Can I Shower During a Power Outage?
When the power goes out in your home, it robs you of amenities and comforts. With no power, you can’t cook, clean, or watch the television. The longer the power stays out, the more likely you may start to wonder if it’s okay to shower during a power outage.
Follow along with the plumbers at Schneller Knochelmann Plumbing, Heating & Air for the answer.
Can I Shower When the Power Is Out?
To shower when the power is out, your home needs a traditional tank-style water heater. If that water heater still has hot water in reserve, then you can take a warm shower.
If you plan to take a shower, you need to do it soon after the power goes out. A water heater with a tank keeps a large reserve of heated water, but the water will only stay hot for so long. You may have an hour or two until that reserved hot water cools down.
So yes, if you have a tank water heater and the power went out recently, you can probably still take a shower.
What About a Gas Water Heater?
Modern gas water heaters are in the same boat as electrical water heaters, unfortunately. Gas water heaters still use electricity to ignite the pilot, maintain temperatures, and detect your hot water supply needs.
There are a few older water heaters that operate autonomously without the need for electricity, but these are somewhat rare these days. If you have one, you probably already know it.
I Have a Tankless Water Heater — Can I Shower Without Power?
Under normal circumstances, a tankless water heater can be a huge boon. They’re efficient, compact, and don’t need repair as often as traditional tank water heaters. However, in this case, they offer no hot water at all during a power outage.
Both electrical and gas tankless units keep no reservoir, so if you need hot water for anything, you’ll need the aid of a generator.
Home Water Heaters in Cincinnati, OH & Covington, KY
Is your water heater providing sufficient hot water on demand? If not, or even if you’re just looking for a more efficient and effective water heater for your Cincinnati, OH, or Covington, KY, home, Schneller Knochelmann Plumbing, Heating & Air can help.