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Chris
Chris
16 years ago

Have you done this hose on the roof thing? The reason I ask is that there are a number of issues people need to take into account.

1) The tubing needs to be capable of handling freezing temperatures in the winter in some places in the country.

2) How much it saves you is dependant on the flow rate and the amount of water in the coil relative to your usage patterns. 100 feet would be perfect for dish washers, washing machines, washing your hands. But for showering you’d likely get better results from a much longer hose.

3) Some parts of the country are better than others. South west is vastly better than north east.

4) If you do most of your showering in the morning chances are you wont save much. If you shower in the evening it will be better.

5) Solar heating of the water competes with heat loss to the environment due to cold. Works better in the summer than in winter.

TheSearcher
TheSearcher
16 years ago

how do you garden during a nuclear winter?

Ted (twk178s)
Ted (twk178s)
16 years ago

I have used a similar version before. While finishing my undergrad, I lived in a converted schoolbus in a trailer park.

To avoid a water heater, I hooked a couple hose coils together in the yard (roof was shaded). It was enough for a good shower if shut off for lathering as long as it was 70 or warmer. In the colder months of Southern Missouri, removed the extra coils and put a pot on the hotplate and a bowl in the microwave for warm water. Worked well for cleaning dishes as well.

It was a memorable year and a half!

laura
laura
16 years ago

New listener here. We’ve got a bit of a debate in our family about purchasing a piece of bug-out land. My bro is thinking about a piece about 1 1/2 hours away. It’s an inexpensive piece of land in an enormous gated community, very like a resort.

He likes the security of the “gated community” idea. Me personally, I’d rather find a piece of land in a rural area maybe an hour north of the large city we abut. What do you think of gated communities, good or bad overall? I don’t think I want to be THAT close to my neighbors. But I could well be wrong.
Laura

Frank
16 years ago

Enjoy the show very much. Very heavy on common sense which is what is needed. Thank you for taking the time and effort!

Bill C.
Bill C.
16 years ago

Thank you for your effort and time to podcast these episodes. I have been listening to them and enjoying your knowledge.

I live on the last house on the end of the grid. Behind my cabin it is 85 miles to the next town. Most of my preparations have been made but I am sure that many of your ideas will help me to expand on the theme of self sustainability.

I will be checking back daily for your episodes and will email the link to your show to all of my contacts. Thanks again.

Bill