Our hot water heater went on strike this weekend. Can a family of three live without a hot water heater? Let’s see.
Do you need hot water to wash dishes? No, I think my dishwasher heats water to wash dishes.
Do you need hot water to wash clothes? No, I wash clothes in cold water.
Do you need a hot water heater to shower? Ideally yes, but in a pinch there are showers at gyms, swimming pools, or the workplace. There are also cold showers which have many health benefits, such as increased circulation and a nice boost of energy (better than caffeine). And finally there’s the sponge bath.
Wikepedia sayz: Sponge baths may be practiced for hygiene or as a recreational activity. Recreational activity?
Sure, it’s novel to fill a tiny tub with water. It’s like camping, but in the comfort of your own home. Tonight we filled our largest pot with water and heated it on the stove. Then my daughter took a sponge bath, followed by an exhilarating cold shower rinse.
The process was quick (no need to linger), during which time I heard my daughter say “it’s not that bad.”
Afterwards, I heard an enthusiastic “I did it!”
Followed shortly by ”can I change my Facebook status”?
There you have it. Hot water is optional. At least for a few days.
What do you think? Can you live without hot water?
