Muscat: As summer temperatures rise, many residents across Oman face an uncomfortable daily problem, which is the extremely hot water flowing from household taps. It makes routine tasks such as bathing and washing difficult.
Water stored in overhead tanks and distributed through public networks often becomes unbearably hot during peak daytime heat, forcing households to run taps for long periods before reaching a usable temperature, leading to significant water wastage.
A resident from the Wilayat of Bausher, Abu Sultan, said the issue disrupts everyday life, particularly during the day when temperatures peak.
“When taking a shower or washing dishes, the water is uncomfortably hot. We try using water early in the morning or late at night, but that doesn’t always solve the problem,” he said.
He added that while some residents attempt to reduce the impact by shading water tanks, the problem persists due to heat building up in exposed pipes.
Meanwhile, Said Al Ghafri clarified a common misconception, noting that many people wrongly assume water tanks are the main source of the problem. He explained that most modern tanks are designed with multiple protective layers that help reduce heat absorption.
According to him, the real cause lies in the external water pipes exposed to direct sunlight, where water is heated while travelling from the tank into the home.
Some households, he noted, try installing cooling devices on tanks, believing this will solve the issue, but the results are limited if the piping remains exposed.
Al Ghafri recommended simple, practical solutions, including insulating or covering exposed pipes to prevent direct sunlight from heating the water.
He also suggested increasing natural shading by planting trees and shrubs around homes, which can help reduce direct sun exposure on external plumbing.
He further stressed the importance of regular maintenance of household water systems, including routine inspection of pipes and tanks to detect leaks or damage that could worsen heat retention and lead to unnecessary water loss.
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