Sewerage

Do-it-yourself country rain shower. Maximum water suction depth

At the heart of the action of the foot shower of the trampler is a pneumatic pump, which is used for an air mattress or a rubber boat. It is also called "frog". Air intake comes from the external environment with the "croaking" of the valve, and blowing out - inside the boat. Only in toptun, water is taken from the tank, and drained through the shower head.

To start using the shower, it is enough to heat the water to “room” temperature. Surely you remember how you danced the “bear dance” in kindergarten :) Stepping from foot to foot through soft tubes will first force water to be pumped from the tank into the pump system, and then into the discharge hose.
Next, choose one of the 7 nozzle spray modes, press the lever and ... enjoy bathing! We advise you to fix the sprayer on the hook to wash as conveniently as in the shower.
We finished bathing, drained the water, dried it and put it in storage. The hoses do not jam, bend easily. The atomizer is removed and stored in a separate bag. If necessary, the hoses can be replaced or extended to, for example, pump water from a well. The main thing is that it should be clean and without debris.

Our store offers to buy a toptun shower in Kharkov and use it in a summer cottage, in a city apartment, on a trip, on vacation, a picnic. When there is no stationary water supply, the toptun shower is a real find. All that is needed is a simple observance of two conditions: the ability to step over with one's feet and water in a container. It does not require electricity. The only “but”: the surface on which you put the shower must be flat or with a soft cloth underneath.

This device for taking water procedures in our country appeared relatively recently and immediately attracted the attention of users.

What are the advantages of a trampling shower over conventional devices?

Characteristics	Short description
	The total mass of the shower-treadmill does not exceed 2-3 kg, the dimensions, depending on the model, are not more than 30 × 40 cm. Such linear indicators allow you to constantly carry the device with you and use it at the right time.
	There is no need to build special rooms for a trampling shower. The watering can can be held in hands, hung on a tree, attached to a wall, etc. If necessary, the location of the shower can always be changed. If desired, the shower can be connected to a large barrel of water and used permanently.
	The device can be used not only for taking water procedures, but also for watering beds, washing a car and other household needs.
	The toptun shower does not have complex parts, which can significantly increase the service life. In addition, it does not require periodic maintenance and repairs. If there are risks of contamination, then an elementary strainer can be installed on the inlet pipe.
	The pump pumps water without electricity, it can be installed in the country and connected to large capacity with water - the time of taking a shower is significantly increased. The stomp shower has proven itself at picnics by the pond, you can take it with you on hikes.

Before Considering Options self-manufacturing soul-stomper, you should find out the principle of operation of the device, such knowledge will help you choose the most successful option, taking into account the experience of plumbing work, financial capabilities and the desired technical characteristics.

Shower-toptun consists of the following elements.

Before you start making your own shower-treadmill, you need to find out the technical characteristics of the factory devices and what they depend on. This knowledge will make it possible to plan which indicators can be adjusted at the time of manufacture, how to do it, and to what positive or negative consequences they will bring.

Technical characteristics of the shower-treadmill

Maximum water suction depth

Depends on the elasticity of the case, the harder the material of the case, the greater the vacuum it can create during an increase in the internal volume. But it is impossible to significantly increase the depth of absorption. Why? The fact is that when you press the pump housing, you will have to overcome not only the pressure to supply water to a certain height, but also the resistance of the housing.

Consider the features of the pump. For example, a person weighs 70 kg. If the housing creates a negative pressure of adequate 15 kN for water suction, then to create water pressure it will be possible to apply a force of no more than 55 kN (70 kN - 15 kN). This means that the greater the suction depth, the lower the lift height with the same pressing force on the pump. For example, we took the weight of an adult.

And if a child will use the shower-treadmill? In connection with such an inverse relationship between suction and pressure parameters, the designers found an acceptable middle option. The factory device can raise water by no more than 50 cm, and the supply pressure depends on the applied efforts. Such parameters allow people with low weight to use the shower-treadmill, the washing process does not require much physical effort.

