supersurgilator
Well-known member
I was just wondering if any of you feel guilty for the huge amounts of water that you use with your old machines? Do any of you regularly use extra rinse cycles?
Water usage
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cehalstead
Well-known member
no
I don't feel the least bit guilty using water. There is no shortage in my area, and as long as I can pay the bill, I will use what I want...and btw....my combined water/sewer bill runs around $100 a month...water here costs about 1 cent a gallon and the sewage is about the same...
I just bought a new SQ top loader (last year) and even modified the water level switch to make it fill to where it was supposed to before the water police made the level lower. It washes large loads now, and rinse well...something that can't be said about most new machines, IMHO.
I don't feel the least bit guilty using water. There is no shortage in my area, and as long as I can pay the bill, I will use what I want...and btw....my combined water/sewer bill runs around $100 a month...water here costs about 1 cent a gallon and the sewage is about the same...
I just bought a new SQ top loader (last year) and even modified the water level switch to make it fill to where it was supposed to before the water police made the level lower. It washes large loads now, and rinse well...something that can't be said about most new machines, IMHO.
Water usage
Since I am on a well and septic (and live on a 14 mile long lake) water is never going to be a problem. My good old Maytag LA511 uses according to the book, 42 gallons every extra large load, even more if I do set it back to rinse again. Some of my neighbors have the new frontloaders that use about a cup of water to wash and complain that either their clothes are not being cleaned good or the machine broke down again. Thanks, but I'll keep my good old dependable Maytag going as long as possible. But if I was PAYING for water and sewer, that would be another story, I certainly would feel guilty every time the bill came in.
Since I am on a well and septic (and live on a 14 mile long lake) water is never going to be a problem. My good old Maytag LA511 uses according to the book, 42 gallons every extra large load, even more if I do set it back to rinse again. Some of my neighbors have the new frontloaders that use about a cup of water to wash and complain that either their clothes are not being cleaned good or the machine broke down again. Thanks, but I'll keep my good old dependable Maytag going as long as possible. But if I was PAYING for water and sewer, that would be another story, I certainly would feel guilty every time the bill came in.
supersurgilator
Well-known member
so how many gallons do u use a month for the bill to be $100?
I'm not overly concerned with water usage related to laundry, I don't use much water on the whole anyway. Private well & septic. That being said, I've gotten accustomed to my Calypso over the last 3 years and tend to cringe a little internally when using one of the deep-fill machines, particularly regards to energy use for heating water. And I occasionally wondered if my well might run dry during the terrible drought this past summer. There has been rain in recent weeks but not enough to recover to any semblance of normal.
I personally am not overly concerned about this either. This is primarily because I live in Minneapolis where our water comes out of the Mississippi river and goes back into the Mississippi river. (The city also softens it to between 3-5 grains). I rarely do 2nd rinses except when I have enough stacked up to actually fire up the wringer. In that case I put 18 gallons of hot water in the Maytag and about 12-15 gallons in each rinse tub. Tub 1 is clear rinse water and tub 2 is fabric softener. I am WAY more concerned about the about of HOT water that I use as compared to the actual amount of water.
We're surrounded by water and live only a few blocks from the shores of Lake Huron but pay huge sewage fee's now. The city started out by raising water rates to get people to conserve and that backfired on them.. People did conserve, stopped watering their lawns altogether and naturally the income to city coffers dried up leaving a huge shortfall of funds for water treament etc. So to counteract that they basically put the rates back down but skyrocketed the sewage fee's adding administration charges to it as well.. So now it barely matters whether you use 0 gallons a month or a thousand you'll be paying at minimum about $60 per month in fixed cost charges. Our monthly water bill is around $125.. $10 worth of water and 115 in sewage/admin. I try not to waste it but I don't fret over it either..
Fact of the matter is as far as I know.. every single drop of water that has ever been on this planet is still on the planet in some form or another. All life and plants are made up of water,, they live, they die.. the water from them returns eventually.
Fact of the matter is as far as I know.. every single drop of water that has ever been on this planet is still on the planet in some form or another. All life and plants are made up of water,, they live, they die.. the water from them returns eventually.
