Hot water temperature code, laws & regulations listed by authority, country, state or province.

Tables of laws regulating hot water temperatures to avoid scalding burns & to prevent Legionnaires bacteria formation in water heater tanks.

BODY OVERHEATING HAZARDS are discussed here.

Most other countries provide a single hot water temperature limit for water provided at plumbing fixtures and a separate hot water maintenance level for temperatures within the water heater itself.

Hot Water Anti-Scald Limits: Laws & Regulations

This article gives the allowable limits set on hot water temperatures for hot water used in buildings and compares regulations in various countries. For the U.S. we also include code citations and temperature limits by individual U.S. state.

What is the maximum hot water temperature that shall be delivered at the point of use? What hot water temperatures shall be maintained inside the water heater itself? Comparison of water temperature laws by country and by U.S. state.

Also use your browser's on-page search function [ Ctrl-F ] to search for a country or U.S. state in the data below.

• UNITED STATES 

AK  -  AL  -  AR  -  AZ  -  CA  -  CO  -  CT  -  DC  -  DE  -  FL  -  GA  -  HI  -  IA  -  ID  -  IL  -  IN  -  KS  -  KY  -  LA  -  MA  -  MD  -  ME  -  MI  -  MN  -  MO  -  MS  -  MT  -  NC  -  ND  -  NE  -  NH  -  NM  -  NV  -  NJ  -  NY  -  OH  -  OK  -  OR  -  PA  -  RI  -  SC  -  SD  -  TN  -  TX  -  UT  -  VA  -  VT  -  WA  -  WI  -  WV  -  WY

• AUSTRALIA Plumbing & Anti-Scald Codes
• CANADA Plumbing & Anti-Scald Codes
• FRANCE Plumbing & Anti-Scald Codes
• GERMANY Plumbing & Anti-Scald Codes
• HONG KONG Plumbing & Hot Water Anti Scald Laws
• INDONESIA Plumbing & Hot Water Anti-Scald Codes
• JAPAN Plumbing & Hot Water Scald Protection Regulations
• MEXICO Plumbing & Hot Water Anti Scald Regulations
• NETHERLANDS Plumbing & Anti-Scald Codes
• NEW ZEALAND Plumbing & Anti-Scald Codes
• UNITED KINGDOM Plumbing & Anti-Scald Code

• BODY OVERHEATING HAZARDS
• Legionella BACTERIA in WATER HEATERS

Notes to the table above

U.S. Federal Regulations on Hot Water Scald Protection

According to Domestic Hot Water Scald Burn Lawsuits... D. Bynum et als., there are three different federal standards for limits on safe hot water temperatures

1. 110 degF Max: U.S. Dept. Health & Human Services, Guidelines for Construction & Equipment of Hospital & Medical Facilities, HRP - 0905974, JUL84, avail. from NTIS, p48: “Hot water for showers and bathing facilities shall be at an appropriate temperature for comfortable use but shall not exceed 49°C (120°F) (see Table 4).” Table 4 gives temp in °F as 100 clinical (include shower), 120 dietary, 160 laundry.

2. 105°F Max UFAS (Uniform Federal Accessibility Standard), 105°F max by automatically controlled tempered water flow, 1988 edition, and ADA (American with Disabilities Act).

3. 100–120°F ACA (American Correctional Association), 100 to 120°F max automatically controlled for prison showers, "Adult Correctional Institutions, 3rd Ed. 1990"

Additional anti-scald protection regulation details:

See TABLE of ANTI-SCALD REGULATIONS for country by country and within the U.S. state by state codes, regulations or laws regulating hot water temperatures at the water heater tank, cylinder or geyser and at the point of use bath, shower, sink, etc.

Table of Countries, States or Provinces Adopting Specific Anti-Scald Laws & Regulations

Notes to the table above

More resources for U.S. Anti-Scald laws

• ASSE, Association Society of Sanitary Engineering, 18927 Hickory Creek Drive, Suite 220 Mokena, Illinois 60448 USA Telephone: (708) 995-3019, International association developing standards and certifying individuals. Also see IAPMO.
  ASSE International White Papers
• Recommended Installation Practices for Residential Storage Type Water Heaters to Reduce the Danger of Scalds http://www.asse-plumbing.org/media/20167/residential_storage_type_water_heaters_white_paper.pdf
• Guidelines for Temperature Control Devices in Domestic Hot Water Systems http://www.asse-plumbing.org/media/5216/asse_guidelines_for_temp_control_devices.pdf
• Adjustment of Automatic Compensating Valves to Prevent Potential Scald Hazards http://www.asse-plumbing.org/media/5215/asse_compensating_valves.pdf
• Understanding Potential Water Heater Scald Hazards http://www.asse-plumbing.org/media/5213/asse_water_heater_scald_hazards.pdf
• Scald Hazards Associated with Low-Flow Showerheads http://www.asse-plumbing.org/media/5214/asse_low_flow_showerheads.pdf

...

