Floods

[the.fee.fairy]

I'm watching news 24 and its a bit worrying.

I hope upon hope with fingers crossed that everyone in the UK is fine.
I also hope that those who are suffering are coping ok, and will continue to do so.

If there's anyone of a military/emergency services persuasion, you all need big thankyous for your hard work!

[SueSteve]

We have had no water since Sunday, we now have power again, but it is touch and go how long we will have it for! We are NOT flooded at home, but many others in town are not so fortunate.
At the moment we have enough drinking water saved in pans for another day.
The water butt is being used to flush the loo, was hands etc.
We are a family of 5, but things got a bit easier last night as 2 children have gone camping in Austria with Scouts, good that they are out of it really.
Times are quiet difficult round here, the floods, the lack of fresh water, no pwer etc. and then there are the idiots racing through the flood water in their 4x4s causing waves that flood the houses even more!
We have water bowsers, large water containers, along main roads, but kids think its a joke to turn the taps on and leave them running.
The shops have empty shelves, people are panic buying ad fighting in the shops! madness!! Fortunately I have enough flour for a few weeks and we can survive on veg from th alotment if needed!
I really feel for those that are flooded out, and those that NEED fresh water and power. And even basic foods e.g. milk, bread, drinks.
It has also made us think about ways we could improve our own water use. We would like to get some sort of solar water heater, and try to connect the water butt up, so we cold make more use of the waer that it collects.
(hugs) to all those out there that are suffering at this time.
Sue

[ina]

Sue, I'm hoping for you and all the others in a similar situation that these hard times will be over soon! And yes, it's amazing that still under these conditions there are so many selfish people around...

And there's me complaining that my garage is always flooded...

[Thomzo]

I saw on the news about the kids letting the water out of the bowsers. What on earth do they think they are doing? (shakes head sadly).

SueSteve - I realise it must be really tough for you without running water. Good luck and I hope it's back on soon. It sounds as if you have a lot more sense than some though.

On the news this morning they were doing a piece from a house that was trying to cope without water. It seemed like their main complaint was that they couldn't do any clothes washing . Even one of the "experts" said something about it being difficult if you can't wash clothes.

The the daft woman in the house was going on about how they have to fill up the cistern every time they flush the loo using FIVE saucepans of water. FIVE? That must be at least 10 litres. Why didn't she just shove a saucepan full of water down the pan?

It seems like some common sense advice is needed for some of these people. Show them how to flush a loo, tell them not to bother if it's only pee. Pee on the garden etc.

Zoe

[SueSteve]

Yeah, common sense is definately lacking with some people.
We are hardly using any water! And actually we have lots at the moment, one advantage of it raining and collecting water in the water butt!
I am not washing clothes, only really changing undies, as what is the point in dirtying clean clothes if you cant wash it!
Cooking is easy, we steam everything, and therefore only uses minimum water! And then teh steam water can be reused! We washup once a day, and then use the water in the loo! (the loo gets flushed a couple of times a day!) We have water in the bathroom sink and this is used for everyone to wash hands with anti bac/tea tree soap and gets changed once a day).For others it is more of an issue, I know that people with younger children will have other issues, and older/disabled people.
But half the problem is the people who are trying to continue as normal! We used very little water daily anyway! It is more of an inconvenience than a major problem for us!
In the long term....
Does anyone know if there is a way that we can connect the water butt up to the washing machine?
We know we have to drill a hole through the wall, and then with some sort of plumbing fittings we should be able to get it plumbed in, but we are just wondering about the water pressure. Also if there is a way to have both supplies connected, for when the water butt gets low?

[Millymollymandy]

Good for you SueSteve.

[Annpan]

Well done Suesteve, I do feel for those with young kids/ babies

As for your washing machine question... The chances are that your water pressure will be too low - although there will be machines for which water pressure is not a problem, I know it can be with mine.
At the very least your water butt will need to have its outlet higher than the height of your washer - to stop the water syphoning back into your butt

Another problem could be the filtration of you water butt, you don't want any grit or gunk going into your washer as you will break it.

Have you tried the CAT website? I have found lots of helpfull guidance on alternative ways of doing things, they might have some advice or a factsheet about it.

Good luck though, let us know how you get on.

[Muddypause]

Does anyone know if there is a way that we can connect the water butt up to the washing machine?
We know we have to drill a hole through the wall, and then with some sort of plumbing fittings we should be able to get it plumbed in, but we are just wondering about the water pressure.

It is possible, but a few things to consider:

You can connect two hoses into one washing machine inlet with a 'Y' piece especially intended for the purpose (you may have to find a washing machine spares shop to get one from). BUT unless you also fit non-return valves into the plumbing, it will contravene water regulations to connect one of these to your butt (there is a theoretical risk of contaminating the water supply).

Unless you rig up some sort of pump, you will have to mount the outlet of the butt higher than the inlet of the washing machine. This should give adequate pressure, but the higher the better. You will need a washing machine stop tap on the end of the butt outlet so that you can connect the flexi-hose to it, and so that you can turn off the water.

Some washing machines may work OK if you connect the water butt to the hot water inlet, and leave the mains connected to the cold. You may have to do some experimenting, by turning one stop tap off and one on when the butt is full, and then reversing that combination when it is empty.

You'll need to fit an outlet connector to the butt. If it's a plasitic butt, a 15mm tank flange should do the job. You should be able to get one from any of the sheds (Wickes, B&Q, Homebase, etc.).

[john]

Hi ALL, here is the flood risk help line phone number as they say we are about to get some very heavy rainfall, it's 0845 9881188.
May you and yours and what you grow live long and happy. John.J.R.P.

[old tree man]

Once again the floods are hitting, i do hope that everyone is safe
wishing you all the best in this difficult time,

Russ

[oldfella]

Being out in the sticks so to speak, I do hope that all in those in the flood risk areas are safe and well, but knowing me I'm probably late again, but good luck to you all, and may your God walk with you.

[mrsflibble]

Show them how to flush a loo, tell them not to bother if it's only pee. Pee on the garden etc.

as my gran used to say "if it's yellow, let it mellow. if it's brown, flush it down". she had a septic tank.

we are really lucky here, our little bit of Basildon is on a nice hill. I really do feel for all those flooded right now and wish i could do something for you/them.