As summer hot water shutdowns begin, an unconventional method of heating water in a washing machine has surfaced online. However, experts suggest this method may not be as effective or efficient as it seems.

The proposed technique involves diverting the washing machine’s drain hose into a bathtub filled with cold water and running the machine empty on its highest temperature setting. The idea is that the machine will act as a flow-through water heater, dispensing warm water into the tub.

While technically feasible and relatively safe, this method is not recommended by professionals.

According to plumber Pavel Pavlov, although the washing machine will operate normally, the process is inefficient. The machine uses water for rinsing, resulting in a mixture of hot and cold water being dispensed. Additionally, the amount of electricity consumed to fill a bathtub using this method would be considerable.

Instead of relying on this DIY approach, purchasing a water heater is a more sensible and effective solution.