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Beating the Heat - Tap Water Scalds

Common sense and awareness of potential hazards help home owners prevent scald burns and other accidents.

Every year thousands of patients are admitted to emergency rooms with tap water scalds. The Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association recommends that the full-on hot water temperature at the water heater be set between 120 degrees F and 125 degrees F. At that temperature it requires four minutes to scald, and the burn is easier to recover from.