Power out from tornados and hot water

woodchuckie · Apr 29, 2011

I live 13 miles south of Tuscaloosa where the tornados have knocked out the power for many including me since Thursday morning and we're not expecting to get power till Tuesday. We have a generator and the rural water system is still supplying water but we were really missing the hot water. So today I put 300 feet of garden hose on the metal roof facing south. We had all the hot water we needed to bring in to do dishes and take five baths and had water left over. At one point the water temp was 150 degrees. I hope to be able to speed up the heating of the swimming pool once our power comes back on.

milkman636 · Apr 29, 2011

Sounds like your fairing pretty well, especially compared to the destruction that been seen across the south.

I've heard of the garden hose on the roof trick, and I am thankful that I have never needed to try it.

Western · Apr 29, 2011

That's a good trick to know. I couldn't imagine going through a storm like that one.

The news said that 1 million people are without power?? I don't know how it could be that many unless they meant the whole state, or if they where referring to that whole storm system. I came in and caught the news late.

Gale Hawkins · Apr 30, 2011

That is a good plan. Glad you have a generator and water. We were only out for 10 hours each time this week and last. Clean up down trees is the major thing at our house but in Murray blue tarps and insurance adjusters are all over the place. I have looked at photos from your area and the death and damage is unreal.

nikdfish · Apr 30, 2011

Adapt & overcome! That was definitely a smart workaround. Regarding hot water and backup generators, we went with a GE heat pump water heater when our old, leaky WH was replaced. In "eco" mode, it only draws about 550 watts, so we can still have hot water within the house plumbing even when using just a 5.5 kw generator for backup.

Nick

dave1949 · Apr 30, 2011

I would think you could do fairly well with a batch-type water heater. A steel tank you fill in the evening and let the sun heat it up the next day. They are common in low tech desert/hot climate areas.
Dave.

kenmac · Apr 30, 2011

woodchuckie said:
I live 13 miles south of Tuscaloosa where the tornados have knocked out the power for many including me since Thursday morning and we're not expecting to get power till Tuesday. We have a generator and the rural water system is still supplying water but we were really missing the hot water. So today I put 300 feet of garden hose on the metal roof facing south. We had all the hot water we needed to bring in to do dishes and take five baths and had water left over. At one point the water temp was 150 degrees. I hope to be able to speed up the heating of the swimming pool once our power comes back on.

I'm glad that you weren't hit. I have many friends that were. I was 1 of the lucky few that didn't get hit or loose power. I have taken time from work using my tractor & chainsaw to help out. I have also donated cases of bottle water & food. My heart goes out all of those that have lost all that they had, including their love ones from this storm

Kays Supply · May 1, 2011

The big storm that hit here a few years back put us without power for over week. I went to the nearest town that had a Lowes open and bought an LP heater and put it on the front porch. I piped it back to the existing heater with PEX through the window and put a 20# tank next to it. We had all the hot water for the whole family. I plan to replace the old electric with it soon. It will be much easier next time.