I have grown dependent on Former Weekender Neighbor L in the past two years because she has a washing machine and (especially) a water softener. I can wash my own clothes – actually find it kind of relaxing – but what our famously hard water does to stumpsocks and underwear shouldn’t happen to an enemy. I have fewer skin problems now, let’s just leave it at that.
Anyway, I got a text from her this morning saying that laundry is off this week because their generator crapped out*. Since we’re well into Monsoon now that would have been a real problem for me due to the time it takes stumpsocks and gelsocks to dry after hand washing but…
…day before yesterday I scored three more socks which puts me just barely over the “enough for two weeks” goalpost. Which is one of the two reasons I wanted at least that many, along with spreading out the wear so they all last longer.
In old age I am learning how to plan. 🙂
—
*Dig this: They got 22 years out of a 2-cylinder Briggs & Stratton generator engine. There ought to be some sort of international prize for that.
Surely an EU2000 would run a washing machine! Perhaps you could help them and get your clothes washed at the same time?
It could possibly come to that, I suppose. He’s on his way to the city now and planning to come back with one later this week.
How soft is your rain water? Would it be worth catching enough to do laundry?
Now that you have gutters and downspouts, Jean’s comment is spot on. You’ll need several containers (one per downspout) that have lids and/or screens to keep out bugs, fungus, mosquitos etc. and a hose to siphon out the water or a drain plug you can attach a hose to. You won’t have water all the time but it will keep for several months if it is closely covered. You can put a diverter in your downspouts to direct the water to a particular place.
I wonder: Have they considered a Lister-type engine for the generator?
A quick search found a good quality 5 kw Indian made Lister-type engine with matching genset for under $2.5k here in Oz .
I am sure US prices would be better – even if only by the conversion rate of ~ 70 cents to the AUD.
These engines are said to run for ever – some examples here in Oz ran almost continuously for decades.
Some people have used citric acid to soften water. Inexpensive in bulk. Might be worth a try
Some people have used citric acid to soften water.
There’s always electrolysis, though Joel would have to replace the bits that got covered with calcium carbonate, which might be cost prohibitive.
I don’t know enough about the electro-chemistry of the situation to have an informed opinion, but he’s *got* electricity, and it doesn’t all get used all the time, so…