Boiling tap water! Turning on the tap for a daytime shower can feel like your skin is cooking. Thairath Online compiles five tricks to fix hot water caused by sun-exposed pipes, along with health warnings Thai people should not ignore.
During Thailand's hot season, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius, many households face the problem of "extremely hot tap water," especially between 11:00 and 15:00. The main cause is water pipes (especially PVC pipes) or water tanks placed outdoors. When these materials are exposed to direct sunlight for long periods, the water temperature inside the pipes can rise to 50-60 degrees Celsius. Such heat is equivalent to very hot water that can irritate or burn the skin immediately upon contact.
Did you know? Forcing yourself to bathe in very hot water during hot weather can harm your health more than you realize. Information from the Department of Health and medical experts states that when the outside temperature is very high, our body temperature rises accordingly. If you enter your home and immediately pour extremely hot tap water on yourself, your body cannot dissipate heat properly, increasing the risk of heatstroke. Furthermore, if the water temperature suddenly differs greatly from body temperature, it can cause abnormal contraction and dilation of blood vessels, which is especially dangerous for patients with heart disease and blood pressure issues.
For safety and to restore freshness to daytime showers, we have gathered practical tips from real experience and plumbing experts as follows.
Most of the scalding hot water is "stagnant water" that has been directly heated by the sun. The easiest immediate fix is to open the tap or shower for about 1-3 minutes to flush out this overheated water. When fresh water from underground pipes or the bottom of the tank flows in, the water temperature will gradually drop to a comfortable level for bathing. (It is recommended to collect the hot stagnant water in a bucket for washing clothes or cleaning to save resources.)
This popular online trick really works! If you know you will bathe during the day, fill a bucket with tap water and leave it in the bathroom from the morning so the room temperature can cool it down. If you want a truly cold shower, put a plastic bottle filled with frozen water (made into a large ice block) into the bucket about 10 minutes before bathing. This method instantly cools the water without the expense of installing a cooling system.
For homes with water tanks exposed to sunlight, plumbers recommend changing water storage habits by "closing the tank inlet valve during the day" to prevent new water from being heated by the sun. Then open the valve at night or during cooler hours. This approach noticeably lowers the tank water temperature by the next morning.
For a long-term fix, letting PVC pipes be exposed to direct sun causes them to become brittle and the water to get extremely hot. It is recommended to buy air conditioner pipe insulation (black foam pipe wrap) or UV-resistant tape to cover the exposed water pipes outside the house. This effectively blocks heat transfer to the water and also extends the lifespan of the pipes.
The water tank is the heart of the home’s water system. If the tank is exposed to the sun, the entire house’s water will be hot. A sustainable solution is to build a roof canopy, install wood slats for shade, or use a budget-friendly method popular online: buying a "sunshade tarp tent" to cover the water tank. Creating shade breaks the heat buildup cycle decisively.
The problem of hot tap water during the day is a common nuisance that may also pose health risks. Simple behavior changes, like collecting water to discard hot water, using ice to lower temperature, and insulating pipes can help you get through this hot season feeling cool and comfortable.