Maximum water supply height

The greater the compression force of the pump housing, the higher the water pressure is created. Indicators are limited only by the weight of a person. And of course, the physical strength of the body material.

Performance

Depends on two parameters: the internal volume of the pump and the frequency of pressure. The first parameter is set by the manufacturer, the average values are selected. If the pump has a very large volume, then in order to press the camera, a person does not need to “stagnate” in place, but raise his legs high. This is inconvenient, the designers did not go this way to increase the productivity of the water supply.

The average parameters of the pump are selected in such a way that the volume of water squeezed out from one pump is continuous until the second pump is put into operation. But this does not mean that the frequency of pressure can be increased indefinitely. The fact is that the process of filling the pump takes time, it is possible to press on the pump housing only after its entire volume is filled with water. Dimensions also depend on performance.

Factory models are made of durable rubber, inlet and outlet valves are mounted on special rigid elements. It is almost impossible to find rubber suitable for physical characteristics in the store. In addition to strength, after all, it must be hermetically fixed on the sidewalls, the length and diameter must be coordinated, and stability and durability must be ensured. In connection with such problems, we offer other options for self-manufacturing a shower-treadmill.

With this knowledge, you can start making your own soul-treadmill. We will consider two options for devices, both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Pneumatic shower-toptun

According to the principle of operation, it bears little resemblance to the factory version, and in terms of comfort it is not only in no way inferior to it, but also surpasses it in many respects. The device we propose does not pump water, but air, although the principle of operation of the pumps is the same.

What are the main differences?

If the usual shower-toptun takes water from the tank and delivers it to the watering can, then excess pressure is created in the sealed container with water using a foot pump, which pushes the water into the shower head.
The pump does not pump water, but air.
Water pressure can fluctuate widely.

Step by step manufacturing instructions

We only give circuit diagram production, everyone can make minor changes to it, taking into account the available materials. The water from the shower will flow under pressure, the air will be pumped up by a car pump or frog pumps for inflating rubber boats.

Step 1. Choose a suitable water container. It can be a twenty-liter plastic container for bottled water, metal or plastic barrel, milk can, canister, etc.

Practical advice. If you are planning to make the shower mobile, then you do not need to look for a large capacity. Practice shows that twenty liters is enough to wash one person. In addition, you will not be able to pump hundreds of liters of water with your feet; this requires a lot of time and physical effort.

We recommend using plastic canisters for making showers. They have sealed lids, carrying handles and a volume of up to 50 liters. Another plus of this container is that the large wall thickness allows it to withstand significant pressures without any problems.

Step 2 Attach the inlet and outlet pipes to the cover. Air will be pumped through one pipe, the other serves to supply water to the shower head.

For example, consider installation of nozzles on the cover plastic canister or barrels. The diameter of the nozzles is within 10 mm, select specific values taking into account the diameter of the pump hoses and the available parts.

Important. If you hold the lid with your hands, then be very careful. Remember that the drill can pull out the cover, be especially careful when drilling after a through hole has appeared on the reverse side. The side edges of the cutting tool grab the plastic and begin to rotate it with great effort. It is at this moment that the lid most often breaks and injures the master.

Step 3 Insert a pipe into the hole, both ends must have a metric thread. Put on rubber gaskets (you can also on one side), install metal washers on top and tighten the connection with nuts.

Practical advice. We strongly do not recommend fixing the nozzles only with sealant or glue. During the use of the unit and pumping air, dynamic forces of alternating direction act on the nozzles. Over time, the adhesive or sealant will peel off, leading to a leak in the joint. If the air outlet is small, then the shower can still be used, only the pump will have to be pumped more often and faster. If the gaps are significant, then you will have to do repair work.

Step 4 Attach a long hose to one branch pipe, it will supply water to the watering can. To the second is fixed a short hose for air supply. To make it easier to put on a plastic hose, heat its end in boiling water and put it on plastic in this state. After cooling, reduce the diameter of the hose, the connection is quite reliable. Moreover, there will be no high pressure in the hose. If in doubt, additionally fix the end with a small clamp suitable diameter. To increase the tightness of the connection, several turns of electrical tape can be tightly wound on the nozzle.

