Plumbers point out that if you shower while the washing machine is running, you are driving up your electricity bills

Washing your clothes while taking a shower might seem like a clever way to kill two birds with one stone—but is it a good idea? Professional plumbers advise against doing both at the same time, and spoke with Huffington Post about why.

Advice from a professional

Depending on how your plumbing system is set up, your washing machine and shower may share the same water supply lines, according to NVO Akseleratorius. This is especially common in homes with water heaters that hold between 110 and 150 liters, which can quickly run out when multiple appliances are in use, explains plumber and specialist Alex Atkinson.

If the water heater is too small or the system doesn’t regulate pressure well, you’ll feel it in the shower: the water may turn cold, pressure may drop, and the flow can become inconsistent.

“If this happens often, you should consider upgrading to a larger water heater or switching to a tankless system,” plumbers recommend. “You could also install a thermostatic mixer or a pressure-balancing valve in the showerhead. These help maintain stable temperature and pressure, even when other taps in the house are running.”

If your washing machine uses warm or hot water, it’s likely drawing from the same source as your shower. This can cause a noticeable drop in both water pressure and temperature. There’s also a financial impact. From an energy-saving perspective, the water heater will struggle to supply two outlets at once, operating less efficiently and potentially shortening its lifespan over time.

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