Can I shower in a power outage?

Sudden power cuts can be very frustrating for homeowners. They can cause significant disruptions to our day-to-day activities, as well as a loss of comfort.

WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?

Your power is the thing that's off so you don't have to worry about the shower. It all comes down to how your water is sourced. A hot water heater or an electrical well pump are the most common options for homes. See the problem? All these things require electricity in order to work.

Although there are a few exceptions that we will discuss, the majority of systems require electrical power to work. However, not all is lost for those hot shower dreams. Let's take a look at some possible scenarios:

• Tankless water heaters. You're not likely to have hot water if you use a tankless water heater. Tankless systems don't have a reservoir, and they rely on electricity (both the electric-based and the gas tankless systems need electricity to keep up), so no power equals no hot water. Perhaps you should take a cold shower.
• Electric hot water heaters. Traditional electric systems with tanks will have hot water. You don't know the exact amount and you might need it for something else. If hot showers are your priority, you can take them as soon as possible before the tank cools.
• Gas hot water heaters. This is a bit more difficult to answer. Old tank gas systems have an independent pilot ignition. This means that they can work without power. The majority of modern systems incorporate electrical components. If yours is not, the odds are against it. As long as the system is safe, you can test it. However, be aware that it may freeze when you use it.

BUT IS IT SAFE?

Do you worry that a storm might knock out your power? That's not something to be concerned about. The whole lightning strike in a shower scenario is a bit of a stretch. A lack of light is the real danger. For safety we recommend a battery-powered lantern. Avoid using gas lamps or candles, as they can tip over and create a fire.

A generator is available for SHOWERS AT ANY TIME!

Do you want to make sure that you have a hot shower every time? It's time for you to invest in a generator. The cost of a standby generator is a small investment, but it can be very convenient and economical. You have many options to choose from so you can make the right investment for your particular needs.