Australia hot water anti-scald Codes & Regulations

Australia's National Plumbing Code AS3500 requires that hot water is stored at a temperature above 60C (140F) and that hot water delivery temperature (at the plumbing fixture) shall not be above 50°C (122°F). The higher storage considers the effort to reduce the risk of Legionella bacteria formation in the system.

More information on Australian anti-scald laws

• Australian Hot Water Co., e/550 Blaxland Rd., Eastwood, NSW and other locations in Sydney - Website: https://australianhotwater.com.au/hot-water-safety/ Tel: 1 300 132 113

...

Notes to Canadian Anti-Scald Laws

Notes: proposed change to Canadian plumbing code will specify that water temperature shall not exceed 120°F (49°C) and that water heater temperatures shall not be set so low as to permit growth of Legionella bacteria.

...

France: hot water and anti-scald Codes & Regulations

Notes to Anti Scald Regulations for France

• Proposed regulation: hot water stored at at least 60C (140F) and delivered at or below 50C (120F). See the French National Standards Organization AFNOR (website www.afnor.fr) and see the French National Testing Authority (CSTB) (www.cstb.fr).

...

Netherlands hot water laws

References: www.kiwa.ni provides information on steps to prevent growth of Legionella bacteria in hot water systems.

...

GERMANY Plumbing & Anti-Scald Codes

Notes to The Anti Scald Regulations for Germany

• "Federal German Laws and Regulations", http://www.berlin-klimaschutz.de/en/climate-protection-berlin/federal-german-laws-and-regulations
• "German Landlord-Tenant Law", Kaiserslautern Legal Services Center Legal Assistance Information, retrieved 3/21/2014, original source: http://www.ramstein.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-130109-017.pdf

...

HONG KONG Plumbing & Hot Water Anti Scald Laws

• Hong Kong Waterworks Standard Requirements For Plumbing Installation in Buildings [PDF] (2017) retrieved 2019/06/21 original source: https://www.wsd.gov.hk/filemanager/en/content_1350/hkwsre.pdf
  Excerpts:
  
  Chapter 5, If mixing valves, water blenders or combination fittings are to be used, the cold water supply to these fixtures shall be drawn from the same source as is supplying the hot water apparatus in order to provide a balanced pressure and to obviate the risk of scalding should the supply at the source fail or be restricted for any reason.
  
  Chapter 6, If mixing valves, water blenders or combination fittings are to be used, the cold water supply to these fixtures shall be drawn by a separate down feed from the hot water storage cistern. This outlet shall be slightly lower than the feed to the hot water system in order to provide a balanced pressure and obviate the risk of scalding should the mains supply fail or be restricted.

...

INDONESIA Plumbing & Hot Water Anti-Scald Codes

[pending]

...

JAPAN Plumbing & Hot Water Scald Protection Regulations

[pending]

...

MEXICO Plumbing & Hot Water Anti Scald Regulations

[pending]

...

New Zealand Anti-Scald & Hot Water Cylinder Storage Codes & Regulations

Hot water temperature at the tap (bath sink, tub, shower) must be 55°C or less. New Zealand building code requires that the maximum hot water temperature at the tap shall be 45°C or less for childcare centres, schools, homes for the elderly and similar facilities.

Typical sources give the ideal hot water temperature setting for hot water cylinders in New Zealand as 60°C in order to keep water hot enough to kill bacteria inside the heater. Higher temperature settings in the cylinder are not necessary and increase water heating costs.

Watch out: 60°C is not the temperature of water that should be delivered at the tap or plumbing fixture - that temperature will cause scalding burns.

See NZS 4617:1989 Tempering (3-port mixing) valves, Date modified: 28/11/1989 regarding Tempering (3-port mixing) valves

Requirements for tempering valves for storage hot water systems particularly in domestic situations where hot water poses a hazard.

