DIY PVC Camp Shower Box

The shower is an appreciated aspect of long camping trips. Commercial camping showers are widely available but cheap PVC construction is also an option. The camp shower relies on a reservoir for water storage, gravity to feed the water and a regulation valve to control the rate of flow. The materials are readily available at hardware stores and the construction process is completed in a short period of time. The PVC shower is portable and the materials are durable.

Things You'll Need

  • Camping water reservoir
  • Threaded PVC coupling with stopper sleeve
  • One inch diameter PVC pipe
  • Hacksaw
  • One inch valve fitting
  • Ninety degree joint
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a plastic water container with a threaded cap. Rectangular water containers are available through most outdoor retail stores in seven- to 10-gallon versions.

    • 2

      Unscrew the container cap and measure the diameter. Purchase a threaded PVC coupling to match the diameter. Also purchase a sleeve stopper fitting to hold the threaded piece on the pipe. Cut a one-inch diameter PVC pipe into an 8-inch long section with a hacksaw. Coat one end of the pipe with PVC glue and push the sleeve fitting on the end. Leave the connection to dry for five minutes.

    • 3

      Slide the threaded piece over the pipe until it sits against the stopper sleeve. Screw the threaded piece on the water-container opening. Do not glue this connection. You will remove the threaded piece to fill the jug and replace it to shower.

    • 4

      Coat the free end of the PVC pipe with PVC glue. Push a PVC one-inch regulator valve on the pipe to control the flow of water. The valves are typically found near the PVC pipe at the hardware store.

    • 5

      Cut a second eight-inch section of one-inch diameter PVC pipe. Coat one end of the pipe with PVC glue and push the end into the exposed end of the valve fitting. Coat the free end of the pipe with PVC glue and push a ninety-degree joint on the end. Leave the system intact for five minutes while the glue dries.

    • 6

      Unscrew the threaded piece from the jug. Fill the jug with water and replace the threaded piece. Set the jug on a tree branch or any stable position above your head. Turn the valve slightly to release a slow stream of water. Stand under the ninety-degree piece to shower.