The Importance of Setting the Right Hot Water System Temperature

Whether you own a home, rent it out, or host guests through platforms like Airbnb, maintaining the correct hot water system temperature is crucial for safety and compliance with regulations. This blog post delves into why setting your hot water system to the appropriate temperature is essential, especially in rental properties, and what could happen if this aspect is neglected.

Optimal Hot Water System Temperature

The recommended setting for hot water systems in residential properties is 50 degrees Celsius. This temperature is hot enough for household needs such as cleaning and bathing, yet it significantly reduces the risk of scalding accidents.

For property owners renting out units or hosting guests in spaces like Airbnb, it is not just advisable but necessary to ensure the hot water does not exceed 50 degrees Celsius. This safeguard is especially critical if you are accommodating families with young children or elderly guests who are more vulnerable to severe burns from hotter temperatures.

Why 50 Degrees Celsius?

Setting the hot water system at 50 degrees Celsius strikes a balance between ensuring effective bacterial control in the water supply and minimizing the risk of scalding:

• Safety Against Scalds: At 70 degrees Celsius, water can cause third-degree burns in just about 5 seconds. However, at 50 degrees, the same level of injury would take 5 minutes, providing a critical reaction time to prevent an accident.
• Energy Efficiency: Apart from safety, setting your water heater to 50 degrees can also help in reducing energy consumption compared to maintaining a higher temperature.

Legal and Liability Concerns

Recently an unfortunate incident occurred where a child was scalded at an Airbnb, where the hot water was mistakenly set to 70 degrees Celsius, highlighting the severe implications of overlooking this safety feature. The child’s family is now pursuing legal action against the hosts, which underscores the potential legal and financial repercussions that can arise from non-compliance.

Property owners and hosts must understand that they are responsible for ensuring all aspects of their rental unit are safe for inhabitants. Failing to meet safety standards not only puts guests at risk but also exposes the host to lawsuits and significant financial liabilities.

Implementing Safe Hot Water Practices

Here are steps property owners can take to ensure their hot water systems are safe and compliant:

1. Regular Checks: Regularly verify the temperature settings on your water heating system. It’s advisable to do this particularly before welcoming new tenants or Airbnb guests.
2. Professional Installation and Maintenance: Have your hot water system installed and periodically checked by a professional. This ensures that all components are functioning correctly and maintaining the set temperature.
3. Install Thermostatic Mixing Valves: For added safety, consider installing thermostatic mixing valves which mix hot and cold water to a pre-set temperature before it reaches the tap, further reducing the risk of scalding.

Conclusion

Setting your hot water system to the right temperature is a straightforward yet critical aspect of property management that significantly impacts safety and compliance. Whether you manage a residential property or a short-term rental, prioritising this can help prevent accidents and avoid potential legal issues.

Ensure your property is safe and compliant. For professional advice and services related to hot water systems, contact Wild Water Plumbing today at or visit our website. Our expert team can help you with installation, maintenance, and compliance checks to keep your tenants safe and your operations smooth.