What Is Scalding Water? Hot Water Scalding Risks and Prevention
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Scalding is a second-degree burn to the skin or flesh caused by moist heat and is a much deeper burn than one from dry heat. Tap water scald injuries are the second most common cause of serious burn injuries in all age groups. Many of the scalding incidents are a result of household water heaters being set at temperatures above 120 degrees F. According to the US Department of Energy, a temperature of 120 degrees at the tap is adequate for most household chores with a minimal danger of scalding and maximal energy efficiency.
Water Temperatures and Time to Scald
Water temperature can affect how quickly skin is injured, especially at higher temperatures. The chart below from the American Burn Association shows the estimated time it may take for a third-degree burn to occur at different water temperatures.
Water Temperature | Celsius | Time for a Third-Degree Burn to Occur |
|---|---|---|
155°F | 68°C | 1 second |
148°F | 64°C | 2 seconds |
140°F | 60°C | 5 seconds |
133°F | 56°C | 15 seconds |
127°F | 52°C | 1 minute |
124°F | 51°C | 3 minutes |
120°F | 48°C | 5 minutes |
100°F | 37°C | Safe temperature for bathing |
Common Causes of Scalding Around the Home
Daily activities in the kitchen, bathroom, and dining rooms can bring the risks of scalds. Some of the most common causes include:
Hot Beverages & Food: Burns commonly happen when coffee, tea, soup, or hot chocolate spills, especially if children pull down mugs or are near adults carrying hot liquids.
Cooking Incidents: Serious burns can result from boiling pasta water, hot oil, or food splattering from pans while cooking on the stove.
Tap Water: Bathwater or faucet water that is too hot can lead to severe burns, particularly when the water heater is set higher than 120°F (49°C).
Steam: Steam released from kettles, microwaved foods, or freshly cooked vegetables can burn skin quickly and severely.
Microwave Heating: Foods and liquids heated in a microwave may suddenly erupt or release very hot steam.
Ways to prevent hot water scalding incidents:
Reduce water temperature. Children’s skin burns at lower temperatures and more deeply than that of older children and adults.
Set your water heater thermostat at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are not comfortable adjusting the water heater thermostat, contact your plumber.
Test the bathwater with your wrist or elbow before placing your child in it.
Consider installing anti-scald devices on water faucets and showerheads that turn off the water if the temperature is too hot.
Passive devices, such as thermostatic mixing valves, can also prevent scald injuries from occurring. Contact your Plumber for more information regarding these devices.
How to Lower Water Heater Temperature
Lowering your water heater temperature can reduce scalding risk and may also improve energy efficiency. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting most water heaters to 120°F, though households with specific health or appliance needs may want to consult a plumber first.
Steps to lower the water heater temperature:
Check the current temperature. Run hot water at a faucet for a few minutes, then measure it with a thermometer.
Turn off power before adjusting an electric water heater. Switch off the breaker to the water heater before opening any access panels.
Find the thermostat. Gas water heaters usually have a temperature dial near the gas valve. Electric water heaters typically have one or two thermostats behind access panels.
Adjust the setting to 120°F. For electric models, use a screwdriver to adjust the thermostat; if there are upper and lower thermostats, set both to the same temperature. For gas models, turn the dial down to the desired setting.
Restore power and wait. Turn the power back on, then wait a few hours for the water temperature to stabilize.
Retest the water temperature. Measure the hot water again at a faucet and make small adjustments if needed.
For safety, avoid setting the temperature too low, and consider calling a licensed plumber if the water remains too hot, the controls are unclear, or the unit is older or difficult to access.
Keep in mind that by lowering the temperature even a little can bring you big savings … from 3% to 5% if you adjust your temperatures from 130 degrees F down to 120 degrees F. Also if you are going on vacation, turn off the power to your water heater and save even more energy – and money!
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