These valves are intended to prevent scalding in locations such as homes, schools, motels and residential premises, where ideally all hot water outlets should be sourced from a tempering valve. Provides for valves suitable for water inlet temperatures of up to 100 degrees C.

Notes to the New Zealand Anti-Scald Regulations above

"Hot water cylinder temperature", Econation, website: econation.com.nz, retrieved 3/21/2014, original source: http://www.econation.co.nz/hot-water-temperature.html#.Uyx6SV6MFpg The site author does not provide direct contact information.

...

United Kingdom UK hot water anti-scald Codes & Regulations

England and Wales, from 1 April 2010, revisions to Part G of the Building Regulations (Hot water supply and systems) include the requirement that baths, subject to building regulations, are fitted with a protective device (i.e. a thermostatic mixing valve) to limit the temperature of hot water. Similar regulations have been in force in Scotland since 2006. [2]

As of 1st May 2006 a new Scottish Building Regulation will require that all bath water in a domestic property must be controlled to a maximum of 48°C.

Hot Water Temperature from Sanitary Fittings

Where hot water is provided from storage, building regulations require a storage temperature of 60°C and a circulating temperature of no less than 55°C to prevent the development of Legionella or similar pathogens.
Where water is supplied at high temperature from any source, there is a danger of scalding to building users. Risk of severe injury increases proportionally with the increase in temperature and with the extent of contact.

Fittings Used for Personal Hygiene

To prevent scalding, the temperature of hot water discharged from, or to, any bath or bidet should not exceed 48oC.
Where hot and cold water are supplied to a fitting, this may be achieved by use of a thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) or fitting. Such valves or fittings should comply with BS EN 1111 or BS EN 1287.

Guidance on the installation, use and maintenance of thermostatic mixing valves and fittings can be found in BRE information Paper IP 14/03 or from the Thermostatic Mixing Valve Association (TMVA) - www.tmva.org.uk

Additional regulations may yet be pending, under study by the Building Research Establishment (BRE, www.bre.co.uk) for the Department of Transport, Local Government and REgions (DTLR). Proposed hot water storage temperature is 6°C (140°F)

Notes to the UK Anti Scald Regulations above

• "Recommended Code of Practice for Safe Water Temperatures", Thermostatic Mixing Valve Manufacturers Association (TMVA), TMVA, Westminster Tower, 3 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SL Tel: 020 7793 3008 Fax: 020 7793 9730 e-mail: tm va@beama.org.uk www.tmva.org.uk, retrieved 3/21/2014, original source: www.beama.org.uk
• The UK Department of Health Technical Memorandum 04-01, in that valves comply with the HTM 04-01 Supplement, Performance specification D 08: thermostatic mixing valves (healthcare premises)
  
• Part G of the UK Building Regulations:
  
  by verifying that valves comply with BS EN 1111 (high-pressure thermostatic mixing valves) and/or BS EN 1287: (low-pressure thermostatic mixing valves) In that valves comply with BS EN 15092 Building valves - Inline hot water supply tempering valves and all applicable requirements
  

Burn, Thermal Shock or Body Overheating Hazards in Hot Tubs, Plunge Pools & Spas

The World Health Organization (WHO) has pointed out a different set of hot water or thermal shock water temperature hazards as well as cold water thermal shock hazards. Quoting:

Body overheating can occur in natural spas and hot tubs, where water temperatures may be above 40 °C. High temperatures can cause drowsiness, which may lead to unconsciousness (especially when associated with alcohol consumption), resulting in drowning (Press, 1991; see Section 2.1).

In addition, high temperatures can lead to heat stroke and death (CPSC, undated).

The CPSC has received reports of several deaths from extremely hot water (approximately 43 °C) in hot tubs (CPSC, undated). It is recommended that water temperatures in hot tubs be kept below 40 °C.

Plunge pools present similar problems, but at the other temperature extreme. These small, deep pools generally contain water at a temperature of 8–10 °C and in conjunction with saunas or steam baths.

Adverse health outcomes that may result from the intense and sudden changes in temperature associated with the use of these pools include immediate impaired coordination, loss of control of breathing and, after some time when the core body temperature has fallen, slowed heart beat, hypothermia, muscle cramps and loss of consciousness.

