Ashleigh Romero
Making hot water last longer in a camper is an important consideration for anyone looking to embrace the van life. There are several ways to ensure you have access to hot water for longer, from simple habits to more complex installations.
Firstly, it's important to consider your water heater. There are various types available, including gas, electric, and tankless options. Gas heaters heat water the fastest, while tankless heaters provide a constant supply of hot water and only turn on when needed, making them energy-efficient. You can also install a thermostatic mixing valve, which stores water at a higher temperature and mixes it with cold water as it leaves the tank, providing safe water at the right temperature and increasing the amount of usable hot water.
Another way to make hot water last longer is to be mindful of your habits. Taking shorter showers, turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving, and avoiding running multiple hot water appliances simultaneously can all help conserve hot water. Additionally, consider using a low-flow showerhead, which restricts water usage without sacrificing water pressure.
Insulating your hot water pipes and water heater is another effective way to retain heat and ensure hot water lasts longer. This can be done by wrapping insulation around the pipes and tank, either as a DIY project or with the help of a professional plumber.
Finally, regular maintenance of your water heater is key. This includes tasks such as checking and replacing heating elements, draining and flushing the tank to remove sediment, and ensuring the unit is working efficiently.
By combining the right hot water system with mindful habits and regular maintenance, you can make hot water last longer in your camper and fully embrace the van life, complete with hot showers and clean dishes!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Water Heater Type | Tankless, Electric, Gasoline, Diesel, Calorifier |
| Water Heater Settings | Higher temperature may cause water to run out faster |
| Water Appliances | Use one at a time to conserve hot water |
| Water Pipes | Insulate to maintain temperature |
| Shower Habits | Shorter showers or baths conserve hot water |
| Showerhead | Low-flow showerhead reduces water usage |
| Faucet | Turn off while brushing teeth, shaving, or washing dishes |
| Water Heater Maintenance | Regularly inspect and service the water heater |
| Water Tank | Install a secondary tank or replace with a tankless heater |
What You'll Learn
Use a tankless water heater
Tankless water heaters are a great option for campers, providing hot water on demand. They are compact, affordable, and easy to install, making them an attractive choice for those seeking a convenient and efficient solution for their hot water needs.
One of the key benefits of a tankless water heater is its ability to provide unlimited hot water as long as you have propane. Unlike traditional tank water heaters, which store a limited amount of hot water, tankless heaters heat water as it flows through, ensuring you never run out. This is especially useful if you have a small water tank in your camper or are looking to conserve water.
However, one downside of tankless heaters is the time it takes for the water to heat up. When you turn on the hot water tap, the heater needs a few seconds to detect the flow and start the heating process. This results in some cold water flowing from the tap initially, which can be an issue if you are not connected to a sewer as it leads to water wastage.
Additionally, tankless heaters require a certain flow rate to activate the heating mechanism. If your camper has low water pressure or you use a low-flow showerhead, you may need to adjust the temperature on the heater to find a comfortable balance.
Despite these minor drawbacks, tankless water heaters are an excellent option for campers, offering a steady flow of hot water with intelligent control systems. They are also built with durable and high-performance materials, ensuring they can withstand the vibrations and shocks of travelling over uneven terrain.
If you're considering a tankless water heater for your camper, the Furrion 2.4 GPM model is a great choice. It provides unlimited hot water on demand, with a flow rate of 2.4 gallons per minute or 144 gallons per hour. It also features vortex technology to eliminate temperature fluctuations, ensuring a comfortable and consistent supply of hot water.
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Insulate hot water pipes
Insulating your hot water pipes can help to reduce heat loss and raise the water temperature by 2°F–4°F. This means you can lower your water temperature setting and save energy. Insulation slows down heat transfer, so the water in your pipes will take longer to cool down. This is especially useful if you live in a cold climate or have long runs of hot water pipes.
- Determine the type of insulation material you want to use. For electric water heaters, pipe sleeves made with polyethylene or neoprene foam are the most commonly used. If you have a gas water heater, insulation should be kept at least 6 inches away from the flue. In this case, you can use fiberglass pipe-wrap secured with wire or aluminium foil tape.
- Measure the length of the pipes you need to cover, especially the first 3 feet of pipe from the water heater. It is also recommended to insulate the cold-water inlet pipes for the first 3 feet.
- Cut the insulation to the required lengths.
- Place the pipe sleeve with the seam facing down on the pipe.
- Secure the pipe sleeve by taping, wiring, or clamping it every foot or two.
By insulating your hot water pipes, you can reduce the amount of time you need to wait for hot water, which helps conserve water. It is worth noting that insulating hot water pipes will not prevent them from freezing, but it can help to maintain a higher water temperature.