As you say regards to the sewage treatment ... shortage of water isn't so much the issue as is the availability and cost of clean water.
no problem with me-my water bills are very low and I use the TL WP washer all of the time-even fill it above the level it fills to.Find the surgilator works better.I am on a septic tank-no sewer charges.the water use doesn't worry me.
arbilab
Well-known member
Outside metros, washer effluent can be used for landscaping. It's not toxic. For that matter, if we were REALLY committed to conservation, we would take washer and bathtub effluent (gray water) and use it to flush toilets. But NObody does that.
So when I set my frontloader to 'extra rinse' I don't feel the least bit guilty.
So when I set my frontloader to 'extra rinse' I don't feel the least bit guilty.
I feel a bit better that the front loader I'm using now uses about 75 liters of water per load instead of the 180 liters of water my old GE top loader used. (Without an extra rinse) I'm sure there are other front loaders that use less water than that, but I wouldn't want to buy them.
The city here charges $6 per cubic meter of water, that's 1000 liters. I would estimate that we do about 104 loads per year.. that's a water savings of about 10,920 liters of water. Or a savings of about $65.52 a year.
I figure that at this rate, it's going to take me close to 29 years worth of loads before my washer will pay for itself in water savings, assuming the washer actually lasts that long.
Over 29 years, 3016 loads would equal a water savings of 316,680 liters, or about $1900.08 worth of water.
To put that into perspective, an olympic sized swimming pool holds 2.5 Million liters of water, so over 26 years I would fill only 12.6 percent of that pool with all of the water I would save using a front loader over a top loader.
That kind of puts everything into perspective, doesn't it?
The city here charges $6 per cubic meter of water, that's 1000 liters. I would estimate that we do about 104 loads per year.. that's a water savings of about 10,920 liters of water. Or a savings of about $65.52 a year.
I figure that at this rate, it's going to take me close to 29 years worth of loads before my washer will pay for itself in water savings, assuming the washer actually lasts that long.
Over 29 years, 3016 loads would equal a water savings of 316,680 liters, or about $1900.08 worth of water.
To put that into perspective, an olympic sized swimming pool holds 2.5 Million liters of water, so over 26 years I would fill only 12.6 percent of that pool with all of the water I would save using a front loader over a top loader.
That kind of puts everything into perspective, doesn't it?
ronhic
Well-known member
REALLY committed to conservation, we would take washer and b
and use it to flush toilets...but NOBODY does that...
There is a very good reason why too. If grey water that has shampoo, soaps and body wash in it, not to mention human dander, hair and body oils is left to sit for more than 24 hours in even moderate temperatures it sours, bacteria starts to breed and then you have the potential for a whole different ball game to play with. Consider failing to drain the tank before you head off for summer holidays and what you might come back to or even heading away for a weekend in the heat of summer?
On the other point of using washing machine water on lawns, here in Oz people have been filling their laundry tubs with the rinse water and siphoning it onto their lawns for decades - especially when on tank rather than town water. Furthermore, with the droughts and long-term water restrictions we've had over the preceeding 7 years (and only just lifted in the past 12 months), several enterprising companies have launched conversion kits for 'wheelie bins' specifically designed so you can recycle the water from your washing machine into a moderate storage vessel with a pump and then pump it where you need it via a garden hose....
The actual wash liquid is not recommended due to the chemical content AND the previously mentioned dander/soap/shampoo content. If you wish to stuff your lawn up completely, then by all means use it all for over time, the detergents, oils and soaps will prevent your lawn absorbing water....
Additionally, in some subdivisions, building requirements are such that you MUST install rainwater tanks and have certain plumbing alternatives such as using rainwater to flush the toilet, for the cold tap in the shower and a tap for using rainwater installed in the laundry. This is in addition to the normal plumbing for toilets, bathroom and laundry to help alleviate the pressure of population growth on town water supplies.
http://www.enviro-friendly.com/grey-water-bowser.shtml
and use it to flush toilets...but NOBODY does that...