In general, exposure to temperature extremes should be avoided by pregnant women, users with medical problems and young children, and prolonged immersion in hot tubs or other pools with high or low temperatures should be avoided or approached with caution. - WHO (2014)

References:

• "Guidelines for Safe Recreational Water Environments, Vol. 2, Swimming Pools & Similar Environments", World Health Organization, WHO, retrieved 3/21/2014. Original source: http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/bathing/srwe2full.pdf

Reader Question: is it legal to have showers with no hot water temperature adjustment?

I want to know if it is legal to have showers with no way to adjust the temperature of the water. I hope you are unbiased. [At our facilities] our showers only have hot water coming out. I have RSD and my legs are extremely sensitive to hot and cold, and I can't even stand the mist if I stand back from the shower spray.

Is there any law that says you have to be able to lower temps of hot water? I would think by now that there could be built in temp adjustments so there would be no handles to break. Thank you for any help you can provide.

Reply:

Thank you for the question , it helps us realize where we need to work on making our text more clear or more complete. We must emphasize that an onsite inspection by a competent investigator will certainly find conditions and clues that may not yet have been observed nor reported, so any advice by remote email is of necessity incomplete and a bit theoretical.

For example, if the water coming out of showers is hotter than recommended by various safety standards that would be improper. I'm not sure I can say what's legal since rules that pertain to various types of public shower facilities management may be different, but it seems reasonable to me that you could expect basic safety and health standards to apply. That apology made, here are some comments:

There are several types of automatic mixing valves that are designed to be installed on hot water supplies or right at bath fixtures (like a shower) that can be set to a particular temperature - as a safety device to avoid scalding. See the article above for a table of temperatures that suggest what hot water temperature is considered "too hot" or at risk of scalding someone.

In my OPINION, where manual adjustments to shower temperature are not provided, an automatic anti-scalding device should be in place and should be set to a safe temperature. The highest temperature permissible that will reliably avoid scalding is 100 degF.

So start by making some actual temperature measurements, documenting the temp range and the temp variation (if it does) at different times of the day.

Regarding your question of "is it legal" to have no shower temperature control, see the various codes and laws summarized in our table above
- Hot Water Anti-Scald Limits: Laws & Regulations

Plumbing & Safety Standards for Hot Water

There are plumbing and safety standards that may apply to shower hot water temperature regulation, such as

• ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) that might require provision of lower temperature for people with special needs. If you'll excuse a personal remark, I imagine that the judge sentencing you to time did not include scalding or hot water burning as part of his/her decision. However from what I've read, ADA addresses controls that can be operated by people with disabilities, not temperature directly.
• ANSI/ASME A112.1016-2011/ASSE 1016-2011/CSA B125.16-11 Performance Requirements for Automatic Compensating Valves for Individual Showers and Tub/Shower Combinations addresses temperature control requirements [12]
• Arizona: DEPARTMENT ORDER 401-PRISON CONSTRUCTION CHAPTER: 401T-PPS ADC Administrative Services, Physical Plant Standards Rev. 02/23/12 [PDF], 105°F adjustable from 100°F to 120°F for sinks, lavatories and showers.
• Arizona: Maricopa County, Hot Water Supply Code [PDF] Temperatures above 120°F are considered a scald hazard.
• ASSE, UNDERSTANDING POTENTIAL WATER HEATER SCALD HAZARDS, [PDF] (2012) American Society of Sanitary Engineering Scald Awareness Task Group, ASSE International Office - 901 Canterbury Road, Suite A - Westlake, Ohio 44145 USA Tel: 440.835.3040 Web Site: http://www.asse-plumbing.org
  Excerpt:
  
  This White Paper focuses on one aspect of the hot water delivery system: the thermostat setting at the water heater. Improper design and use of hot water delivery systems can lead to scalding and other health and safety related effects.
  
  There is a general misconception that the water heater thermostatic control is capable of delivering a constant, safe water temperature. Temperatures at the point of use over 120 degrees F (49 degrees C) are considered a hazard.
  
  Without further temperature controlling downstream of the outlet of the water heater, the potential to experience dangerous scalding water temperatures at the point of use increases greatly.
  
