Water Pumps on Shabbat | Electrical appliances on Shabbos | Sheilot

Water Pumps on Shabbat

Question

A water pump in a high-rise building — is this a problem on Shabbat?

Answer

Shalom u’verachah,

The ruling of our teacher Rabbi Amram Fried shlita:

In a building where a pump is installed without Shabbat certification, it is forbidden to use the water. One should prepare water for all one’s needs before Shabbat.

If one is in such a place and used the bathroom, and does not have a large amount of water to pour there, or pouring water will not be effective in removing one’s waste, it is permitted to flush with a shinui. For example, by pressing the handle with one’s elbow. This is due to human dignity.

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