There is a very good reason why too. If grey water that has shampoo, soaps and body wash in it, not to mention human dander, hair and body oils is left to sit for more than 24 hours in even moderate temperatures it sours, bacteria starts to breed and then you have the potential for a whole different ball game to play with. Consider failing to drain the tank before you head off for summer holidays and what you might come back to or even heading away for a weekend in the heat of summer?
On the other point of using washing machine water on lawns, here in Oz people have been filling their laundry tubs with the rinse water and siphoning it onto their lawns for decades - especially when on tank rather than town water. Furthermore, with the droughts and long-term water restrictions we've had over the preceeding 7 years (and only just lifted in the past 12 months), several enterprising companies have launched conversion kits for 'wheelie bins' specifically designed so you can recycle the water from your washing machine into a moderate storage vessel with a pump and then pump it where you need it via a garden hose....
The actual wash liquid is not recommended due to the chemical content AND the previously mentioned dander/soap/shampoo content. If you wish to stuff your lawn up completely, then by all means use it all for over time, the detergents, oils and soaps will prevent your lawn absorbing water....
Additionally, in some subdivisions, building requirements are such that you MUST install rainwater tanks and have certain plumbing alternatives such as using rainwater to flush the toilet, for the cold tap in the shower and a tap for using rainwater installed in the laundry. This is in addition to the normal plumbing for toilets, bathroom and laundry to help alleviate the pressure of population growth on town water supplies.
http://www.enviro-friendly.com/grey-water-bowser.shtml
No guilt here what-so-ever, and I rinse in warm (and even hot on some occasions). I do use cold rinses from May-October, but Nov-April I use warm rinses only. I also keep the water heater up to 150 at all times and the furnace thermostat set to 71.
Conservation for laundry use is not for collectors of vintage washing machines. We are such a tiny minority compared to everyone else that we will make no impact what so ever. Same with adding phosphates to our detergents, how many people do you know who do this on a regular basis besides automaticwasher.org members?
Conservation for laundry use is not for collectors of vintage washing machines. We are such a tiny minority compared to everyone else that we will make no impact what so ever. Same with adding phosphates to our detergents, how many people do you know who do this on a regular basis besides automaticwasher.org members?
Hi Bruce, we live in Fort Wayne, and the water itself isn't expensive here, but the city puts all kinds of extra fees on the bill to make it add up to be rather costly. We try not to waste water here, but still enjoy using the vintage machines. (we don't own any modern machines) Our bill is about $60.00 per month. It can more than double if we have to water the lawn, as we have 3 city lots.
Guilt?
Really?
I thoroughly ENJOY doing my laundry, which adds a whole new dimension to the value of the energy and water used for it.
We use countless billions of gallons annually for swimming pools, water parks, sprinking of lawns, etc., so the few gallons that my deep fill washers use to wash my clothes is absolutely NOTHING, as others have said, in the grand scheme. Adding to it the fact that I usually thoroughly enjoy the whole washing process, the water and energy use is in no way wasted.
If or when water supplies are tight, I do see the rationale about using as little as possible. I am typically water frugal - I used 1,476 gallons of total water in November, which is nothing as compared to what some households with HE washers use. I think my water bill was $26. If all that was used to run my washers (it wasn't) it would be cheap and very worthwhile entertainment.
Really?
I thoroughly ENJOY doing my laundry, which adds a whole new dimension to the value of the energy and water used for it.
We use countless billions of gallons annually for swimming pools, water parks, sprinking of lawns, etc., so the few gallons that my deep fill washers use to wash my clothes is absolutely NOTHING, as others have said, in the grand scheme. Adding to it the fact that I usually thoroughly enjoy the whole washing process, the water and energy use is in no way wasted.
If or when water supplies are tight, I do see the rationale about using as little as possible. I am typically water frugal - I used 1,476 gallons of total water in November, which is nothing as compared to what some households with HE washers use. I think my water bill was $26. If all that was used to run my washers (it wasn't) it would be cheap and very worthwhile entertainment.
suds saving
I pay for every drop of water and sewer, so I feel it's up to me whether I worry about conservation or not. I usually use Suds Return and get 2 or 3 loads of clothes washed. Maybe 10% of the time I will do a second rinse, there's really not much of another way to ensure clean clothes if they started out super gross and needed excess detergents. I'll admit I conserve to save $$ more than the environment, I'm as green as the middle of the Democratic party tells me to be.
