Muscat: During the summer season, people often suffer from excessively high water temperatures. Water from overhead tanks and public networks becomes unbearable. This common issue forces water users to waste the accumulated hot water in pipes to obtain water at a bearable temperature.
Abu Sultan, a resident of the Wilayat of Bausher, shared his experience, stating that the high water temperature makes daily tasks challenging. “When taking a shower or washing dishes, the water is uncomfortably hot, especially during daylight hours. We try to use water early in the morning or late at night, but this is not always a solution,” he said.
Abu Sultan mentioned that despite trying various methods to mitigate the problem, such as making shades to protect the tanks from the sun, there were no best results due to the hot water in the pipes.
Said al Ghafri clarified that many people mistakenly believe that the primary cause of hot water is the exposure of water tanks to direct sunlight. He explained that water tanks typically have three layers of protection. The main reason for the hot water is the exposure of pipes to direct sunlight, not the tanks themselves.
Al Ghafri noted that some individuals attempt to install cooling devices on water tanks, thinking this will solve the issue.
However, the real problem lies in the pipes running from the tank to various parts of the house. Sunlight heats the water in these exposed pipes, while the water inside the tank remains relatively cool.
Al Ghafri suggested practical solutions to address this problem.
Covering exposed pipes
A simple and cost-effective solution is to cover the exposed pipes to prevent them from heating up in direct sunlight. This method helps maintain cooler water temperatures in the pipes, reducing the need for waste water.
Planting trees and plants: Another effective solution is to plant trees and shrubs around the house. These plants provide a natural shade, protecting external pipes and tanks from direct sunlight, which helps keep the water cool.
Al Ghafri emphasised the importance of regular maintenance of pipes and tanks to ensure there are no leaks or damages that could affect water temperature. Periodic checks can help maintain the efficiency of the system and prevent unnecessary water wastage.
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