The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Hot water scalds are nearly 100 per cent preventable in the home. All you need to do to reduce the risk is lower the temperature of your water heater and follow a few common sense safety tips. Most water heaters are preset at 60 C (140 F). At this temperature, third-degree burns can occur in about six seconds. Some older models are set at a dangerously high 65 C (150 F). If this is the case in your home, turn down the heater to 54 C (130 F) as a safety precaution. It takes 30 seconds for third-degree burns to occur at this setting. You can easily check the temperature of your hot water. Just let the tap run for two minutes, fill a mug with water and then test the temperature with a candy thermometer. A dishwasher can complicate matters because most manufacturers recommend a higher water temperature setting. A temperature-boost option will allow you to lower the setting of your water heater without compromising the dishwasher's performance. A lower water heater temperature setting will also save energy and money and will not affect most other household needs. But keep in mind that there is a risk of bacteria setting into the water tank if the temperature is set below 54 C (130F). As for safety tips, always test the water temperature before you allow your child to get in the tub. And teach young children that they must not touch the hot water tap. In the kitchen, make it a habit to turn pot handles toward the centre of the stove. Lastly, do not carry or hold young children while you drink a hot beverage.
