Can I Shower During a Power Outage?
When the power kicks off in your Cincinnati, OH, or Covington, KY, home, it robs you of tons of amenities and comforts. Now, you can’t cook, you can’t clean, can’t watch the television — depending on what device you use to do so, you might not even be able to read. So what’s left to do? You might find yourself asking, “Can I shower during a power outage?”
Can you take a shower when the power is out? Follow along with the plumbers at Schneller Knochelmann Plumbing, Heating & Air for the answer!
Can I Shower if the Power Is Out?
In order to shower during a power outage, your home has to be equipped with a traditional tank-style water heater. Additionally, it needs to have hot water already in reserve, which it should but might not. And finally, if you plan to take a shower, you need to do it soon! A tank water heater keeps a fairly hefty reserve of heated water, but the water is only going to stay hot for so long, maybe an hour or two, with the power keeping its element from doing its job. So yes, if you have a tank water heater and the power went out recently, you’re probably good to take a shower!
However, before you take a nice hot shower, it’s important to keep a few details in mind. Is the power going to be out for long? Because if it is, you’re working with a relatively small supply of hot water, and should you need to use it for anything else, you might want to think of your priorities before hopping in to relax and get clean.
What About a Gas Water Heater?
Modern gas water heaters are in the same boat as electrical ones, unfortunately. They still use electricity to ignite the pilot, maintain temperatures, and detect your hot water supply needs. There are a few fringe older water heaters that operate autonomously in regard to electricity, but these are somewhat rare these days, and if you have one, you probably already know it.
You Can’t Shower with a Tankless Water Heater
Under normal circumstances, a tankless hot water heater can be a huge boon. They’re efficient, they’re compact, and they don’t need repair as often as traditional water heaters. However, in this case, they’re the system that offers you 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, Ohio & Covington, KY
Is your water heater keeping you in hot water on demand? If not, or even if you’re just looking for a more efficient and effective water heater unit for your Cincinnati, OH, or your Covington, KY, home, the experts at Schneller Knochelmann Plumbing, Heating & Air can help!