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Kaleva

(36,094 posts)
18. I haven't thought about it.
Wed Sep 5, 2012, 11:55 PM
Sep 2012

But got interested after reading your question earlier and looked at various sites on line on how to build one. I already have much of the materials on hand (having worked in the heating and plumbing business) and it could be a project to do during this coming winter to construct it.

Off the top of my head, it'd be something located at ground level right next to the hose with no digging to bury the lines and installed in such a way, it'd be easy to isolate, drain out, and cart into my garage for storage for the cold season and just as easy to set back up when the weather gets warm again.

The reason for removing it during the cold months is the place where I could put the solar water heater at ground level would be a location where it could get damaged from falling ice from the roof of the house.

A customer of mine some time ago gave me an used indirect water heater as part payment on a bill he owed me and that's in my garage. He didn't need it anymore after he had me put it a tankless water heater for him. So that could be used as my storage tank/heat exchanger. I also have plenty of pex piping and associate fittings along with other fittings and valves. The glass can be the old storm windows that are also in the garage. The pump could be controlled by a timer so the water to the solar heater is running only when the sun is on that side of the house.

My gas bill right now is minimal but that's due to me using very little hot water. Such a setup would allow me to wash clothes in warm or hot water and do cleaning with hot water. At least during the warm months.

My efforts at frugal living [View all] Kaleva Aug 2012 OP
Great stuff, Kaleva and a huge kudos to you. cbayer Aug 2012 #1
I'm having fun doing it! Kaleva Aug 2012 #3
You are right, frugal living is more labor intensive Curmudgeoness Aug 2012 #2
Took your advice about the clothes lines in the basement. Kaleva Aug 2012 #4
I like the vinegar idea. You will have to let us know if it works. Curmudgeoness Aug 2012 #5
Got the clothes lines up today. Kaleva Aug 2012 #6
You make me feel lazy. Curmudgeoness Aug 2012 #7
If you are going to have a chest freezer full of food put a temperature alarm on it.. Fumesucker Aug 2012 #9
Very good suggestion. Curmudgeoness Aug 2012 #10
This is awesome! Phentex Aug 2012 #8
An update Kaleva Sep 2012 #11
Wow! You are kicking butt, but you need to eat better. cbayer Sep 2012 #12
The interesting things that are available! Kaleva Sep 2012 #15
Reading that you were burning wood scraps reminded me of something. Lars39 Sep 2012 #13
Free pallets on Craigslist are as prolific as free couches and tube TVs. Robb Sep 2012 #14
I have an illegal (according to code) setup as far as the woodstove is concerned. Kaleva Sep 2012 #16
Thinking about your water heater and cold laundry wash Starboard Tack Sep 2012 #17
I haven't thought about it. Kaleva Sep 2012 #18
Saving on heating costs this winter by freezing my butt off Kaleva Sep 2012 #19
Good luck quitting smoking! mkultra321 Sep 2012 #20
I am trying to quit smoking, but it isn't easy. RebelOne Sep 2012 #21
I had switched to Murano brand cigars at about $1.33 a pack Kaleva Sep 2012 #22
An update Kaleva Sep 2012 #23
New update Kaleva Oct 2012 #24
A couple of thoughts (and a big welcome back!) cbayer Oct 2012 #26
Good question about the amount of water I use. Kaleva Oct 2012 #27
Dishes, and other points cprise Jun 2013 #53
For lighting at night Shankapotomus Oct 2012 #25
Wow, you are an inspiration! positiveidea Oct 2012 #28
Update Kaleva Oct 2012 #29
11/03/12 Kaleva Nov 2012 #30
Just want you to know I love reading your posts. Very inspirational! Starboard Tack Nov 2012 #33
thank you for posting... hopeful68 Nov 2012 #31
Looking at my gas and electricity usage history Kaleva Nov 2012 #32
Monthly Budget -Updated 1/24/13 Kaleva Nov 2012 #34
Thanks to those who find this interesting! Kaleva Nov 2012 #35
Dehydrating apples today Kaleva Nov 2012 #36
I am on Social Security and have been told the cost of living adjustment RebelOne Nov 2012 #37
Back when I was working, I thought nothing of $20 or even a $100 Kaleva Nov 2012 #38
I have been reading Worried senior Dec 2012 #39
interesting read. Thanks for sharing Liberal_in_LA Dec 2012 #40
Update: 12/1/12 Kaleva Dec 2012 #41
Push mower we can do it Dec 2012 #42
Thanks! Bookmarked. Kaleva Dec 2012 #43
No problem, I think you will love that mower we can do it Dec 2012 #44
You can reuse canning lids provided you don't distort them during removal. lumberjack_jeff Dec 2012 #45
I'm hoping to work with the ex next year doing canning. Kaleva Dec 2012 #46
Update 1/4/13 Kaleva Jan 2013 #47
Update 1/10/13 Edited 1/12/13 Kaleva Jan 2013 #48
What I did... Elron Aven Jan 2013 #49
Update 1/17/13 Kaleva Jan 2013 #50
Update 5/17/13 Kaleva May 2013 #51
I love reading your posts Worried senior May 2013 #52
Message auto-removed Name removed Jun 2013 #54
Enjoy your posts. Sienna86 Jun 2013 #55
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