Tips For Dealing With Scalding Shower Water
Few disruptions can ruin your morning shower like a sudden shift in the water flow or temperature. For example, if someone turns on the faucet downstairs and it cuts the cold water from your shower, the shocking rush of scalding hot water can start your day on a sour note. If you want to combat the water flow issues in your plumbing, you might want to install an anti-scald device on your shower pipes. Here's a look at what you should know about these fixtures and how they help.
Why Should You Install an Anti-Scald Device?
In addition to protecting you from the shock of scalding water, an anti-scald device is also important for the most at-risk members of your household. If you have any young kids or older family members, they are at increased risk of burns from scalding hot water.
In addition, these family members are also at increased risk of a startle response due to a changing temperature, which can potentially cause a slip-and-fall injury as well. The more proactive you are about keeping your water temperature consistent, the less risk you'll have of burns, skin irritations and other injuries.
How Should You Install an Anti-Scald Device?
In order to install an anti-scald device, you have to take the shower handle apart. Turn the water off first, then remove the screw that holds the handle where it goes. Once you remove the screw keeping the shower handle in place, slide the handle off the spout. This exposes the water line behind the valve. Cut the line where you want to put the anti-scald unit in. Then, solder the valve into position according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Once it is soldered in place, you can reassemble the rest of the shower handle. Then, turn the gear on the anti-scald valve to set the temperature for the water flow.
How Else Can You Minimize Hot Water Burns?
Another way you can control the risk of hot water burns in your faucets is to set your hot water heater to a temperature around 120 degrees or less. That way, you have hot water without risking severe burns if the water comes through the faucet without being tempered by some cold water.
As you can see, there's no reason to settle for scalding water just because it happens. With these tips, you can combat the scalding water through the use of a fixture addition as well as the hot water heater control. For more tips, reach out to a local plumber like Crown Plumbing INC.