Made offer on Mat...

[Distance Runner]

I made an offer, but we have yet to come to terms. I have done the water usage calculation formula, and the numbers seem similiar to the seller's.

A question (one of many) has arised, and I need some help:

The top loaders are Whirlpool 31 gallon machines, and there are a variety of Dexter, Primus, and Wascomat front loaders as well. I have researched all of these machines to determine their gallons per use.

My question of concern is, will a machine that is a 31 gallon top loader, use 31 gallons EVERY wash, or does the gallons used vary depending on the amount of clothes put into the machine? What about the front loaders?

Thank you for your input.

[pete f]

I have read over the years the load in the washer will change the water usage. I understand washers are rated empty. the water usage could be higher, thinking the clothes soak up water first as the machine fills.
You have to know how many cycles the front loaders are programed for to determine the water usage there, not all are programed the same way.

[Anonymous]

A filled washer will use LESS water than an empty one. Its one of those Einstein laws about it not being possible for two bodies to occupy the same space at the same time. When there is clothing in the machine there is less space for water, no matter how much water the clothing absorbs.

[aust1648]

Numbers directly from the Maytag Maufactor spec sheet for the "Commercial Front Load Washers Models MFR50 (all Models)"

Water Consumption Gallons - 50 LB Loads
Whites (Program 1)
Pre-wash - 12.9
Wash - 20.3
Rinse 1 - 20.3
Rinse 2 - 26.1
Rinse 3 - 26.1
Total 118.9
They have the totals listed for all 6 of the programs for the machine

Water Consumption Gallons - 50 LB NO LOAD
Whites (Program 1)
Pre-wash - 5.2
Wash 10.5
Rinse 1 - 14.8
Rinse 2 - 14.8
Rinse 3 - 14.8
Total 65.4

As you can see, there is a HUGE difference in the amount of water when there is 50LBs of clothes in it versus when it is empty.

[jrrogers]

The top loader should use less water full of clothes....The fill level for top loaders is determined by the water level switch while the load is static (not moving). The front loader water level is generally determined while the load is dynamic (moving). The clothes in motion will have some of the water above the normal water level (trapped and absorbed by the clothes) lifted above the static water level. Therefore the larger the load the more water that is used.

Therefore both the above answers seem to be correct.

If you have a washer at home simply fill the machine without clothes: remove the drain hose and put in bucket and catch and measure the water. (note the machine will normally hold more than a single bucket per fill unless you have a very small top loader or a very large bucket.) Now repeat with a full load of clothes.. And you will have your answer.

You can do this in the laundrymat if you have access.

Jimmy

[pete f]

The top loader should use less water full of clothes....The fill level for top loaders is determined by the water level switch while the load is static (not moving). The front loader water level is generally determined while the load is dynamic (moving). The clothes in motion will have some of the water above the normal water level (trapped and absorbed by the clothes) lifted above the static water level. Therefore the larger the load the more water that is used.

Therefore both the above answers seem to be correct.

If you have a washer at home simply fill the machine without clothes: remove the drain hose and put in bucket and catch and measure the water. (note the machine will normally hold more than a single bucket per fill unless you have a very small top loader or a very large bucket.) Now repeat with a full load of clothes.. And you will have your answer.

You can do this in the laundrymat if you have access.

Jimmy

You may something here. The die hard top users will start the washer, let it fill THEN put thier clothes in it, for what I assume now to be extra water to wash. Of course they make a mess splashing around and all. The overloaders always seem to hand wash by opening the lid every now and then and pushing the clothes into the tub. More mess.
While you could empty the bucket and count, you an also fill and count. As stated, the water level switch stops when full, so you could add buckets of water to the tub, checking when near the fill level by letting the lid down to see if the water valves let any water in.
The next time I get stuck in my mat for something I will try this experiment

[Distance Runner]

Closed and now own two seperate mats!

[pete f]

Closed and now own two seperate mats!

Congrats!
double the fun, double the trouble...