the other night, my water heater split pouring water everywhere. Not great timing as we were planning a big party Saturday night and I didn't have time to go chase up another one. Also we are selling soon so I wasn't going to spend $500+ on a new heater. I took one cold shower and was surprised how cold it actually was this time of year so until I could find a used heater to install, I had to come up with something so we could shower.
Having converted a gas water heater to WVO Power, I brought that down and set it up. It's as Hillbilly as all get out but it sure beats another cold shower. I simply removed the gas burner assembly and sat the thing over one of my waste oil burners.
I fire the burner up and set it at a rate that dosen't overpower the heater or the plastic fittings with errant flame. I let it go about 30 min then send the first smelly family member in to be cleansed. I leave the burner going as each person showers and the thing not only keeps up with demand, but exceedes it. I had the safety valve blow off the first night I used the thing so I turned the burner down a bit but the water temp was still hotter for the last Shower ( mine) with the burner then turned off even though everyone went in straight after the other.
The kids were rolling their eyes at first but after a couple of nights practice with the thing, I said, take as long as you want, we are not going to run out. My son told me he had never heard me say that before as the old system always was a bit small and speed was of the essecence. He took the longest shower I think I have ever seen him take, a leisurely 10 min.
Anyway, I got another heater today I'll put in but this set up really wasn't bad at all. I fired it up this afternoon and heated the water so I didn't have to do it tonight and with the normal care, every one had a shower with no probs.
If I had a shack or holiday house somewhere without power or a water heater, This would make a very acceptable alternative if actually set up with some controls Like an auto temp shutoff and metered fuel .
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