How-To Guides · Safety
Prevent Hot Water Burns: Check Your Water Heater Temperature
Hot tap water can burn faster than you'd think, and young kids and older adults are hurt most. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says one setting can prevent most of it. One hundred twenty degrees.
1. How Fast Water Burns
At one hundred fifty degrees, water can cause a serious burn in about two seconds. At one forty, about six seconds. At one thirty, thirty seconds. At one twenty, it takes around five minutes.
2. Step 1: Test Your Water
First thing in the morning, before anyone uses hot water, run the hot tap, and hold a cooking thermometer in the stream. That's your real temperature.
3. Step 2: Turn It Down
If it's above one twenty, lower it. With a gas water heater, call your gas company for instructions. With electric, follow the water heater's manual, or call your electric company. Some do it for free. In an apartment, ask the building manager.
4. Step 3: Check Again
Wait a few hours, and test again with the thermometer, to make sure it worked.
5. Bonus
Lower settings also save energy, and money. And always test bath water before a child gets in.
Tools that make this easier
Simple Google Sheets + Excel tools from WiscHaven. Buy once, no subscription.
Sources
Checked against the official sources above. Steps can change as apps update - tell us if something looks different: wischavenindustries@gmail.com