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Install a Cash Acme Tank Booster
The Cash Acme Tank Booster is a thermostatic mixing valve that can help you increase the amount of hot water available for your camper. It does this by storing water in your tank at a higher temperature of up to 140° F (60° C) and then mixing it with cold water as it leaves the tank, delivering it at a safe temperature of 120° F (49° C). This means that less hot water is used, as it is mixed with cold water, resulting in more usable hot water for your camper shower, faucets, and other outlets.
- Purchase the Cash Acme Tank Booster: The Tank Booster Pro model features an optional temperature gauge and a recirculation loop port for easy connections. It is available through wholesale retailers and includes the valve, water heater tee, flexible water heater connectors, and a Tank Booster temperature gauge.
- Compatibility: Ensure that your system uses copper, CPVC, or PEX tubing. The Cash Acme Tank Booster is compatible with SharkBite Flexible Water Heater Connectors and Ball Valves, so there is no need for additional transition fittings.
- Installation Process: Follow the step-by-step installation instructions provided by Cash Acme. They have a video guide and install instructions available on their website, as well as a brochure and spec sheet for the Tank Booster Pro.
- Adjustments: After installation, you can easily adjust the valves if you desire a lower temperature at delivery. The temperature range can be adjusted between 95° F (35° C) and 130° F (54° C).
- Benefits: By installing the Cash Acme Tank Booster, you can increase your hot water capacity by over 50% without replacing your water heater. Additionally, the higher water temperature in the tank can help kill Legionella bacteria, reducing the risk of Legionnaire's disease or Pontiac Fever. The Tank Booster also helps protect against scalding by ensuring the output water temperature is safe.
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Use a low-flow showerhead
Make Hot Water Last Longer in Your Camper with a Low-Flow Showerhead
Low-flow showerheads are an effective way to make hot water last longer in your camper. They are designed to reduce water consumption, and by doing so, they also help you save money and conserve energy.
Low-flow showerheads reduce the amount of water that passes through them. Standard showerheads have a flow rate of 2.5 gallons (9.5 litres) per minute, while low-flow showerheads bring that number down to 2 gallons (7.57 litres) or less. This means that with a low-flow showerhead, you're using less water, and as a result, your hot water supply lasts longer.
Additionally, low-flow showerheads aerate the water, which means they add air to "bulk out" the water stream. This clever feature ensures that you still get a satisfying high-pressure shower experience, even while using less water.
Benefits of Low-Flow Showerheads
Using a low-flow showerhead in your camper comes with several advantages:
- Extended hot water supply: By reducing the flow rate, you make your hot water supply last longer, which is especially beneficial in camping scenarios where hot water may be limited.
- Cost savings: Low-flow showerheads can lead to substantial savings on your water bill. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a low-flow showerhead can help a family save up to 40% on their water bill, which translates to real monetary savings.
- Energy savings: Since you're using less hot water, you also reduce the energy required to heat the water, leading to lower energy bills.
- Environmental impact: Conserving water and energy has a positive environmental impact, especially as water scarcity becomes an increasingly pressing global issue.
Choosing a Low-Flow Showerhead
When selecting a low-flow showerhead, look for the WaterSense label from the EPA. This certification ensures that the showerhead meets the required water efficiency standards. Also, consider your budget, bathroom style, and personal preferences for water delivery (e.g., handheld, combination, or slide-bar showerheads).
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Change water heater settings
Changing the water heater's settings can make a big difference in how long your hot water lasts. If the thermostat on your tank is set to a higher temperature, you may find that your hot water runs out more quickly. Lowering the temperature by just a few degrees can help to conserve hot water without sacrificing comfort—you might not even notice the difference. It will also help to prevent scalding burns and sudden rushes of cold water. On the other hand, if your heater is set too cool, turning up the temperature can provide the hot water you need.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to increase the amount of hot water available in your camper. You can install a tank booster, such as the Cash Acme Tank Booster, which enables hot water to last longer by storing water at a higher temperature and mixing it with cold water as it leaves the tank. Another option is to use a tankless water heater, which can supply a constant supply of hot water and only turns on when needed, saving water and energy. Additionally, you can try using a solar shower, which heats water using the sun's energy, or invest in a portable hot water heater.
To make your existing hot water supply last longer, avoid using all your hot water appliances simultaneously. For example, try washing the dishes before taking a shower or doing laundry with cold water instead of hot water. You can also insulate your hot water pipes and water heater to retain heat and lower the thermostat temperature on your water heater to reduce the risk of scalding and sudden rushes of cold water.
The amount of hot water available in your camper depends on several factors, including the size and type of water heater you have. RV water heaters typically come in six or ten-gallon models, with larger models taking longer to heat up. The recovery rate of your water heater also plays a role, with gas models heating faster than electric ones. Additionally, the number of people using hot water and the flow rate of your devices will impact how long your hot water lasts.
To conserve hot water in your camper, consider taking shorter showers or baths as they require less water. You can also use a low-flow showerhead, which restricts the amount of water used without sacrificing spray pressure. Turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing dishes can also help conserve hot water and reduce water wastage.
