Don’t give the cold shoulder to hot water safety

Like many things we need and enjoy, hot water must be used wisely and treated with respect. Otherwise, it can become a danger. If it’s too hot, suddenly that relaxing bath or shower becomes a scalding incident, and you could be visiting the emergency room.

So, the message here is to be cautious around hot water. Keeping some simple rules in mind can help keep you from getting seriously burned:

• Your water heater should never be set higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. A water temperature of 125 degrees can scald a child in only two or three seconds. Always check the water temperature before placing a child in the bathtub; never leave a child alone or with other young children in the bathtub. It’s a good idea to install an anti-scald device on faucets and shower heads to keep water from reaching a temperature of more than 120 degrees. In addition, lowering your water temperature will save you money. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a 10-degree reduction can save up to $30 a year. You can learn more at energy.gov.
• Turn cold water on before hot and turn hot water off before cold.
• Be sure all your faucets are correctly labeled HOT and COLD.

Another important note: If your natural gas service is ever interrupted, be sure to check the temperature setting on your natural gas water heater after the technician relights your appliances. Make sure the water heater is set to a safe temperature. While there, take a look at the flame; if it’s substantially higher, you may need to contact us so that we can check the gas pressure and make adjustments, if necessary.