Is It Really Dangerous to Shower During a Thunderstorm? Here's What the Experts Say

A thunderstorm rolls in, lightning crackles in the distance—and you're halfway through your evening shower. Do you rinse fast and run, or finish with peace of mind?

You’ve probably heard the old warning: “Don’t shower during a storm.” But how true is it? Can lightning really strike you through the plumbing? As strange as it sounds, yes—it can. And here’s why that advice shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Water, Metal, and Electricity: A Risky Trio

Lightning is a powerful electrical discharge that naturally seeks the fastest path to the ground. When it strikes a house or nearby utility system, it can travel through conductive materials—including metal pipes and water.

Your shower? That’s a direct connection to both.

If you're bathing, showering, doing dishes, or even just washing your hands during a storm, and your plumbing or water lines get hit, that electrical current can pass through the water and into your body.

How Often Does It Happen?

While rare, there are documented cases of people being injured—or even killed—this way. According to the National Weather Service, roughly 10% of lightning injuries occur indoors, often because people don’t realize that metal and water can carry the current.

The Expert Verdict

Meteorologists and lightning safety experts agree: You should avoid showering or using running water during a thunderstorm. The recommendation is to wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before resuming water-related activities.

It’s not just superstition—it’s basic physics.

Other Things to Avoid During a Thunderstorm

In addition to avoiding showers, you should also stay away from:

• Washing dishes by hand or in the sink

• Using wired electronics (TVs, desktop computers, corded phones)

• Doing laundry (water and metal in combination)

• Standing near windows or touching metal doors

Is It Safer with Plastic Pipes?

Some modern homes use PVC plumbing, which isn’t conductive like copper. However, unless your entire water system is plastic—and properly grounded—it’s still possible for lightning to arc through residual metal or connected systems.

So, plastic pipes don’t guarantee safety.

Final Thought

As odd as it seems, showering during a thunderstorm really can be dangerous. While the risk is low, the consequences can be severe. So when the thunder starts rumbling, hit pause on the shower playlist—and stay safe and dry until the storm passes.