we get enough sun and warmth to heat up a black surface.

Jim-Bev-2363 · 02-10-2013, 03:54 AM

Here in Florida we have homes with black plastic pipes on the roofs to heat swimming pool water. If you use a black plastic hose of some kind should work if you can have the hose snaking around on the roof to soak up heat like a snake stretched out in the road. I think I would insulate the hose that is not on the roof, or at least drain it when not in use. I would for sure insulate the hose from the roof to the water inlet to the camper so no heat is lost. Also the freezing temps would have to be watched so lines inside the camper can be drained before they freeze.

It might be easier to just heat a pot of water on the stove and do a GI wash. Not free but a heck of a lot easier.

Mellow Yellow · 02-10-2013, 06:33 AM

As Bev and Jim suggested, maybe just heat some water? I have an electric kettle that heats water fast and cheap. You could pour this boiling water in a basin and mix w/ cold water for washing up.

awellis3 · 02-10-2013, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim-Bev-2363

If you use a black plastic hose of some kind should work if you can have the hose snaking around on the roof to soak up heat like a snake stretched out in the road.

Good idea. Doesn't have to be black or on the roof. I left agreen garden hose on the ground, grabbed the sprayer to start washing my truck and damn near scalded my hand.
Also, once had a buddy with a fishng shack who mounted a 50 gal. oil drum on a stand, painted it black. No UV deterioration there.

Teach

**Sunline Fan** · 02-10-2013, 10:18 AM

My biggest concern is I've seen what flying rocks can do to black tanks, I can only imagine what that would be like once branches, hail storms, and UV are brought into the mix. I don't think it would last real long. Plus, I don't think black tanks (plastic) are rated for drinking water, so who knows what kind of plastic chemicals would be introduced to the water as it heated up.

pwb01 · 02-12-2013, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 40_Acre_Mule

If I install a black tank on the roof and run the water through it, I'm thinking the sun will heat it enough for my uses.

My question:
How well would a black tank hold up to the exposure to the sun (UV rays and all that)?

I'm working in Ilo, Peru for a couple of weeks which is on the coast. Most every residence and many businesses have black tanks on their roof for hot water. Energy is expensive. Here it almost never rains and the tanks seem to be made for that purpose. I assume they hold up to the sun nicely being manufactured for that purpose where here the sun is intense year round.

Can we buy tanks made for rooftop hot water?