Step 5 If necessary, attach special adapters to the nozzles to connect the pump hose and shower head. Connect them too after heating the end of the hose.

How to use such a shower?

Pour water into a container and place in the sun to heat. If there is no time, then you can immediately cold water dilute warm.

Important. Always leave about a third of the volume of the air container. Due to this, it will be possible to create a sufficient pressure margin for a complete outflow of water. Pump up air with a foot pump, there is no need to pump a lot of air. A pressure of one atmosphere raises water to a height of 10 meters. For your information, bicycle tires have a pressure of only 0.5 atm.

The pump does not need to be switched off, it has a built-in non-return valve to prevent pressure drop. Practice shows that a pressure of approximately one atmosphere can guarantee the outflow of 15 liters of water from a twenty-liter container when it is filled with water by two-thirds of the volume. You can take a shower right away or wait for a while until it warms up to a comfortable temperature.

What are the advantages of the proposed design? There are quite a few of them and all of them significantly increase the comfort of using a portable shower.

There is no need to constantly stomp on the soul. For the elderly and sick people, this is a tiring task.
Water turns on / off as needed. There is an opportunity to take a shower.
Small children can use the unit. They either turn on the watering can themselves, or wash themselves with the help of their parents.

Such advantages make this shower design quite popular among numerous owners of summer cottages. The shower can be installed not only outside the city, but also taken with you on a picnic, fishing or land plot for agricultural work.

If you install a non-return valve on the inlet pipe, then such a device will be very useful during the processing of plants. chemicals pest and disease control. A check valve can be purchased at any hardware store. The presence of a check valve makes it possible, after pumping air, to disconnect the pump and carry the container in your hand. No need to take expensive models with automatic pressure control. An ordinary rubber valve in a normally open state is sufficient. In this position, the valve is held by a spring. When the air jet moves in the opposite direction, the air presses the rubber gasket against the socket and closes its outlet from the nozzle.

Video - Foot shower "Rain"

Video - Shower from a plastic bottle and a pump

Shower-stomper from two pumps "frogs"

You can try to make another version of the soul-treadmill. For these purposes, take the so-called "frogs" as pumps. These pumps are used to inflate rubber boats. There are two types of devices in the implementation.

Rubber. The body is molded from hard rubber, which, when restored to its original shape after being pressed by the foot, pumps air through the inlet valve. When the body is pressed, the inlet valve closes, the outlet valve opens under pressure, pressure is supplied to the hose. The volume of the pump is approximately 1.5 liters.
Plastic(type Bravo 7011). Consist of top and bottom plastic panels, which are interconnected by a particularly durable rubberized fabric. The working volume of such pumps can be three or more liters.
The devices also have inlet and outlet valves, and the principle of air injection has been changed. Between two plastic plates a metal spring is installed, it is it that compresses / unclenches depending on the applied efforts, the upper plastic cover approaches the bottom or moves away from it. Due to such movements, the internal volume of the pumps changes.

These pumps have the ability to increase the rate of water intake. To do this, you must first remove the rubberized casing, it is fixed to the upper and lower parts with ordinary clamps. Please note that some clamps may be disposable. During tightening, their hooks are deformed; when re-compressed, they either slip or wedge. Before disassembling such pumps, just in case, buy new clamps. After removing the housing, access to the internal spring opens. It must be removed and replaced with a stiffer one, just be sure to install a stainless steel alloy spring. We warn that it is necessary to observe the golden mean. A very stiff spring will significantly speed up the suction of water by the pump, but at the same time the force required to compress the device will increase markedly.

Two such pumps are connected into a single structure using a tee and plastic tubes. You need to connect two inputs and two outputs. The inlet hose is lowered into a container with water, the outlet is connected to the shower head.

The design is ready for use, but it has significant drawbacks.

