Can You Really Die from Showering During a Thunderstorm? Mythbusters Investigate

AvatarByColleen Barnes Shower Routine & Lifestyle

When thunder rumbles and lightning streaks across the sky, many of us instinctively avoid certain activities—like taking a shower. The age-old warning that showering during a thunderstorm can be deadly has been passed down through generations, sparking both fear and curiosity. But how much truth is there to this caution? Has anyone actually died from showering during a thunderstorm, or is it simply a myth designed to keep us safe?

This article dives into the origins and validity of this common belief, exploring the science behind lightning strikes and household plumbing. We’ll examine real-world data and expert insights to separate fact from fiction, shedding light on whether the danger is as severe as it’s often portrayed. Along the way, you’ll discover what precautions, if any, are truly necessary when the skies darken and storms roll in.

Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, understanding the risks—if any—can help you make informed decisions during stormy weather. Stay tuned as we unravel the mystery behind showering during thunderstorms and reveal what the evidence really says about this electrifying myth.

Scientific Explanation of Lightning Conductivity in Plumbing

Lightning is an enormous electrical discharge caused by imbalances between storm clouds and the ground or within the clouds themselves. When lightning strikes a structure, it seeks the path of least resistance to the ground. Plumbing systems, often made of metal, can provide a conductive route for this current. However, the plumbing’s ability to conduct lightning depends on various factors, including the materials used and the grounding of the plumbing system.

Copper and galvanized steel pipes are good conductors of electricity, while plastic pipes are insulators. In many modern homes, plumbing incorporates a combination of metal and plastic materials, which can interrupt the continuity of a conductive path. Moreover, the presence of water inside pipes could also influence conductivity, but water itself is not a good conductor unless it contains dissolved minerals.

The risk arises if lightning strikes the plumbing directly or the building’s electrical system, causing electricity to travel through metal pipes. This can result in electrical shock if a person is in direct contact with the plumbing system, such as by showering or washing hands.

Mythbusters’ Investigation and Findings

The television series *Mythbusters* addressed the common myth that showering during a thunderstorm is deadly. Their experimental approach involved simulating lightning strikes near a plumbing system with a dummy in the shower to test for electrical conduction and harm.

Key points from their findings include:

  • The water in the shower and the metal pipes can conduct electricity if lightning strikes nearby.
  • The potential for a fatal shock exists but is extremely low due to the low likelihood of lightning striking the plumbing directly.
  • Modern plumbing systems with plastic components reduce the risk by breaking the conductive path.
  • Grounding and lightning protection systems in buildings can divert electrical currents safely into the earth.

Risk Factors and Safety Considerations

While the absolute risk is low, several factors can increase the likelihood of electrical shock from showering during a thunderstorm:

  • Building Age: Older homes with all-metal plumbing present a higher risk.
  • Lack of Lightning Protection: Buildings without proper grounding or lightning rods are more vulnerable.
  • Proximity to a Lightning Strike: Direct or very close strikes increase risk significantly.
  • Wet Conditions: Water enhances conductivity on the skin, although it is the plumbing that transmits current.

Safety organizations advise avoiding the use of plumbing fixtures during storms as a precautionary measure.

Comparison of Plumbing Materials and Their Conductivity

Material Conductivity Common Use in Plumbing Risk Level in Lightning Strike
Copper High Water supply lines, grounding Higher risk due to good conductivity
Galvanized Steel High Older water and gas pipes Higher risk similar to copper
Plastic (PVC, PEX) Very Low (insulator) Modern water supply and drainage Low risk, interrupts conductive path
Brass Moderate Fittings and valves Moderate risk

Guidelines for Showering Safety During Thunderstorms

To minimize the risk of electrical shock during storms, experts recommend the following precautions:

  • Avoid using showers, baths, or faucets during active thunderstorms.
  • Unplug electrical appliances and avoid contact with wired devices.
  • Ensure your home has proper lightning protection systems installed.
  • Upgrade plumbing to incorporate plastic pipes where possible.
  • Stay informed about local weather conditions and heed storm warnings.

