AN_TKE
Well-Known Member
I have built and been using a rubbermaid cooler reterofitted with a hot water heater element and I can't seem to stop water from leaking out of the bottom - can't seal the element to the bottom of the tank. I have made SS plates, caulked the crap out of it and then covered it with a food-grade, high temp epoxy. I can't imagine how water is still getting through, but after using if a bunch of times a new leak has developed and i'm ready to try another water heating strategy.
Does anyone use electricity to heat their water instead of propane? It is definately more convenient and less costly, but the actual hot water heater may require more thought.
My next attempt may be an all SS tank with a coupling in the bottom to receive the element, but I can't figure out what size/type of coupling. Has anyone figured out what can be used for a coupling to thread a water heater into it? I'd like to avoid using the element mounting piece that can be purchased because it isn't SS and it also presents a further problem of sealing that piece to the tank.
Any other ideas?
Thanks!
Does anyone use electricity to heat their water instead of propane? It is definately more convenient and less costly, but the actual hot water heater may require more thought.
My next attempt may be an all SS tank with a coupling in the bottom to receive the element, but I can't figure out what size/type of coupling. Has anyone figured out what can be used for a coupling to thread a water heater into it? I'd like to avoid using the element mounting piece that can be purchased because it isn't SS and it also presents a further problem of sealing that piece to the tank.
Any other ideas?
Thanks!