  There are confirmed instances of health hazards when storing domestic hot water for human use and/or contact at temperatures known to sustain growth of harmful bacteria. The storage temperature in a tank type water heater should be at least 135 to 140 degrees F (57 to 60 degrees C) to minimize the growth of harmful bacteria normally present in the water.
• California: anti-scald devices are required by the CA 2007 PLUMBING CODE, Chapter 4, section 418.0 Shower and Tub Combination Control Valves
• In the U.S. & Canada several companies, including Bradly Corporation, provide bath temperature controls that comply with standards and are "tamper resistant" that might meet the needs of your institution where there is a reason to not provide individual shower temperature controls. [11]
• Jason Renner in Hospitality Construction magazine described current ADA requirements that allows a temperature of 120F. [3]
• Uniform Plumbing Code (IAPMO / ICBO) 1994, Max 120°F.
• For details begin
  
  at HOT WATER ANTI-SCALD REGULATIONS

Please keep me posted on how things progress, What we both learn may help me help someone else.

As for your hope that our reply would be unbiased, InspectAPedia is an independent publisher of building, environmental, and forensic inspection, diagnosis, and repair information for the public - we have no business nor financial connection with any manufacturer or service provider discussed at our website.

We are dedicated to making our information as accurate, complete, useful, and unbiased as possible: we very much welcome critique, questions, or content suggestions for our web articles.

Legionella Bacteria & Legionnaires' disease hazards in hot water cylinders, geysers, water heater tanks

Watch out: attempts to avoid scalding burn hazards by lowering the maintenance temperature of the water heater itself convey a new hazard: at lower temperatures in water heaters there is a risk of formation of Legionella sp. bacteria. Regarding prevention of Legionella, cf Veterans Administration source in citations at the end of this article.

Water temperatures exceeding 124 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) (51 degrees Celsius (°C)) are necessary to prevent the rapid growth of Legionella , the causative agent of Legionella pneumonia (traditionally known as Legionnaires’ disease) in hot water systems.

Details are at Legionella BACTERIA in WATER HEATERS.

Hot Water Temperature Laws Research, Codes, Standards

• "AS/NZS 3500.2:2003 A4 Plumbing and drainage - Sanitary plumbing and drainage." Website: http://www.dbh.govt.nz
• American Society for Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Guideline 12-2000. Minimizing the Risk of Legionellosis Associated with Building Water Systems, 2000.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-care Facilities. Recommendations of CDC and the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC). Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports (MMWR) 52 (RR10):1-42; 2003. www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5210a1.htm
• Cerovac S, and Roberts AHN. Burns Sustained by Hot Bath and Shower Water. Burns 26:251-259; 2000.
• Henriques, FC. Studies of Thermal Injury; Predictability and Significance of Thermally Induced Rate Processes Leading to Irreversible Epidermal Injury. Archives of Pathology 43:489-502, 1947. NOTE: Although published several decades ago, this reference is a landmark study on thermal injury.
• Moritz AR and Henriques FC. Studies of Thermal Injury; the Relative Importance of Time and Surface Temperature in the Causation of Cutaneous Burns. American Journal of Pathology 23:695-720, 1947. NOTE [from the US VA]: Although published several decades ago, this reference is a landmark study on thermal injury.
• Stephen FR, and Murray JP. Prevention of Hot Tap Water Burns – a Comparative Study of Three Types of Automatic Mixing Valves. Burns 19(1):56-62, 1993.
• Standards for temperature controls for hot water systems
  • ASSE 1016 - Automatic Compensating Valves for Individual Showers and Tub/Shower Combinations
  • ASSE 1017 - Temperature Actuated Mixing Valves for Hot Water Distribution Systems.
  • ASSE 1062 - Temperature Actuated Flow Reduction Devices
  • ASSE 1066 - Individual Pressure Balancing Valves for Individual Fixture Fittings
  • ASSE 1069 - Automatic Temperature Control Mixing Valves
  • ASSE 1070 - Water Temperature Limiting Devices
• "Domestic Hot Water Temperature Limits for Legionella Prevention an Scald Control", VHA Directive 2009-009, (Feb 2009) [USA] Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Washington D.C. retrieved 3/21/2014, original source: http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1853
• Bynum D. et als, DOMESTIC HOT WATER SCALD BURN LAWSUITS. [PDF] D. Bynum et als., "Legislation to Prevent Scalding from Hot Water, A quick guide to English, Welsh and Scottish Regulations", retrieved 3/20/14, original source: www.showerright.co.uk
• "Hot Water System Information", Ron George Design & Consulting Services, retrieve 3/21/2014, original source: http://www.rongeorgedesign.com/Hot_Water_System_Info/Hot_Water_System_Info.htm
• "How the dual issues of scalding an Legionnaire's Disease are being handled around the world", AntiScald, Inc., 70-40 137th St., Flushing NY 11367, USA, Tel: 718-268-7126, email: information@antiscald.com retrieved 3/20/14, original source: http://www.antiscald.com/prevention/legionnaires/dual_issues.php This company is a distributor of anti-scalding products.
• "Legionella and the prevention of legionellosis", World Health Organization WHO, retrieved 3/21/2014, original source: http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/emerging/legionella.pdf
• Safe Water Ltd., Safe Water Ltd · PO Box 100 · Picton · New Zealand
  Mobile 021 800 825 · Email safewater@xtra.co.nz Website: http://www.safewater.co.nz/ distributes anti-scald safety products in New Zealand
• "Recommended Code of Practice for Safe Water Temperatures", Thermostatic Mixing Valve Manufacturers Association (TMVA), TMVA, Westminster Tower, 3 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SL Tel: 020 7793 3008 Fax: 020 7793 9730 e-mail: tmva@beama.org.uk www.tmva.org.uk, retrieved 3/21/2014, original source: www.beama.org.uk
• "Guidelines for Safe Recreational Water Environments, Vol. 2, Swimming Pools & Similar Environments", World Health Organization, WHO, retrieved 3/21/2014. Original source: http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/bathing/srwe2full.pdf