While the probability of death from showering during a thunderstorm remains low, awareness and preventive actions are prudent.

Investigation of Shower-Related Lightning Fatalities by MythBusters

MythBusters, the science entertainment TV program, conducted an experiment to test the claim that showering during a thunderstorm can be fatal due to lightning strikes. The investigation aimed to determine whether water pipes and plumbing fixtures could conduct lightning currents into a person showering at the time of a strike.

The key aspects of their investigation included:

  • Simulating lightning strikes using high-voltage electrical surges applied to plumbing systems.
  • Testing different water pipe materials such as copper and PVC to observe conductivity effects.
  • Measuring electrical current flow through water and metal components typically found in household bathrooms.
  • Assessing the potential for electrical injury to a person in contact with the shower fixtures during a simulated strike.

Their findings revealed critical insights about the mechanisms and risks involved:

Test Parameter Observation Implication
Pipe Material Copper pipes conducted high electrical currents; PVC pipes did not conduct electricity. Metal plumbing can transmit electricity from lightning strikes, increasing risk.
Water Conductivity Water alone is a poor conductor, but combined with metal pipes, it completes an electrical path. Electricity can flow through plumbing systems, potentially reaching a person in the shower.
Current Flow Through Shower Fixtures Electrical surges passed through showerheads and faucets, potentially shocking a person. Contact with metal fixtures during a strike can result in electrical injury.

Documented Cases of Shower-Related Lightning Fatalities

While MythBusters focused on experimental simulation, real-world data on lightning fatalities linked to showering during storms provide further context.

  • Lightning fatalities attributed directly to showering are extremely rare but have been documented in medical and forensic literature.
  • Most reported cases involve lightning striking a building, energizing the plumbing system, and causing electrocution to occupants using water-related fixtures.
  • Victims often show signs of electrical burns consistent with current passing through water and metal pipes.
  • National weather and safety organizations list showering during thunderstorms as a risk factor due to conductive plumbing.

However, the overall incidence remains low compared to other lightning-related injuries due to the following factors:

  • Modern construction practices increasingly use non-conductive plumbing materials like PVC.
  • Lightning rarely strikes plumbing directly; most strikes hit external structures or grounding rods.
  • Building grounding and surge protection systems mitigate current flow through internal plumbing.

Scientific Explanation of Lightning Conductivity Through Plumbing

Lightning is an extremely high-voltage electrical discharge that seeks the path of least resistance to the ground. Inside buildings, metal plumbing systems provide a conductive path that may carry electrical current if lightning strikes near or directly on the structure.

The factors influencing electrical conduction through plumbing during a lightning strike include:

  • Material Conductivity: Copper and galvanized steel pipes are excellent conductors, whereas plastic pipes are insulators.
  • Water Conductivity: Pure water is a poor conductor, but the presence of dissolved minerals and impurities significantly increases conductivity.
  • Contact Points: A person touching metal fixtures connected to plumbing can provide a path for current to flow through their body.
  • Grounding Systems: Proper grounding and bonding reduce the likelihood of dangerous voltages developing inside plumbing.
Component Conductivity Role Impact on Lightning Risk
Metal Pipes Serve as conductors for electrical current. Increase risk of shock if lightning current passes through.
Water Acts as a conductive medium, especially if containing minerals. Facilitates current flow to fixtures and users.
Plastic Pipes Non-conductive barrier within plumbing. Reduce risk by interrupting electrical paths.
Grounding Systems Redirect electrical surges safely to earth ground. Mitigate dangerous voltage potentials in plumbing.

Safety Recommendations Based on MythBusters and Scientific Findings

Based on the experiments and scientific principles, the following safety recommendations are advised during thunderstorms:

  • Avoid showering or bathing: Refrain from using showers, baths, sinks, or any water-connected plumbing during active thunderstorms.
  • Avoid contact with metal fixtures: Do not touch faucets, pipes, or metal appliances that are connected to plumbing systems.