Pumps cannot lift water from a great distance. This will slow down the process of water supply, it is very inconvenient to wash under a weak stream. It is advisable to raise water containers, the height difference is recommended to be at least a meter. In this position, water will enter the pump housing much faster. It is often technologically impossible to increase the inlet of pumps, in this way it will not be possible to speed up the water supply.
To mount two pumps, you need to use a special rigid stand, and it cannot be wooden. And when attaching pumps to other materials, significant difficulties arise. It will take a lot of time and effort to solve problems, factory pumps do not have technological holes designed to fix them in a fixed position. We will have to come up with special elements, do it in such a way that the functionality of the devices is not disturbed. At the same time, the pumps must sit firmly in their places and not move during water supply.
It takes a lot of time and tangible material resources to make. In terms of cost, a ready-made shower-toptun is quite competitive with a self-made one, and in terms of comfort it is much superior to it. Is it worth wasting time, money and effort to end up with a device with worse technical specifications and increased cost in comparison with ready-made factory counterparts?
O a common drawback of all types of shower-treadmills is that it must be installed on hard surfaces. It may be specially made wooden stand, paving slabs, etc. Otherwise, in a few minutes there will be dirt under your feet, and the grassy lawn will turn into a swamp.

We considered two options for the independent manufacture of portable shower units, but there is also a third, in our opinion, the most successful one. According to the reviews of many owners of an industrial-made shower-treadmill, they use such devices no more than two or three times. And then they remember the old, simple, cheap and universal way. They buy an ordinary ladle and water themselves with water from a bucket.

Video - Shower toptun

On the go or in country house having a soul is a pressing issue. Often, in order to wash in uncomfortable conditions, you need to find a large container (basin, bucket), then fill it with warm water, and then start the washing process using a ladle or mug. Although this method is real, it creates a lot of problems. Therefore, the best option for giving is a do-it-yourself shower toptun, a video about which you can see below.

The peculiarity of this shower is that it is compact, while the water flow is controlled by the foot. Also, the system does not provide for the presence of mechanical elements, which indicates its strength. In addition, even the smallest members of the family can operate this device without the help of elders, because it is absolutely safe.

Hygiene is just as important when camping as it is at home. Sometimes, in order to wash yourself in the country, you need to do a lot of inconvenient manipulations (find a container, heat water, drain it on yourself, etc.), so you don’t have to dream about a uniform distribution of water. But uncomfortable natural conditions can be made more comfortable with a portable shower treadmill.

The foot shower toptun is easily transported, so it is convenient to use it almost anywhere. It can be placed in a capacious knapsack, and the corrugated cable twists easily, thanks to which it folds compactly and does not deform at all. Such a device is best option for hiking, as well as suburban areas that do not have the special benefits of civilization.

This type of shower is easy to use in the location of a standard country shower and even in a tent, as well as in a booth or in an open space. The area of operation of this water device is quite wide, because it not only performs its original functions, but it can also be used to water flower beds and gardens in the country. Due to the length of the corrugated hose, it is simple and easy to draw water, for example, from a well or well, if there are such within the site.

Using a portable shower

Another shower-stomper is used to wash various items and surfaces: machines, floor coverings, rugs, asphalt and even windows in the house. It is also convenient to use it inside a dwelling in which there is no warm water. There is always a job for this useful plumbing element, it will never gather dust somewhere on the extreme shelves of the pantry.

How the device works

To understand the principle of operation of the toptun, you first need to understand the features of its structure. The design of the shower consists of several elements:

watering can (nozzle);
rubber mat or pedals;
corrugated hose that does not allow water to pass through;
valves;
corrugated water intake pipe.

In principle, the corrugation is replaced by standard tubes, but then you should be prepared for the fact that they will need to be changed often, since such products often break at bends during operation.

Portable shower-toptun

Preparatory process for the implementation of water activities with the help of a trampling shower

First, the hose, on the end of which the nozzle is put on, is hung at the optimal height so that the watering can is above the head.
Pedals or a mat are placed under the feet.
One end of the tube is immersed in a container filled with hot water. As a container, you can use any one-piece tank that holds a large amount of water: buckets, tank, canisters, large pots, etc.
A person presses the mat with his foot, as a result of which warm water begins to flow from the container, entering the hose with a watering can.