 

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Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

On 2022-06-11 by InspectApedia (mod) - please cite research to support opinion on anti-scald regulations issue

@InspectApedia ,

I want to state at the outset that because we were discussing life safety devices that are intended to avoid serious scalding burn injury, it's crucial that we distinguish between what might be your opinion or your field or anecdotal experience versus information for which you, or we together can find credible, expert research documenting your concern for a defect or problem with this type of safety product.

If we have such information we should cite it and to provide it.

We are reading and thinking about it will reply to your comments. But it would be helpful if you would start with a clarification. If the start of your comment you refer to

"these hot water anti-scalding and heat sensors in stove elements is 'inferior' product and NOT standard"

And frankly I'm not sure what device you are discussing.

Anti-scald devices are not found in stoves but rather are a plumbing fitting as I suspect you know. So perhaps we could be a little more clear and what we're discussing. And we'll take it from there.

I agree with you that it's troubling and frustrating that temperature safety controls for residential plumbing systems are

- not completely automatic and not able to handle all conditions such as seasonal water temperature variation

- are not rated for very long life

- require periodic maintenance that is in our OPINION very unlikely to be performed by a normal homeowner or even by some plumbers -see for example torque requirements and dis-assembly required for adjusting the temperature limit stop

In our OPINION litigation around scalding injuries may also have led to more-obscure language in instructions and product descriptions that can be confusing. Does a consumer know how a "pressure balancing valve" regulates hot water temperature?

But it is worth noting that there are now quite a few different temperature regulating and anti-scald or temperature control devices available for plumbing systems, that they do not all work the same way, that some are easier to adjust than others.

Please see details at

ANTI SCALD VALVES & TEMPERATURE CONTROL / MIXING VALVES - home

where various types of anti-scald devices are described, their operation explained (they do NOT operate solely by pressure but instead respond to water temperature), and where we give links to detailed instructions and installation manuals for these devices.

There we include research on the operating life and safety of these devices.

We may later move this discussion to that page.

We welcome your further comments, photos, or references to specific reports, documents etc. that offer an authoritative voice on these concerns.

On 2022-06-12 by Master Plumber - questions about anti-scald regulations in Australia

Re posted by moderator without link - link subject to review.

The reality these devices work by changes in water temperature PRESSURE. and plumbing pressure in pipes 'change' all the time. The valves automatically shut off if pressure of cold and hot water change. and due to all mechanical devices they wear out over time.

It was only mandated in 2013 in Australia and was hotly debatd in 2005. Now these devices only have warranty of 5=10 years only as all mechanical devices break down.

What you have is there is no hot water or even cold water coming out in some cases for some reason. so you have a defective faucet that needs to be replaced and not repairable because the valves are in the metal casing. of the faucet. The faucet of ball valves is basic invention and can last 30 years but these hot temperator control valves have a moving ball and like all 'moving' parts they wear out over time.

