Dear Rabbi Simon
I have a Shabbat question for you. If a water tap runs with a pump attached to it, is using the tap on Shabbat permitted? I know that in instances where there is an indirect link, it is not breaking Shabbat.
I am wondering if opening a tap, which allows water to flow, which activates the pressure pump, is the same, or is an actual transgression.
Following some water leaks, we are having to redo our bathroom, and I need to check if we should or should not connect the other taps though our shower pump. It dictates the type of taps we are able to and not able to use.
For clarity, it is not a push button type pump system, but a flow triggered system.
Thank you in advance for your expert plumbing and building knowledge!
Kind regards
Walter
Hi Walter
TY for your question. If turning on the tap activates a pump which operates electronically, this should be avoided on Shabbat and Yom Tov. The conventional water dispensing system (cold water) relies only on the water pressure provided by the Thames Water (or similar) system continuously. As you say, any electronic involvement is quite indirect. Stick with that method for your water provision to the extent that you can!
Best wishes
Rabbi Simon