Most home water heaters are set at 140°F to provide sufficient hot water and prevent the growth of Legionella and other harmful bacteria. At this temperature it only takes five seconds to cause a third degree burn. Children and the elderly have a thinner outer skin, so it takes half as long as adults to cause serious injury.

Fortunately, tap water scalding accidents are 100% preventable! When you have a thermostatic mixing valve installed in your home, you can maintain water temperatures sufficiently high to prevent Legionella, and also limit tap and bath water temperatures to prevent scalding.