My boyfriend got me into "if it's yellow, let it mellow, if it's brown, flush it down" for conservation.
When I was a Florida child and Ohio child, everyone watered their lawns. Nowadays, pretty darn rare except for upscale areas.
Keep in mind, all of these ancient machines are in use in homes instead of rusting in a landfill. That's a type of environment friendly conservation.
I pay for every drop of water and sewer, so I feel it's up to me whether I worry about conservation or not. I usually use Suds Return and get 2 or 3 loads of clothes washed. Maybe 10% of the time I will do a second rinse, there's really not much of another way to ensure clean clothes if they started out super gross and needed excess detergents. I'll admit I conserve to save $$ more than the environment, I'm as green as the middle of the Democratic party tells me to be.
My boyfriend got me into "if it's yellow, let it mellow, if it's brown, flush it down" for conservation.
When I was a Florida child and Ohio child, everyone watered their lawns. Nowadays, pretty darn rare except for upscale areas.
Keep in mind, all of these ancient machines are in use in homes instead of rusting in a landfill. That's a type of environment friendly conservation.
also
I use the "cool down" cycles of each machine ONCE to prove to me agan how incredibly wasteful they are, and prove that the timer works on all cycles. Then, never again. There are folks here plenty smarter and more experienced and exact than I, but I think that wrinkles are set or removed, fabric dependent, in the dryer, not washer. I may be wrong, but I never use the cool-down wash cycles.
I use the "cool down" cycles of each machine ONCE to prove to me agan how incredibly wasteful they are, and prove that the timer works on all cycles. Then, never again. There are folks here plenty smarter and more experienced and exact than I, but I think that wrinkles are set or removed, fabric dependent, in the dryer, not washer. I may be wrong, but I never use the cool-down wash cycles.
Hey Robert Webmaster
How come the warm rinses in winter? Purely for comfort in handling the clothes? Or is your cold water too close to freezing in winter?
I will admit, in my cold old basement, I do not ever bring out the wringer washer or various twin-tubs in winter. They are all just summertime treats.
Pretty cool of your folks to have the last name Webmaster, eh?
How come the warm rinses in winter? Purely for comfort in handling the clothes? Or is your cold water too close to freezing in winter?
I will admit, in my cold old basement, I do not ever bring out the wringer washer or various twin-tubs in winter. They are all just summertime treats.
Pretty cool of your folks to have the last name Webmaster, eh?
I'm assuming that the warm rinse issue Robert speaks of is because of the difference in incoming water temperature that we experience in Mpls. Our water comes from the river so in the winter it starts out at the main upstream intake at about 35 degrees. After treatment and going through piping that is buried below the frost line it has usually "warmed" to between 45 and 50 degrees F. In the summer it is the opposite and is usually arrives in the 55 - 65 degree range. The higher temp occuring late in the summer after several "hot spells".
I believe that even with detergents (as opposed to soap) you need water that is at least 55-60 to get decent rinsing. Old-fashioned soap truly requires water in the 90 degree or above range to rinse out properly.
I believe that even with detergents (as opposed to soap) you need water that is at least 55-60 to get decent rinsing. Old-fashioned soap truly requires water in the 90 degree or above range to rinse out properly.
Hey Mark, yes it is because of the water temperature and I've seen a clear difference in the amount of suds/milky water coming out of the washer drain hose during a spray rinse with warm water. I've measured the Minneapolis tap temperature out of my taps and in Jan/Feb it can be close to 40 degrees, in the summer by July/August I've see in come out of the tap as high as 78 degrees, but usually runs around 70 to 75.
Like Gordon I typically try to be frugal with my water usage. More for actual conservation then cost because I'm not too worried about the monthly bill. It's usually between $30 - $40 (2 of us in the house).
