Is It Safe To Take A Shower When There's A Power Outage?
Power outages happen regardless of one's location or local electrical grid power. Whether they're related to a fire, storm, or something else, they tend to mess with our daily routines. Ovens stop baking, the music stops playing, and fridges stop cooling food. While it's evident that these appliances depend on electricity, power outage effects on plumbing are less noticeable.
Most households use water heaters, electrical well pumps, and tankless heater systems or boilers. The majority of these systems need electricity to work. Some run solely on power, while others can output hot water even when the power is out.
We will examine each scenario and explain what happens if your power goes out just before shower time.
Tankless water heaters
Tankless systems don't have a reservoir and rely strictly on electricity. Despite being efficient and compact, they're not the best solution for retaining hot water during power outages. Whether you use electric-based or gas systems, they need electricity. So when the power is out, it means there's no hot water. Unfortunately, the only way to get that shower is to get a cold one.
Electric water heaters
Traditional electric heaters with the tank should have some hot water in case of a power outage. However, it's impossible to know precisely how much water is available. Unless a hot shower is a must, it's better to avoid one and keep the hot water for other uses.
Gas water heaters
Gas-powered hot water systems may need electricity to ignite the pilot and get the system going. These are primarily modern gas systems that run with incorporated electrical components, meaning they can't run without power. Older gas water heaters can work independently from the central electrical system. For those not sure about their gas heater type, it's perfectly safe to test the water, but there's a chance you'll have to go with a cold shower in the end.
Is showering safe when there's no power?
Absolutely. There's nothing to worry about if there's a storm that knocked out electricity in your house. Nothing bad can happen, and the only problem can be the lack of light. That's why it's best to use a flashlight or a battery-powered lantern for safety.
What's the solution, then?
If that shower is a must, even when there's no power, it's best to use a generator. This robust device keeps the lights and all electronic devices properly running during a power outage. And since there's zero safety risk, you can grab a quick cold shower if necessary.
But if you need a more effective water heater solution for your home, it's best to contact an expert electrical service provider.
Zimmerman Electric is here to serve your residential and commercial electrical needs throughout the Phoenix Valley metro area. Call us today if you need electrical work performed 602-497-3365.
