What Is A Safe Temperature For My Water Heater?

Do you have small children in your home? Or maybe an elderly mom or dad
that has recently moved in?

While you may not think twice about the temperature of your water –
you simply adjust it and wait for it to be comfortable for you –
small children and elderly persons don’t have the reflexes you do.
They may “forget” to test the water first. Or simply not register
its heat until its too late. Instead of allowing this to happen, take
charge and adjust the water temperature before it happens.

Getting To Know Your Water Heater Temperature

The temperature of the water coming out of the water heater is under your
control. All water heaters have a temperature control valve to allow you
to adjust the temperature. You can set the temperature for as hot or as
cool as you want it. And while there is no ideal temperature for everyone,
there are suggestions, especially if you have elderly or the very young
under your roof.

Dangerous Temperatures for Water Heaters

Your water heater should not be set any higher than 125 degrees. This may
seem too low to you – but there is a logical reason behind this
number. Any higher than 125 degrees can cause serious burns, especially
to children and the elderly. If a child puts his hand under water that
is hotter than 125 degrees, he can quickly be burned – even in just
a matter of seconds. At 125 degrees, it will take several minutes of running
hot water over his hand to cause a burn.

Keep Little Hands Safe From Burns!

You can make your hot water temperature even safer by setting the temperature
at 120 degrees. This will still provide water hot enough for cooking,
cleaning and bathing – and yes, 120 degrees is plenty hot enough
to help eliminate germs – but it will also provide extra protection
for little ones and senior citizens. At 120 degrees, a child would have
to run the hot water over his hand for at least ten minutes before he
would be burned.

Now that you know the ideal temperature range for your water heater –
120 to 125 degrees – you can make the necessary adjustments to ensure
the safety of you and your loved ones.

Are you still concerned your water heater may need servicing, or is too hot? If so, call Quality First Service Group! We will send a water heater expert to your door, whether you live in the Denver Metro, Castle Rock, or anywhere in between!