The Ideal Temperature For a Water Heater

If you have a hot water heater, there are a few things you should know to make sure that it’s functioning correctly. One of those things is what your water heater temperature range is. 

The reason for this is that when you don’t follow safe hot water temperature guidelines, you run the risk of burning yourself. And, your pipes can overheat, causing damage to your plumbing. 

To help you out, we’ve put together a guide to water heater settings A B C. If you’re interested in learning more, keep reading!

What Temperature Should Hot Water Be at the Tap?

So, let’s answer the question “what is the ideal temperature for domestic hot water” before we dive into the maximum settings. That way, you know what temperature you should be aiming for in your shower. 

To help you understand the ideal temperature, it’s important to look at two factors: how hot water can be before scalding you and how cold water can be before bacteria begins to grow. Let’s break down these factors. 

Water Temperatures vs. Bacteria

Bacteria have a slimmer chance of surviving the hotter water is. The temperature of the water will affect how many bacteria are present in the water.

At temperatures greater than 158 Fahrenheit, all bacteria will die instantly. At slightly lower temperatures of 140 Fahrenheit, roughly 90% of bacteria will die within 2 minutes.

From there, temperatures ranging from 118 to 122 Fahrenheit, bacteria can survive but cannot reproduce. Finally, at temperatures ranging from 90 to 108 Fahrenheit, bacteria have the perfect environment for survival.

Knowing these temperature ranges can help you better understand if pathogens will be surviving in your hot water. 

Water Temperatures vs. Scalding

While it’s important to heat water to eliminate bacteria, it’s also important not to overdo it. Otherwise, you could get hot water burns. The temperature of the water will lead to burns depending on how long you are exposed to it.

More than 5 minutes of exposure to temperatures of 120 degrees Fahrenheit will lead to burns. Temperatures of 130 degrees Fahrenheit cause burns in 30 seconds.

At 140 degrees Fahrenheit, you can get burned in about 5 seconds. Temperatures of 150 degrees Fahrenheit cause burns in about 1.5 seconds.

To keep yourself safe from burns, it’s important not to have the temperature of the hot water too high.  

What Is the Maximum Temperature for a Hot Water Heater

So, now you know how hot the water needs to be to prevent burns and keep bacteria at bay. However, what is the hottest temperature that you can have your water heater set to? 

The hottest temperature for a hot water heater is widely believed to be 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, you can safely prevent burns while also limiting bacteria growth in the water. 

Keep Your Water Heater Temperature Range at the Right Settings

So, now you know what the best water heater temperature range is. To make it easy to get the right hot water temperature, you can typically measure the water using a thermometer or a gauge on the side of the machinery. 

By using the tips in this guide, you’ll be able to make sure that your hot water is at the right temperature. That way, you can have a safe and comfortable shower without causing damage to yourself or your home. 

If you need assistance with your hot water heater, be sure to call the team at All A’s Plumbing and Heating. We’ll get your hot water heater situated and working perfectly at the proper temperature.