This like the new 'mandates' on electric ranges in stoves that shuts off and making appliance unusualbe for the consumer for 'safety reasons' like if

(Disallowed link withheld)

these coils shut off if the temperature is too hot but the sensor malfunctions over time or very quick and woud shut off at even low temperature as these sensors work on liquids expanding or metal expanding to shut off electricity and over time the metal loses its elasticity or expansion or more sensitive so it shuts off even on slow temperature.

The consumer would need to replace the faucet or stove element with these temperatur sensitive every 5 years as they wear out and becom unususebable even f rom the start because of 'safety' concerns by the gov't either pushed by the insurance industry but at cost of inconvenience for 99% of the people. or a lot of people or product is no longe usseable. because there are lot of senile seniors with dementia cooking food or people on drugs. or kids cooking alone at home.well it's their problem . and their risk

now because of gov't regulations and 'safety' lobbyist two home applances are now unuseable or higher breakdown and costly to replace and more garbage in the landfills. many professionals in the building industry opposed because it's not practical and its' a unuseable product

In making new code changes, one has to weigh benefits and risk of any regulation or code. What are the statistics that someone got 'burned' too hot from sink? A person can just turn off the faucet if the water is too hot. right?

So these hot water too hot feature doesn't make sense and the problem is this mechanical device breaks down and shuts off intermittenly whereby the residents can have no water coming from the bathtub for hours and only way to fix is

1. replace the faucet.

2. release the pressure by opening all the faucets in the housing plumbing and water valve release water. so the problem is the pressure changes in the pipe and pressure sensor is malfunctioning or may not even work when news and cons of these heat sensors or water temperature sensors.

These sensors are delicate and work by sensing and wear out. you have more broken faucets that cannot be repaired and cost thousands of KM or gas emissions as repairman has to drive back and forth etc. environmentally its really bad and costly like $300-500 per faucet that needs to be replaced and lots of carbon footprint. These faucets are not repairable and you have to metl more metal to manufacture new one valve these valves cost like $100 or more.

they say 'american standard' is 'standard' these hot water anti-scalding and heat sensors in stove elements is 'inferior' product and NOT standard, you have an unuseable .easy to break 'product' that that is not based on the free market'. this is the case of gov't regulations and building codes trying to fix something that is not broken, there is no problem with stove elements and ball valve faucets...

and ball valves is one of the best inventions in plumbing and was not widely installed in the 1950's as they were more expensive than the old faucet valvest that used rubber rings to shut off cold and hot water.

dont fix somethign that is not broken..same with electric cars too.. i mean..consumers will having large problems with gov't dictacting ice enginees or gov't mandate on fuel efficiency, you have engines that break more or inferiror product as a result of unreasonable hallunicongenic dreamer gov't 'mandates' or regulations. thanks for reading

On 2022-03-10 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator (mod) - Uniform Plumbing Code applies in California

@David Kennedy,

Yes.

On 2022-03-10 by David Kennedy

Does the "Uniform Plumbing Code (IAPMO / ICBO) 1994, Max 120°F." apply to apartments / Landlords in California?

On 2020-03-14 by danjoefriedman (mod)

Hot water temperature needs to be regulated but the device can be located anywhere that's effective; it does not have to be specifically at the sink.

On 2020-03-13 by Derrick Lassen

In the state of Michigan,do commercial sinks have to have a mixing valve in place for state and building codes?

On 2020-01-25 by danjoefriedman (mod) - what is the requirement to add the anti-scalding device during a renovation

Fair question WS but I'd say

1. the "requirement" to add anti-scalding during renovation is in the hands of your local building code compliance officer and building department. Some communities might require adding local anti-scald devices at any such renovation.

2. Adding anti-scalding devices or one to protect the whole building, makes plenty of sense for anybody, and when doing plumbing work that's an opportune time to do so. The risk is of course greater if

- there are elderly, infant, or other fragile people in the building
- the building's water system is delivering water at plumbing fixtures at temperatures above 120F

On 2020-01-25 by wshek@mail.com

Is there a requirement to add the anti-scalding device when the renovation only involves adding of 2 faucets?

