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I am converting a van into a tiny home and want to mount my greywater tank in the undercarriage behind the rear axle. I'm worried about radiant heat from the exhaust pipe melting a plastic water tank or a PVC tank. How far should the tank be from the exhaust pipe? Or should I heat shield the tank and the plumbing a must?

crypdick
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Depending on the type of plastic/PVC, if the pipes are too close to an exhaust manifold then yes it's likely that it will melt or at least suffer. However if the pipes are a good few inches away from say a rear exhaust box or pipe then you may be ok, as the rear of an exhaust system is not as hot as the manifold end. You could place a small piece of the plastic that your going to use in the area you need it and see how it fairs. Also how about manufacturing a light steel/aluminium plate & bracket to place between the exhaust and plastic pipe, in areas that you suspect will see the most heat.
You can also get clamp-on or wrap on exhaust coverings that help prevent the radiant heat from exhaust systems.

Orb
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Your exhaust manifold is around 700 to 900 degrees, your catalytic converter is even hotter. PVC starts to deform around 130F. CPVC will tolerate a little bit more heat but it will still melt within the vicinity. You would probably want it at least a foot away. I would look for alternative piping.

mreff555
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