I prefer using front loaders for my weekly laundry needs (for a few different reasons). I too, tend to cringe a little internally when using too many deep-fill machines on a regular basis, tho I always have at least one top load washer connected in my line up (of 4) in the garage for the 4 - 5 loads I do per week. With exception of my 2 year old TOL Kenmore Elite FL washer, my other front loaders are older and use noticably more water then the new ones.
If I'm having a party or wash-in, the water usage never crosses my mind because everyone is having such a good time and it's worth it.
As for using a 2nd rinse? In a top load, deep fill washer, almost never (only when using the "whitest whites" cycle on the KM Elite Catalyst or WP Calypso), but in a front loader, always.
Kevin[this post was last edited: 1/3/2012-16:03]
I prefer using front loaders for my weekly laundry needs (for a few different reasons). I too, tend to cringe a little internally when using too many deep-fill machines on a regular basis, tho I always have at least one top load washer connected in my line up (of 4) in the garage for the 4 - 5 loads I do per week. With exception of my 2 year old TOL Kenmore Elite FL washer, my other front loaders are older and use noticably more water then the new ones.
If I'm having a party or wash-in, the water usage never crosses my mind because everyone is having such a good time and it's worth it.
As for using a 2nd rinse? In a top load, deep fill washer, almost never (only when using the "whitest whites" cycle on the KM Elite Catalyst or WP Calypso), but in a front loader, always.
Kevin[this post was last edited: 1/3/2012-16:03]
kenmoreguy89
Well-known member
Guilt ???? And for what reason?
My washers use the water amount that needs to be used for a GOOD washing not too much not to less!
Said this to start I will go ahead....
Conservation is a good thing but needs to be really apllied on a daily basis and on everything, I'll make the example of when you wash your teeth or face or taking a shower ...do you close water while brushing and soaping?
I admit sometimes I do not!
A research I read time ago revealed that many don't as well, I do not remember the numbers but remeber were a scary numbers, just think at the gallons of unused water that goes under the pipes each day, now think in a month, year etc....
I hear many people boasting themselves of going more green like: "Hey, now I have an HE appliance I did an investement for a better future!" (I will let alone this speech also as it is way pretty stupid), and then you see them leaving the water opened while washing soaping and brushing the car outside, or leaving all day long the water for garden opened soaking all around the street.....those are the things for wich I would take them face to face and explain them something with the good manners!
I would not for anything in this world change my washer for an HE or stuff like as I think my laundry must be washed in a right amount of water that a regular washer provide to come out REALLY clean,a thing that most of times with an HE machine like Calypso or wash plate doesn't and cannot happend without talking about their doubtfull washing actions!
Said this, I do care about water and I admit mostly is for economical reasons, but I do not see why renouncing to a really clean laundry or dishes and a good appliance also just to save those few bucks that with an HE you maybe could do with a big renounce in terms of cleaning as most of reviews and ratings of unsatisfied customers tells also.
Another thing that get me a little upset of modern days also is this "fashion" of owning an HE appliance, because it is just a fashion! And also a marketing find to force people changing their "still good" and old appliance because they claim you'll save alot with them, marketing find because manufacturers did this and took out these "HE" news just to improve an appliance market who sufffered alot the crisis!
This is the truth!
I met and hear many people saying:"oh but this is an HE I can run it anytime just with a T-shirt and it does not waste energy as consumption is related to it's load" nothing more stupid!
Also an HE toploader is not that different on consumption than an old one with a water level selector, and many times there is not even a difference on water consumption!
And where isn't a water selector??? I'll make an example:
What difference could make a Robert (I beg to take you as an example Robert)with his Unimatic or the beautiful vintage and functional dishwasher with the glass window I seen on youtube wich are always run at full load always getting a wonderfully clean laundry and dishes, and a Lady with an HE or FL machines who most of times run them half of their capacity and who has to washing twice because spots and stains still remained on the son's football stuff, and has to deeply prewash dishes before dishwasher as most people today I know is obliged to do with an HE dishwasher? A lady that maybe also waste tons of water for her car and or garden? "But I've an HE!"
