Hot Water Safety
Protect Against Burns
Infants, children, and the elderly are especially vulnerable to burns when exposed to overly hot water. Find out what you can do to prevent injuries.
Hot water scalds can occur quickly when bath or shower water temperatures are too high.
To avoid burn hazards, be sure to
- Make sure your water heater is set to a safe temperature for home use. Use the industry chart below to provide guidance to avoid scalding.
- Check the water temperature before placing a child in the bathtub.
- Never leave a child alone or with other young children in the bathtub.
Table of Hot Water Scalding Temperatures and Times:
| Water Temperature Setting | Exposure Time | Effects of Exposure to Hot Water at High Temperatures |
| Water at 100 degF or below | See safety note | Most water heaters are unlikely to scald an adult occupant |
| Water at 120 degF | 5 minutes | 2nd & 3rd degree burns on adult skin |
| Water at 130 degF | 30 seconds | 2nd & 3rd degree burns on adult skin |
| Water at 140 degF | 5 seconds | 2nd & 3rd degree burns on adult skin |
| Water at 150 degF | 1.5 seconds | 2nd & 3rd degree burns on adult skin |
| Water at 160 degF | .5 second | 2nd & 3rd degree burns on adult skin |
Safety note: Great care must be taken when exposing infants or children to warm or hot water as they can be badly burned quickly and at shorter exposure times.
