Experts Warn To Think Twice Before Running Your Dishwasher During A Thunderstorm

Should you run your dishwasher in the midst of a thunderstorm? After all, it might seem like the perfect time to catch up on your household chores when you're stuck inside during a downpour. But don't go loading up your dishwasher just yet: Experts strongly recommend foregoing use of the dishwasher during a thunderstorm until the skies clear. That's because, while dishwashers themselves are typically well-insulated, the electrical systems that power them are still vulnerable during lightning storms. Even one direct or just nearby lightning strike can surge through power lines and fry your appliance. Worse, it could potentially cause a fire. All plugged-in devices can be at risk, but it's dishwashers that combine both electricity and water — two elements that make the risk particularly potent during a storm.

It's not just about protecting all your kitchen gear. In some cases, lightning has been known to travel through plumbing systems, too. In that case, any activity involving water should be off the table until the storm passes. That includes your morning shower, doing a load of laundry, or rinsing dishes in the sink — all common household activities to avoid at all costs during a thunderstorm. Doing so not only safeguards your home, but also helps keep you and your loved ones out of harm's way should a thunderstorm threaten the skies above your house.

Beyond the electrical hazards that come with using your dishwasher during a thunderstorm, such storms can also bring unexpected interruptions mid-cycle, forcing you to subsequently rewash everything that's inside of it anyway. Indeed, power outages during a load can stop your dishwasher's cycle in its tracks, leaving dishes soapy or half-rinsed and water pooling at the bottom of the unit. Even more concerning is the potential for water backflow from heavy rainfall. That's an issue that can be compounded if your home's storm readiness isn't up to par. That's why it's worth brushing up on ways to prepare for a severe summer storm, especially if you live in an area prone to lightning-heavy systems. For example, consider adding a surge protector and backflow prevention device to your dishwasher.

So what should you do if you're trying to stay productive while the rain's coming down? First and foremost, resist the temptation to hand wash dishes during the storm. Lightning can travel through the water pipes and into your home's faucet, posing a threat even if you're not directly using electric appliances. Even if you're pressed for time and absolutely need to get through that pile in the sink, wait until the storm has fully passed, and get a different chore done in the meantime. Trust us, your dishes and your electrical system will thank you for it.