MEMORANDUN

To: Prof. Intawiwat

From: Ger Vang
Date: August 31, 2017
Subject: Tap Water Scalds

Tap water scalding is when the water temperature increases above 120 degrees Fahrenheit
causing major third degree burn to the skin. It happens the most often to young children under
the age of five and elderly because of their unawareness to the water temperature before
entering into the shower.

Guidelines

Electrical Water Heaters

o Call local electrical company to set thermostats (Some companies offer service
free of charge).
o Do not use hot water for two hours after changing the thermostats.
Electrical Water Heaters(DIY)
o Turn off current water heater.
o Then turn off the circuit breaker to the heater or remove the fuse.
o Most electrical heater have two thermostats.
o Remove the upper and lower panels.
o Adjust the thermostats using the instructions provided.
o Check the water temperature by holding a meat or candy under the faucet.
Gas Water Heaters
o Call your local gas company for instructions.
o Test the water by holding a meat or candy under the faucet first thing in the
morning.
o If the water is too high, adjust the thermostats according to the instruction and
check again with a thermometer.
Furnace Heaters
o Contact your fuel supplier to have the temperature lowered.
o If you live in an apartment, contact the building management.
o Reducing the water temperature will not affect the heating capacity of the
furnace.
 o 120 degrees Fahrenheit may be necessary for resident water heaters to reduce or
eliminate the risk of water scalding injuries.
o Lower thermostat to the lowest setting for hot water needs.

Reminders

Never take hot water for granted.

Check the water temperature with your hand before going into the shower or bathing
your child.
Check that the hot water knob isnt turn all the way

For further questions, please contact Ger Vang, 106 University Terrance, at gvang1@uncc.edu.