How to regulate the temperature of hot water outlets in your home

Changes to the building regulations are expected to come in to force in 2006, which will propose to regulate the temperature of hot water at outlets in domestic bathrooms.

The regulation will cover new homes and renovation work. This is a result of mounting pressure to ensure that taps are fitted with a device to control the temperature of the water coming out of showers and hot-water taps to baths and basins to prevent scalding.

Phil Hope, the Government Minister directly responsible for the regulations, said: “Safe water temperatures are essential since most accidents occur with the young, elderly or infirm.” He raised particular concern about the temperature of bath waters being too hot.

Why does temperature need to be regulated?

For safety reasons. There are 570 cases of serious bath-time scalding every year and around 20 deaths. Almost three-quarters of fatalities from scalding happen to people aged 65 or over. Also more than three-quarters of children less than five years of age suffer severe scalds.

Why not just turn down the storage temperature?

Water has to be stored at above 60 degrees to kill off legionella bacteria.

What is the solution?

The solution would be to fit a thermostatic mixing valve (TMV). Dr Howard Porter, of The Thermostatic Mixing Valve Manufacturers Association (TMVA), says: “The new valves provide a solution by mixing hot water, (stored at a temperature high enough to kill legionella), with cold water to ensure constant and safe outlet temperatures to prevent scalding.”

For further information, visit our Thermostatic Mixing Valve page or call Call us on 0800 195 1269.