The CPSC (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission) estimates each year, approximately 3,800 injuries and 34 deaths occur in the home due to scalding from excessively hot tap water. Most of these accidents involve the elderly and children under the age of five. The CPSC suggests all users to lower their water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is to prevent these accidents. This decrease in temperature can conserve energy and save money also.
Many adults can suffer a third - degree burns if exposed to 150 degree water for about two seconds. At 140 degrees it will take about six-seconds of exposure. At 130 degrees about thirty seconds of exposure will cause a burn. Even if the temperature is 120 degrees, a five minute exposure could result in third-degree burns.
Here is the dilemma-
A residential dishwasher needs 140-160°F (60-70°C) degrees for proper cleaning.
Most licensed plumbers know you need about 160°F (70°C) water for washing and 180°F for sterilization in lieu of chemicals. Water below 125°F (52°C) can allow germs to grow inside the hot water tank (you want an incubator?).
One solution to the temperature dilemma is to use a quality mixing valve to allow hot water (160°F to 180°F) to go to the dish washer and laundry machines that will kill germs and use these tempering valves to control the temperature of the water after these devices to go throughout the system.
At the shower body or faucet you can add such safety devices called pressure/temperature regulating/valves, Temperature Actuated Mixing Valves or balancing valves etc.
All of these devices will help protect you from being scalded when someone else flushes a toilet or runs the sink and the pressure drops.
The same when the hot water is used say in a dish washer this sudden drop in temperature or pressure will not shock someone in a shower.
Contact your local licensed plumber and he will help you with a design to fit your needs.
Wenatchee Home Inspections- In Hot Water
NCW Home Inspections, LLC is located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Kittitas County, Douglas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington.
NCW Home Inspections LLC-509-670-9572
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