How I Can Prevent Hot Water Scalding?

While throwing light on the meaning of scalding in common words, it is boiling water burn. However, it can also result from contact with steam. In other words, scalding is a second-degree burn to the human skin caused by hot water or steam. But in some cases, it can be the third degree when the skin comes in prolonged contact with hot water.

The hot water scalding is vicious and causes immense pain. In some cases, scalding can even send people into shock. Scald burns can also be fatal if a large part of the body comes in contact with hot water.

Over the years, hot water scalding has been a common issue caused by water heaters usually set at temperatures above 120 degrees. The reason is it is very difficult for homeowners to determine the optimal temperatures set on their water heaters accurately.

• Older people

• Children

• People suffering from complex medical conditions as their capacity is impaired due to medical treatment

• People with reduced capacity, mobility, or temperature sensitivity

• Individuals who cannot react quickly in order to prevent injury

Almost for every person, the first symptom of hot water scalding is sudden sharp pain. Apart from that, third-degree burns or you can say full-thickness burns damage the nerves under the skin.

First-degree Burn

First-degree burn or superficial burn is minor. It only damages part of the first layer of the skin called the epidermis. This type of burn usually happens when boiled water lightly splashes on the person while doing some work or when boiling water touches the skin. Some of the symptoms of first-degree burns are: –

• Pink or red skin

• Dry-looking skin

• Peeling as the burn heals

• Sudden pain that lasts for a few hours

Second-degree Burn

If you talk about second-degree burn, it damages the epidermis and the top part of the second layer of the skin called the dermis. It is also called partial-thickness burn. These second-degree burns are more severe than the first. This burn happens when boiling water remains on the skin for a long period of time.

Symptoms of second-degree burn:

• Blisters

• Red, pink, or white skin under blisters

• Wet, watery-looking skin

• Pain that lasts for days or weeks

Usually, this type of burn takes 2-3 weeks to heal.

Third-degree Burn

This type of burn is also called full-thickness burn, and it is the most severe type of burn. It usually penetrates all the layers of the skin. However, it can also cause serious infection and be fatal if the person doesn’t receive timely treatment.

It happens when the body is immersed in boiling water for a long time.

Some of the symptoms of third-degree burns are:

• Highly-damaged looking skin

• Signs of illness, like, fever and weakness

• No pain or pain that quickly goes away

• Grey or black areas of skin

• White, pink, or red skin

If the person has a third-degree burn, then they may require hospitalization. Moreover, they also need grafting, surgery, antibiotics, or combination.

There are many things we can do to prevent hot water scalding. However, some of these tips are in the homeowner’s hands, and some can be installed by a licensed plumber of EZ Plumbing USA.

So, let’s discuss those helpful tips: –

• Monitor your hot water temperature, and make sure it will not exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Turn down the water heater while taking showers and baths to reduce the risk of scalding.

• Teach children never to toss hot water tap, even as a joke

• To know whether the water temperature is safe or not, measure it with the help of a thermometer.

Moreover, there are some other ways by which you can prevent hot water scalding. Well, some people think that just lowering the water heater temperature will reduce the risk of hot water scalding. But according to experts, lowering the temperature will sometimes worsen the situation.

Every homeowner indeed uses a water heater for some reason, and they are the first line of defense against several bacteria like Legionella Pnumophila, which can cause several lung diseases. So, if you reduce the water heater’s temperature, you can be exposed to various health-related problems, as discussed above.

However, installing anti-scald devices is the best possible way to prevent hot water scalding. Basically, they are categorized mainly into two types. They are: –

1. Thermostatic Mixing Valves

It is a potent device that prevents the risk of scalds. It is most commonly used in the USA because it is more expensive than pressure balancing valves. However, the homeowner can install this thermostatic valve either inline near the water heater or can be used as an element of shower control.

You can call our licensed plumbers to install it.

2. Pressure Balancing Valves

This is another device that can prevent the risk of water scalding at homes. Plumbers fix these valves at the point of supply, and however, they automatically adjust the water pressure maintaining the right mix of both cold and hot water. So, if you want to install this valve you can call water heater repair experts in Los Angeles as they offer the best services to their esteemed customers.

• Take the help of a thermometer which can show high temperatures.

• Take a cup and fill it with hot water. Put the thermometer in the cup, wait for at least 30 minutes, and then check the temperature. It is higher than 49 degrees celsius lower the water heater’s temperature.

• You can also take the help of a special testing card for hot water taps. You can take them from the public health offices.

• Another way to check the temperature of the water is to run a hot water tap for 2 minutes. Ensure that the faucet is turned to the hottest setting.

• Don’t leave a small child in the care of the older child in the bathroom

• Never leave a small child in the bathroom alone

• Always runs cold water first after then turning on the hot shower

• Always test the bathwater before putting a child in the tub

• Always close the bathroom door closed if it is not being used

• Take the help of a tap cover or locks so that child will not be able to turn on the hot water tap

• Take your child with you if you are in the bathroom and doorbell or phone rings

• Keep small children’s in arms reach when they are in the bathroom

After reading the above post, you might know which option is the best to prevent hot water scalding. According to experts, automatic anti-scald devices are the best and one of the easiest ways to avoid scalding. The reason is that they are single-handed and installed by any licensed plumbing company in Los Angeles.

Apart from that, if you need water heater replacement in Los Angeles, EZ Plumbing USA is the finest choice that offers affordable and satisfactory services keeping their esteemed customers’ expectations in mind.