On 2021-04-24 by danjoefriedman (mod) - water flush out procedure

@Kristina Martinez,

thank you for posting and for helping out with this;

For other readers

there is a nice water heater flush-out procedure right here at InspectApedia
at

WATER HEATER FLUSH PROCEDURE

On 2021-04-23 by Kristina Martinez

@Rachel,
Yes, could be your hot water heater has not been drained annually and could be clogged with sediment. There are youtube videos showing how to do this. If you don't have the improvement you need then you have to take it to the landlord. Good luck, renters have rights, look them up in your state.

On 2019-08-06 by (mod) - Minimum hot water temperatures to be provided: Nevada

Rachel:

Minimum hot water temperatures for plumbing fixtures in Nevada:

In the article above, at the Table of Countries, States or Provinces Adopting Specific Anti-Scald Laws & Regulations

if you click on your state code NV you'll see Nevada's requirements for hot water. Please take a look.

You'll see that the codes are focused on avoiding scalding burns by setting a MAXIMUM hot water temperature but not a minimum one.

Some cities have in addition rental or tenants' rights laws that specify minimums for hot water, heat, air conditioning, etc.

For example in Southern Nevada code compliance officers include this note:

Hot and cold running water are required at all sinks. Monitor water temperatures. The hot water supply must deliver a minimum of 120°F to ware-washing, prep and utility sinks. 5-102.13. For hand sinks the minimum water temperature is 100°F. 5-202.11. - source: "Critical Violations", Southern Nevada Health District, Tel: (702) 759-1000, Email: environmentalhealth@snhd.org, southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/ferl/inspection-violations-critical.php retrieved 2019/08/06

On 2019-08-06 by Rachel

Is there a minimum hot water temperature that renters must provide in Nevada? My water takes about 10-12 minutes to get warm and it never really gets hot.

On 2019-07-09 by (mod) - In no case should you be seeing scalding water at the showers

Skye

In no case should you be seeing scalding water at the showers, regardless of what equipment is or isn't installed. More than 120 degF is asking for an injury.

Just what temps are being produced at your pool will vary depending on lots of variables:

- how they make hot water

- distances water has to move

- number of users

- temperature of incoming water (usually it's colder in winter)

- and of course, if they had anti-scald devices installed, the settings on those

Just look for a maximum.

On 2019-07-08 by Skye

This is an excellent reference page. I use a community swimming pool that is wonderful. The showers however has no temperature control at all. And at times the water feels like it is scalding . I am going to take a Thermometer there to see how hot the water is actually.

Question-what is the maximum reasonable temperature in F for a public shower that has no water control temperature.? It is one strange that you push a button and the temperature of water comes out with no temp control. The water is already mixed with hot and cold. 120 Would Be Way too hot. 110 is still quite hot because it’s already mixed with cold. I want to take some readings over a week and report it to the director of the facility and even perhaps the state. I really appreciate it.

It will be about a week before I can test it. I doubt it’s 120 but it sure feels like it’s “scalding”.

On 2019-06-21 by (mod) -

Gail your question is answered in the article above on this page - at the start of the article where we give two-letter state codes for the United States just click on the letters for your state - that'll be VA .

On 2019-06-21 by Gail

Is there a law in Va.that regulates hot water in bath and what is it?

...

Continue reading  at TABLE OF SCALDING TEMPERATURES & TIMES or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see HOT WATER ANTI-SCALD REGULATION FAQs questions & answers posted originally at this page

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• ANTI SCALD VALVES & TEMPERATURE CONTROL / MIXING VALVES - home
• ANTI_SCALD VALVES & HOT WATER QUANTITY
• ANTI-SCALD VALVE INSPECTION
• ANTI SCALD VALVE PROTECTION, Best Practices
• ANTI SCALD VALVE at TANKLESS COIL
• ANTI-SCALD WATER TEMPERATURE CONTROL TYPES
• HOT WATER ANTI-SCALD REGULATIONS
• MANUAL ANTI-SCALD TEMPERING VALVES
• POINT of USE BUILT-IN FIXTURE ANTI-SCALD VALVES
• TABLE OF SCALDING TEMPERATURES & TIMES
• WATER HEATER SAFETY
• WATER HEATER TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT CONTROLS
• Legionella BACTERIA in WATER HEATERS

Suggested citation for this web page

HOT WATER ANTI-SCALD REGULATIONS at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to WATER HEATERS

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