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When the toilet is flushed or the kitchen faucet is turned on, it can cause large fluctuations in the temperature of your shower. If you’ve experienced this before, you know the feeling isn’t pleasant. According to the American Burn Association, approximately 24,000 children are taken to the emergency room each year for scalding-related injuries. Anti-scald devices have been around for over 50 years, but they seldom have been included in residential plumbing codes. Many contractors haven’t had experience installing the devices, so they have been largely ignored.
Temperatures of 120 degrees Fahrenheit can burn somebody with five minutes of exposure. While this seems rather unlikely, skin that is exposed to water temperatures of 140 degrees can burn adults within five seconds of exposure and children within just three seconds of exposure. Water heater temperatures are sometimes set at 140 degrees or higher.
Anyone can be a victim of burns from scalding hot water in the home. Infants, young children, older adults, and those with disabilities are more likely to be a victim of scalds. Men are twice as likely as women. Slipping or falling injuries may also occur when a person who is exposed to scalding hot water moves quickly to escape the stream. To prevent such injuries, take a look at some water heating tips for your home.
Plumbing codes are quickly changing around the U.S. to include requirements for anti-scald devices or valves. Since anti-scald valves are generally inexpensive, you may look to make the upgrade to your shower room before you or your family becomes a scalding victim. Otherwise, you can adjust the temperature on your water heater to prevent the water temperatures from exceeding 120 degrees.
For more information about anti-scalding devices or other HVAC-related inquiries, please contact us at Pipe Works Services We have been serving Morris, Union, Somerset, and Essex counties since 2000.