In conclusion:
Owning an old appliance or an HE is not that makes the difference as someone also stated before, and I think this is not just for the members but for everyone, I think it's rather a matter of how you use your appliance and water and how you're a waster character....
[this post was last edited: 1/3/2012-17:29]
My washers use the water amount that needs to be used for a GOOD washing not too much not to less!
Said this to start I will go ahead....
Conservation is a good thing but needs to be really apllied on a daily basis and on everything, I'll make the example of when you wash your teeth or face or taking a shower ...do you close water while brushing and soaping?
I admit sometimes I do not!
A research I read time ago revealed that many don't as well, I do not remember the numbers but remeber were a scary numbers, just think at the gallons of unused water that goes under the pipes each day, now think in a month, year etc....
I hear many people boasting themselves of going more green like: "Hey, now I have an HE appliance I did an investement for a better future!" (I will let alone this speech also as it is way pretty stupid), and then you see them leaving the water opened while washing soaping and brushing the car outside, or leaving all day long the water for garden opened soaking all around the street.....those are the things for wich I would take them face to face and explain them something with the good manners!
I would not for anything in this world change my washer for an HE or stuff like as I think my laundry must be washed in a right amount of water that a regular washer provide to come out REALLY clean,a thing that most of times with an HE machine like Calypso or wash plate doesn't and cannot happend without talking about their doubtfull washing actions!
Said this, I do care about water and I admit mostly is for economical reasons, but I do not see why renouncing to a really clean laundry or dishes and a good appliance also just to save those few bucks that with an HE you maybe could do with a big renounce in terms of cleaning as most of reviews and ratings of unsatisfied customers tells also.
Another thing that get me a little upset of modern days also is this "fashion" of owning an HE appliance, because it is just a fashion! And also a marketing find to force people changing their "still good" and old appliance because they claim you'll save alot with them, marketing find because manufacturers did this and took out these "HE" news just to improve an appliance market who sufffered alot the crisis!
This is the truth!
I met and hear many people saying:"oh but this is an HE I can run it anytime just with a T-shirt and it does not waste energy as consumption is related to it's load" nothing more stupid!
Also an HE toploader is not that different on consumption than an old one with a water level selector, and many times there is not even a difference on water consumption!
And where isn't a water selector??? I'll make an example:
What difference could make a Robert (I beg to take you as an example Robert)with his Unimatic or the beautiful vintage and functional dishwasher with the glass window I seen on youtube wich are always run at full load always getting a wonderfully clean laundry and dishes, and a Lady with an HE or FL machines who most of times run them half of their capacity and who has to washing twice because spots and stains still remained on the son's football stuff, and has to deeply prewash dishes before dishwasher as most people today I know is obliged to do with an HE dishwasher? A lady that maybe also waste tons of water for her car and or garden? "But I've an HE!"
In conclusion:
Owning an old appliance or an HE is not that makes the difference as someone also stated before, and I think this is not just for the members but for everyone, I think it's rather a matter of how you use your appliance and water and how you're a waster character....
[this post was last edited: 1/3/2012-17:29]
Incomming water temps play a factor in winter for warm rinses.......
but as useing FL's mainly as daily drivers, for the most part, warm/warm is always the preference, not so much as water expense, but heating the water is the concern.....
I conserve for myself as needed, not for the environment.......most all wash water is drained out onto the lawn, which is super plush deep green, on one side of the house only...lol.......
as for water useage or waste, I pay a flat rate per quarter for 26000 gallons($50.00), what I hate is during summer restrictions, It is requested to reduce water useage, but my bill does not go down for lower consumption, and I know what some of you guys are gonna say about running out, but we never have, so I never pay attention to it........as for possible waste, I have running water in a wash-bay of the garage(not attached to the house, and only heated during use), even during the winter, and although the pipes are wrapped underground, rather than pay the expense of digging up the ground to replace a frozen busted pipe, I let the water drip all season long.....have never gone over my limits, but if I did, its only 1.50 per 1000gals, cheaper than a plumber....
but as useing FL's mainly as daily drivers, for the most part, warm/warm is always the preference, not so much as water expense, but heating the water is the concern.....
