Is it safe to take a shower if a thunderstorm knocks out your power?
(NEXSTAR) — Much of the country has already seen strong storms this summer, prompting reminders to head indoors when thunder roars.
Among the many things you may find yourself doing while inside to pass the time, taking a simple shower may sound like a worthwhile activity. But is it safe to shower when thunder rolls or, even worse, when your power gets knocked out by a storm?
We'll start with the thunderstorms first.
The short answer is no, it's probably not the best idea to jump in the shower as storms roll through. In fact, if there's lightning involved, you'll want to avoid any activities that use water from your home's pipes. That includes bathing, doing the dishes, and washing your hands, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“The risk of lightning traveling through plumbing might be less with plastic pipes than with metal pipes,” the CDC says. “However, it is best to avoid any contact with plumbing and running water during a lightning storm to reduce your risk of being struck.”
Don't believe it? Just ask the residents of an Oklahoma apartment building who saw their toilet erupt and shatter after lightning traveled through an exhaust vent in May 2022. Three years earlier, a toilet exploded in Florida after lightning struck near a home's septic tank, igniting the gases within.
Let's say you lose power during the storm, and you're in the dark well after the storm moves out. Or, maybe you lost power for a non-weather-related reason. Either way, can you take a shower when the power is out?
The answer will depend on how you get your water, and whether you can stomach a cold shower.
You might be able to take a shower, but it'll be cold-water only, if you have a tankless water heater, according to Tampa-based Hoffman Electrical and A/C. These systems use electricity and don't have a reservoir, which means you won't get any hot water.
You may have a similar problem with an electric hot water heater. There may still be some hot water in them, but it will most likely be short-lived.
If you have an older gas hot water system with an independent pilot and ignition, you might be able to get hot water. Newer systems often rely on electricity for some parts, the company explains, which could leave you with cold showers only.
Should you decide to take a shower while the power is out, officials in King County, Washington, recommend keeping it short to prevent putting stress on your septic system. They also say to avoid flushing the toilet every time you go, and turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing the dishes.
Jeremy Tanner contributed to this report.