Amish Houses and Barns

Electricity, Plumbing and other Modern Life Conveniences

The Amish do not use electricity at their own homes or farms. They use kerosene for their lamps for lighting. For cooking, they use wood stoves and kerosene stoves (in the summer). However, the Amish are allowed to use electricity at the homes of the English people with whom they are employed if it is necessary for their work. For example, they can use power tools, phones, chain saws, push lawn mowers. Under no circumstances, can they watch TV, use a computer, drive powered vehicles, or have a cell phone.

Plumbing is virtually non-existent. Outhouses are the norm. Some lucky families have windmills to pump the water outside. Many families have sisterns to collect rain water which they use for washing since it is much softer.

In-home or cell phones are not allowed. In case of emergency, they are allowed to use the phones of their neighbors.