Hot Water Scald Protection for Your Home

Scald protection devices are prevention valves installed to help maintain water temperatures and keep you and your loved ones safe from hot, scalding water temperatures.

Scald protection is a must in homes that have small children, elderly, and physically-challenged individuals, but it should be considered for everyone, no matter who resides in the home. Having an extra layer of protection against hot water injuries can be the difference between keeping your family safe and having to make a trip to the emergency room.

Scald protection devices can be used all over your home: in the kitchen, on the bathroom sink, and in the shower or bathtub. Many prevention valves have the option to be used with multiple fixtures or over the whole house, providing you with peace of mind where you need it most.

Types of Scald Protection

• Thermostatic mixing valves: a proportional valve that mixes hot and cold water to regulate temperature. These are best installed right at your water heater in a hot water line and require a cold water feed to allow continuous mixing of hot and cold water to maintain a safe temperature.
• Pressure balance valves: valves that decrease the flow of hot water when cold water pressure plummets due to other water usage in the home. These valves prevent unmixed hot water from emerging unexpectedly from the tap or shower head.
• Point-of-use mixing valves: temperature dials integrated directly into the bathtub valve, allowing individuals to set their exact desired temperature. These valves use both pressure balance valves and thermostatic mixing valve to make up for the sudden loss of cold water pressure and precisely maintain a safe, uniform temperature. These devices are not typically used in residential homes though.

While providing protection against scalding, each device is different and it’s important to find out what will work best for your family. As with any mechanical devices, these can eventually fail without regular checkups and maintenance, so it is crucial that you do not rely on these as your only source of scald protection. Talking to family members and outlining the importance of safe water temperatures is key in preventing scalding incidents.

Brian Wear Plumbing is a fully licensed and insured plumbing company servicing the mid-Missouri area. For more information on the importance of scald protection and/or installation, contact us today!