Can You Shower When The Power Is Out? (Safe Bathing Tips!)

Power outages can happen at any time, and when they do, the most basic things, like showering, can be made more difficult. Whether you can shower, and how comfortable a shower will be, depends on your specific situation and the type of water heater you have in your home. Let’s get into the factors that will determine whether you can enjoy a shower during a power outage or not.

Understanding Power Outages and Basic Plumbing

Effects of Power Outages on Home Appliances

Power outages can cause interruptions in many of your home appliances, with some being more sensitive than others. When the electricity goes out, it can disrupt essential systems, such as heating, cooling, and lighting.

Your water heater is one of those appliances that may be affected by a power outage depending on its type. Electric water heaters won’t work without electricity, but gas water heaters with a standing pilot light will still function, providing you with hot water for a comfortable shower.

Basics of Plumbing Systems in Home

Your home’s plumbing system consists of two main systems: the water supply system and the drainage system. The water supply system brings clean, potable water into your home through pipes from either a well or a municipal water source. The pressurized water flows through these pipes and reaches your faucets, shower heads, and other fixtures.

The drainage system, on the other hand, is responsible for removing waste and used water from your home. It includes pipes, traps, and vents that help prevent sewer gas from entering the house. Gravity drives this system, carrying wastewater to the main sewer line or a septic system.

Understanding Well and City Water Supply

A well is a groundwater source that provides water to homes in rural or remote areas. The water well pumps water from underground aquifers using a pressure tank and an electric pump to maintain the water pressure throughout the house. In case of a power outage, the pump won’t work, and you might lose water pressure.

A city water supply, also known as municipal water, is provided by a local utility company. It comes from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs and undergoes treatment and disinfection before reaching your home. Homes on the city water supply typically use  gravity to maintain water pressure, which means you should still have clean water during a power outage unless there’s an issue with the water supply infrastructure (which can also happen during an outage).

Showers and Power Outages

Can You Shower During a Power Outage

As far as showering while the power is out, the short answer is, you probably can. However, a few factors could affect your experience. If you have a gas water heater and a gravity-fed water system, you’re probably good to go, as these don’t require electricity. But if you’ve got an electric water heater or well water, the hot water in your home will last only as long as what’s already in the tank, and that will start cooling quickly.

Effects of Cold and Hot Showers

So, what about a cold shower? Absolutely. If you can stand it, cold showers are actually known to have some health benefits. They can help improve circulation, boost immunity, and give you a dose of energy. Not a bad thing to have in the middle of a blackout.

A warm shower, on the other hand, can be more soothing and relaxing, helping you unwind and sleep better. Also not a bad thing to have in the middle of a blackout.

Still, you can always take a cold shower during a power outage, except when you shouldn’t.

Safety Measures While Showering in Power Outages

Showering during a power outage comes with its unique set of challenges. Not only is darkness a concern, but in prolonged outages, even the water from your shower head may pose risks.

Initial Safety Concerns – Smart Showering

Showering in the dark isn’t ideal, as it increases the risk of slipping and falling. To stay safe, consider using a battery-powered flashlight or a lantern in your bathroom. Avoid candles and gas lamps, as these can be a fire hazard, and the last thing you want is to have to flee your home naked.

The easiest solution? If you have a bathroom with a window, only shower during daylight.

The Dangers Lurking in Prolonged Outages

In situations of extended power outages, the risks of showering begin to escalate. A consistent, prolonged outage can potentially impact municipal water systems, making even the simplest activities, like taking a shower, potentially unsafe.

So, make sure you keep an ear to the news during an outage in your area. These are some of the things that could happen to the water supply:

• Water Contamination

Some water treatment plants rely on electricity to pump and treat water. These plants have emergency generators, but during long-term power outages, there’s a risk that the water supply could become contaminated as the plants might fail to adequately filter and pump water throughout the municipal systems.

• Boil-Water Advisories

You’ll know if the municipal water supply in your area has been compromised through announcements from local authorities. They may issue boil-water advisories or warnings against using water for specific purposes. Even though boiling isn’t an option for showering, it indicates the safety level of your water. Once you’re advised to boil, the water is likely unsafe for bathing.

Preparedness Tips

• Water Storage

Keep a stash of clean, stored water in case of prolonged outages. Not only will you need it for drinking, but it can also be utilized for basic hygiene needs.

• Water Testing

If you’re in a locale where water purity is a recurring concern, having water testing kits on hand can be a practical tool in an outage to ensure the safety of your water for various uses.

• Communication

Ensure you have a battery-powered radio or other means to receive emergency broadcasts and updates about local conditions, including the status of the water supply.

• Alternative Cleansing Options

Should a boil-water advisory be issued, or if you suspect contamination, consider using alternative methods for staying clean, such as using baby wipes or a no-rinse body wash, until the water safety can be assured.

In times of power outage, keeping vigilant about all aspects of your daily life, including water safety, is crucial. Adopt a mindset of preparedness and caution to navigate through the myriad of challenges that may arise, ensuring you and your loved ones remain safe and clean even in the most trying circumstances.