I conserve for myself as needed, not for the environment.......most all wash water is drained out onto the lawn, which is super plush deep green, on one side of the house only...lol.......
as for water useage or waste, I pay a flat rate per quarter for 26000 gallons($50.00), what I hate is during summer restrictions, It is requested to reduce water useage, but my bill does not go down for lower consumption, and I know what some of you guys are gonna say about running out, but we never have, so I never pay attention to it........as for possible waste, I have running water in a wash-bay of the garage(not attached to the house, and only heated during use), even during the winter, and although the pipes are wrapped underground, rather than pay the expense of digging up the ground to replace a frozen busted pipe, I let the water drip all season long.....have never gone over my limits, but if I did, its only 1.50 per 1000gals, cheaper than a plumber....
DirectDriveDave
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2011
- Messages
- 456
No guilt whatsoever. We are very efficient with the water usage.
For example, anytime we wash something that only requires the lowest water level, we make sure we get a bunch first that safely satisfies that water level, we never just drop two things in and then start it several times just because they are there.
On the 1990 Whirlpool, that machine has yet to use the extra rinse cycle.
Also, for those that have seen my youtube videos (with the exception of just one) all the things that were in the washer legitimately had to be washed, so it was being run for a purpose.
Probably the only time the washer would be run with full water and no clothes is cleaning purposes. Though, one thing I didn't mention when I was replacing the drain pump is that, when I saw the outer tub, it had ZERO build-up inside of it, I was shocked, though, it may have to do with our water temperatures.
For example, anytime we wash something that only requires the lowest water level, we make sure we get a bunch first that safely satisfies that water level, we never just drop two things in and then start it several times just because they are there.
On the 1990 Whirlpool, that machine has yet to use the extra rinse cycle.
Also, for those that have seen my youtube videos (with the exception of just one) all the things that were in the washer legitimately had to be washed, so it was being run for a purpose.
Probably the only time the washer would be run with full water and no clothes is cleaning purposes. Though, one thing I didn't mention when I was replacing the drain pump is that, when I saw the outer tub, it had ZERO build-up inside of it, I was shocked, though, it may have to do with our water temperatures.
kenmoreguy89
Well-known member
Also, I totally agree with Dave.
I'm hoping that my water bill goes down (I get billed every 3-4 months) w/ the purchase I'd made of a new shower head!
-- Dave
-- Dave
WATER COST AND CONSERVATION
I feel no real guilt because I try to always do things well and efficiently, I have always believed in having my cake and eating it too.
My water&sewer bill is usually running between $10-15 per month billed quarterly.
I use FL and older TL washers every wash day, I usually drain the Hi efficiently machines into the older TL washers and wash my dirty work jeans etc.
I use Natural gas fired dryers almost exclusively, sometimes I use the old Frigidare Filteraters in the winter to add heat to the basement.
I keep my hot water set in the 125 degree range and wash everything in hot water, and always rinse in cold year around. I respect my vintage machines and the environment and water temperatures much over 120 degrees are not only very costly and wasteful but they GREATLY shorten the life of your water heater and every piece of your homes hot water system and many parts of any washer especially vintage machines.
One of the biggest problems in using vintage washers and dishwashers is that often people don't fill them to capacity or with DWs they pre-rinse the dishes. All washers, dryers and DWs were designed to do a job and most were designed to do it efficiently. Some 1950s and 1960s appliances would actually get an Energy Star rating if still being made today. Early automatics if used with thier Suds-saver feature and the matching electric ignition gas dryer are extremely efficient, to say nothing of using a wringer washer or twin-tub washer.
Over the years that I have been servicing major appliances, when you consider all the energy saving advice that have given my customers, you would not begin to estimate the water and energy savings that I have encouraged, to say nothing of the increased pleasure, life and utility that my customers have gotton out of thier major appliances.
Everyone of us is IMPORTANT and everyone of us DOES make a difference in the quality of life for EVERYONE in the world. Don't think what you do or do not do does not matter in the big picture, never under estimate your influence!
