No matter where you live, and no matter how rock solid city officials say your local electrical grid is, power outages still occur. They can be weather related or because of a fire or building collapse. Power outages can also put in place by city officials who are repairing or upgrading the grid in a certain area. Whatever your specific scenario a power outage is a massive inconvenience. The daily routines and comforts based on electricity that we rely on are suddenly robbed from us as we struggle to figure out where all the candles and flashlights are. But does a power outage prevent you from bathing as well? We are going to unpack this issue in today’s post and give you a definitive answer.
Why Wouldn’t My Shower be Working?
Plumbing and electrical to most homeowners are two different things, and they exist separately inside your home. The truth is that electrical and plumbing work together in many different ways, the first example being a hot water heater. Hot water heaters come in different varieties such as traditional, tankless or electrical well pump. The problem with almost all of those sources of hot water is that they run on electricity, which is the one thing you are in short supply of during an outage. If you’ve experienced inconsistent power to your water heater or suspect wiring issues, it may be time to consider calling for electrical repair services to ensure your system is safe, efficient, and outage-ready.
Gas Water Heaters: Even if your hot water system runs on gas, it may still require some electricity to ignite the pilot and get things going. There are some older gas hot water heaters that actually function independently of the main electrical system. If this is your situation, then your shower may be saved! Just make sure to grab a flashlight so you don’t trip and fall on your way there.
Tankless Water Heaters: Unfortunately, these modern tankless systems are completely dependent upon electricity to function. To maintain their low profile and efficiency, tankless systems use your home’s electricity to heat water on demand. For this reason, no power means zero hot water.
Traditional Electric Water Heaters: The classic electrical system is what most of us have running in our homes. The big advantage with this system is that once the water is heated, it is stored in the tank for future use. If the power just went out, then you may have hot water for some time, but just make sure to have your shower before the tank cools. It is also important to note that if you are in a situation where you are unsure how long the power is going to be out for, you may want to think about conserving that hot water for other uses like cooking.
Am I Safe When I Use Water?
Using your plumbing during a power outage is completely safe. Obviously, if you are worried about electrical surges or other rare occurrences then you shouldn’t take the risk for a hot shower. Your safety comes first during a power outage which is why it is important to have flashlights ready for just such an occasion. Watch your step and make sure that is you decide to take a shower that the bathroom is well lit with battery powered devices.
Keep Your Home Safe and Ready for Any Outage with WireNut Home Services!
Power outages don’t just dim the lights and raise questions about showering, they also disrupt your comfort, safety, and daily routine. At WireNut Home Services, we specialize in helping homeowners prepare for and respond to electrical issues before they become emergencies. If you’re unsure whether your water heater, electrical panel, or backup system is ready for the next outage, contact our licensed electricians today for a professional electrical inspection service.
Don’t wait until the lights go out to take action! Call us today at (719) 227-1411 or contact us online to schedule your electrical service now and stay one step ahead.
