MYTH: Prevent scalding by lowering your domestic hot water temperature to 120 degrees at the tap.
While that may prevent hot water burns, it causes another problem that puts your family at risk. Temperatures lower than 140 degrees facilitate the growth of legionella bacteria. This is a deadly bacteria that is has been known to thrive in hot water heaters. It can be inhaled into the lungs through your in-home water supply, eventually leading to pneumonia.
The thermostat on your hot water heater does not have a temperature dial, but rather cold and hot dials; therefore, specific temperatures cannot be set. Turning down that dial on your hot water heater not only encourages bacteria growth, but also may result in a shortage of hot water.
The most effective solution to this problem would be to apply a thermostatic mixing valve. This inexpensive piece of equipment can be installed on your hot water tank to combat both sides of the problem. It is designed to keep the tank at a high enough temperature to prevent bacteria growth, while keeping the water coming out of your faucets at a safe temperature to prevent scalding.
To learn more on legionella, see "Legionella in Your Home."
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