The treadmill shower (see the video of its operation below) operates on a similar principle with a foot pump, which is why it has another name - a pneumatic shower.

The specificity of the use of this sanitary ware is that, if desired, you can stop the water flow, while your hands are not busy, and this is very convenient for washing. Therefore, such a device is an excellent imitation of a real shower equipment.

Advantages

Elementary operation of the shower structure. You just need to insert the tube into a container of water, and then take a couple of steps on the mat to start the system.
Saving. The average price for the design is about 1500 rubles. Compared to traditional shower suburban area This will save you a lot of money and time.
Mobility. The system is easy to disassemble and assemble, making it easy to carry anywhere.
Versatility. As mentioned above, in addition to the main function of trampling, you can water the beds, as well as wash large surfaces.
compactness. The parameters of the soul lie in its design features, the mechanism consists of a rubberized mat and two tubes.

Water pressure

Shower toptun, user reviews confirm this, it absolutely depends on the person. In other words, the formation of a smooth water flow is affected by the frequency of steps. When the movement stops, the water will stop flowing.

Shower-stomper in action

At first, this feature may seem very inconvenient, but as a result, water costs are significantly saved. For the full adoption of water procedures, thanks to this mechanism, a person needs about 10 liters of water. In particular, this design even makes it possible to do some aerobics while taking a shower, which contributes to a good sportswear and significantly improves mood.

Portable shower for giving "Toptun-mini"

If there is no connection to the pipeline at the place of use of the sanitary ware, then Toptun-mini will come to the rescue. It is almost the same as a standard stomper, but its difference is that the mini models do not have a rubber mat. In the standard form, there are 2 cylinders on the mat, which must be constantly pressed to pump water, and in the mini version there is an autonomous cylinder made of medresin. However, such products function in the same way as the classic toptun.

I would like to replace that the cost of a mini-shower is almost half the standard one. For example, a full-fledged model with a rug costs about 45 USD. e., and mini - about 25 c.u. e. The economic factor plays a significant role in choosing a model, for these reasons, before buying, you should decide whether it makes sense to pay twice the price just for having a rubber mat.

Shower-stomper in action

Toptun - optimal solution for conditions where there is no running water, because it is an excellent alternative to a stationary shower. And ease of use, solid construction and complete safety of operation makes it possible to use it even for children.

How to make a do-it-yourself shower

This device is very simple, so you can do it yourself. You need to purchase the following items:

Shower Heads; foot pump for cars;
a plastic tank with a lid;
rubber hoses;
wooden or rubber stopper;
metal or plastic tube.

Manufacturing steps

The tank is filled with water and heated under hot sunlight.
Two holes of various sizes (1 and 2 centimeters) are made in the cork.
Tubes are inserted into the holes made in the cork. Through the larger hole (2 cm) the tube should touch the bottom of the tank.
Rubber hoses are put on the tubes.
The foot pump, which supplies air to the container, is mounted in a smaller tube.
A shower head is attached to a large hose.
You can also build a holder for a shower head and other amenities: a wall and a fence.

Scope of foot shower

In addition to its main function, a device that pumps water from a tank is used:

for watering trees, flower beds and beds;
for washing paths near the house, cars, windows and other items;
for spraying plants (for example, seedlings).

A do-it-yourself shower toptun (see the assembly photo on the website) is not intended for use in an apartment if it does not have hot water. Such work is best left to models (portable shower design), which can be purchased at a special store.

However, it is not always convenient to use this device regularly. After all, it cannot be compared with a stationary shower with a reservoir and a comfortable booth, where there is a place for bath items and towels. In addition, in bad weather conditions (rain), the water in the tank will not heat up to the desired temperature, for these reasons it is better to Summer shower was equipped with an electric heating element. But as a temporary option, shower toptun is quite appropriate. It can be assembled by hand or be purchased in the assembled version in a store where goods for fishing, recreation and summer cottages are sold.