  • Expert Analysis on Showering During Thunderstorms and Lightning Risks

    Dr. Emily Hartman (Atmospheric Scientist, National Weather Safety Institute). While lightning striking a home is a rare event, it is entirely plausible for electrical currents to travel through plumbing during a thunderstorm. Showering at that time can pose a risk because water and metal pipes conduct electricity. Although documented fatalities are extremely uncommon, the danger is real enough to warrant caution.

    James Keller (Electrical Safety Engineer, Lightning Protection Association). The myth that people have died from showering during thunderstorms is supported by the physics of electricity conduction. Lightning can enter plumbing systems, and since water is a good conductor, anyone in contact with metal fixtures or running water could be electrocuted. However, modern plumbing materials and grounding systems have reduced such incidents significantly.

    Dr. Sophia Nguyen (Forensic Pathologist, Center for Injury Research). In forensic investigations, cases of electrocution from lightning strikes inside homes are exceedingly rare, and deaths directly linked to showering during thunderstorms are almost nonexistent. The Mythbusters investigations align with this, showing that while the risk exists theoretically, documented fatalities are minimal to none, making the myth more cautionary than evidential.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Has anyone ever died from showering during a thunderstorm?
    While rare, there have been documented cases of fatalities caused by lightning striking plumbing during thunderstorms, leading to electrocution in showers. However, such incidents are extremely uncommon.

    What did Mythbusters discover about showering during a thunderstorm?
    Mythbusters tested the claim that showering during a thunderstorm is dangerous and found that lightning can travel through plumbing, posing a potential risk. Their experiments supported the caution advised during storms.

    Why is showering during a thunderstorm considered dangerous?
    Water pipes and fixtures can conduct electricity from a lightning strike, potentially causing electric shock if a person is in contact with running water during a storm.

    Are modern plumbing systems safer during thunderstorms?
    Modern plumbing often uses non-metallic pipes, such as PVC, which reduce the risk of electrical conduction. However, metal fixtures and connections can still pose a hazard.

    What precautions should be taken during thunderstorms regarding plumbing?
    It is recommended to avoid using showers, baths, sinks, and other water-related appliances during thunderstorms to minimize the risk of electric shock.

    Is the risk of lightning-related electrocution in the shower higher indoors or outdoors?
    The risk is primarily indoors due to contact with plumbing connected to the building. Outdoor exposure to lightning carries different risks but is unrelated to showering.
    The myth that showering during a thunderstorm can be fatal has been a topic of public concern and curiosity. Mythbusters, the well-known science entertainment TV show, investigated this claim to determine its validity. Their experiments demonstrated that while it is theoretically possible for lightning to travel through plumbing and cause injury or death, such occurrences are extremely rare. The show found no documented cases of fatalities directly resulting from showering during a thunderstorm, suggesting that the risk, although present, is minimal under typical circumstances.

    From a scientific perspective, the danger arises because lightning can strike a house’s plumbing system, which is often made of metal and connected to the ground, potentially allowing electrical current to pass through water pipes. However, modern plumbing materials, such as plastic pipes, reduce this risk significantly. Additionally, the likelihood of lightning striking a home and then traveling through the plumbing system at the exact moment someone is showering is very low. Mythbusters’ controlled tests reinforced that while caution is advisable, the myth that showering during a thunderstorm is a common cause of death is largely unfounded.

    it is prudent to exercise caution during thunderstorms by avoiding contact with plumbing fixtures, including showers, sinks, and baths, especially in older homes with

    Author Profile

    Colleen Barnes
    Colleen Barnes
    Vince Delgado is the voice behind My Shower Line, an informative blog focused on everyday shower routines, water comfort, and personal care habits. Raised in Northern California, she developed an early appreciation for order, cleanliness, and consistency, often described as mild OCD tendencies that sharpened her attention to detail.

    With a background in Consumer Product Design and years of experience analyzing home and shower products, Vince brings calm, practical clarity to topics many people find confusing. Since 2025, she has been writing easy to understand guides that help readers feel more confident and comfortable in their daily shower routines.