Boiler on shabbat

Asked by Zel · January 22, 2003 · Shabbat

Question

We have one of those old boilers at home that needs to be filled periodically with water in order to run. If the water gaugue runs low, the heat shuts off. It has happened that we forgot to fill it up with water and the heat shuts off on shabbos and the house is freezing. 1) Can we fill it up on shabbos if the increase in water will directly cause the heat to come on immediately (the thermostat kicks in as the first stream of water flows in)? 2) Can we ask a goy to fill it up even though it is a process that involves waiting for the water to fill up, checking the gaugue etc. 3) Also, if the goy turns on the water tap and the heater kicks on, does he have to then wait around for the boiler to be filled or can I turn off the water because I will not be triggering the heat to come on or off? Thanks

Answer

Answered by Aaron Abadi

First of all, get an "automatic water feeder," it'll save a lot of aggravation. 1) no 2) No, unless it's very cold & there are children etc. , but you shouldn't be in this situation to begin with. 3)You can turn it off yourself. AA