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Getting into Hot Water: The Shower vs. The Dishwasher

hot water shower dishwasher master plumbing

Can you have a shower while the dishwasher is running? What will happen to the hot water?

How do you live your life? Sometimes, it’s easier to load up the dishwasher and get it started before you go to take a shower. After all, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the chores and errands you have to do. Even so, running multiple appliances at once can expend plenty of water and electricity. Here’s a question you may not have thought about before: “is it possible to have a hot shower while the dishwasher is going?” Let’s find out the answer together! 

How Much Water Pressure Do You Want? 

First things first, think about the pressure level you enjoy when showering. How much do you prefer? A mere trickle can be immensely disappointing when you need a power wash. The water pressure splits between the two outlets, which means that your dishes and your hair may not get as clean as you’d like them to be. 

Can the Water Heater Keep Up Temperature-Wise? 

You’ve got to think about your water heater, too. The water heater doesn’t have infinite capacity. Pressure is just as important as temperature. At some point, it will run out of hot water just when you need it the most. So if you’re standing in the shower washing off and the water starts getting too cold, that means the heater will need to prepare more water. 

What’s the Size of the Tank?

Besides maintaining a constant supply of hot water, your heater tank needs to be the proper size to keep up with the demands you put on it. Washing machines and dishwashers will need plenty of water to work, so be careful not to overload the electrical circuits and cause the breaker to trip. 

How Long Are Your Showers? 

Likewise, multiple showers going at once can also lead to uneven water distribution. Think about how long you typically shower for – maybe it’s twenty minutes, at most. However, your housemates may take longer. As we’ve mentioned above, there’s only so much hot water to go around. If you don’t feel like changing your shower habits, wait until after you’ve finished cleaning up to start the dishwasher.    

Can You Upgrade Your Dishwasher?

High-efficiency dishwashers perform better than their regular counterparts. You can tell because it’s in their name. In any case, decide whether or not it’s worth upgrading your dishwasher. By exploring this possibility and making the switch, you’ll notice that you’re saving more water and lowering your utility bills to boot! 

All of Your Plumbing Needs from Master Plumbing

Give Master Plumbing a call at (301) 650-9100 or contact us online to get more information on how our expert plumbers can help you with just about anything plumbing-related! We have received Angie’s List Super Service Award recognition for plumbing and drain cleaning every year since 2007, in addition to the Best Plumber award from Best of Bethesda. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and our service is unparalleled. Give us a call today—you won’t regret it! To see examples of our projects, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

This entry was posted on Friday, April 16th, 2021 at 3:18 pm. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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