I feel no real guilt because I try to always do things well and efficiently, I have always believed in having my cake and eating it too.
My water&sewer bill is usually running between $10-15 per month billed quarterly.
I use FL and older TL washers every wash day, I usually drain the Hi efficiently machines into the older TL washers and wash my dirty work jeans etc.
I use Natural gas fired dryers almost exclusively, sometimes I use the old Frigidare Filteraters in the winter to add heat to the basement.
I keep my hot water set in the 125 degree range and wash everything in hot water, and always rinse in cold year around. I respect my vintage machines and the environment and water temperatures much over 120 degrees are not only very costly and wasteful but they GREATLY shorten the life of your water heater and every piece of your homes hot water system and many parts of any washer especially vintage machines.
One of the biggest problems in using vintage washers and dishwashers is that often people don't fill them to capacity or with DWs they pre-rinse the dishes. All washers, dryers and DWs were designed to do a job and most were designed to do it efficiently. Some 1950s and 1960s appliances would actually get an Energy Star rating if still being made today. Early automatics if used with thier Suds-saver feature and the matching electric ignition gas dryer are extremely efficient, to say nothing of using a wringer washer or twin-tub washer.
Over the years that I have been servicing major appliances, when you consider all the energy saving advice that have given my customers, you would not begin to estimate the water and energy savings that I have encouraged, to say nothing of the increased pleasure, life and utility that my customers have gotton out of thier major appliances.
Everyone of us is IMPORTANT and everyone of us DOES make a difference in the quality of life for EVERYONE in the world. Don't think what you do or do not do does not matter in the big picture, never under estimate your influence!
Supportive of Keeping Enough Clean Water for Future Generati
But, yes, extra rinse cycles: When I don't want the "acrid smell of detergent" on my handkerchiefs and when washing the baby's clothes!
I use DREFT for washing the baby's clothes & linens and wash 'em separately from our things (well, maybe an ocassional Victoria's Secret panty, that needs to be washed on "Delicate", but when there is not enough for even a "smallest" load is OK)...
I think at some point, it might be OK to use regular detergent for the baby's clothes; she doesn't show any kinds of soap allergies, as long as I thoroughly wash it out...
-- Dave
But, yes, extra rinse cycles: When I don't want the "acrid smell of detergent" on my handkerchiefs and when washing the baby's clothes!
I use DREFT for washing the baby's clothes & linens and wash 'em separately from our things (well, maybe an ocassional Victoria's Secret panty, that needs to be washed on "Delicate", but when there is not enough for even a "smallest" load is OK)...
I think at some point, it might be OK to use regular detergent for the baby's clothes; she doesn't show any kinds of soap allergies, as long as I thoroughly wash it out...
-- Dave
cehalstead
Well-known member
water bill amounts
My most recent water/sewage bill is for 4300 gallons. The cost of the water is $48.58. The sewage part of the bill is $41.76. Total bill is $90.34. This bill includes water used for my waterfall humidifier on the furnace.
My most recent water/sewage bill is for 4300 gallons. The cost of the water is $48.58. The sewage part of the bill is $41.76. Total bill is $90.34. This bill includes water used for my waterfall humidifier on the furnace.
Arid West
I'm really enjoying everyone's responses! Hey RevvinKevin, I love how the folks in the southwest part of the country have lower water rates than those of us further north. We have lots of water here in the "south Northwest" but our water/sewer bill ranges from about $50 in Winter to about $100 in Summer (watering the yard, etc.) and there are only two of us in the household. But I still don't feel too guilty using the larger machines. I only have one machine with the second rinse option (the Wards/Signature), but it's a manual selection.
I'm really enjoying everyone's responses! Hey RevvinKevin, I love how the folks in the southwest part of the country have lower water rates than those of us further north. We have lots of water here in the "south Northwest" but our water/sewer bill ranges from about $50 in Winter to about $100 in Summer (watering the yard, etc.) and there are only two of us in the household. But I still don't feel too guilty using the larger machines. I only have one machine with the second rinse option (the Wards/Signature), but it's a manual selection.
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