RESIDENTIAL STORAGE TYPE WATER HEATERS WHITEPAPER
Recommended Installation Practices for Residential Storage Type Water Heaters to Reduce the Danger of Scalds
The ASSE International Scald Awareness Task Group was formed to educate and give guidance to the general public and plumbing industry on scalding hazards associated with hot water at the point of use. This White Paper will focus on the recommended installation practices for residential storage type water heaters that the plumber, installer or plumbing contractor should follow to reduce the dangers of scald injuries at the point of use which is the plumbing fixture such as showers, bathtubs, lavatory faucets, and kitchen faucets.
- Automatic residential storage type water heaters have been in use for well over one hundred years and have become a safe and reliable appliance in almost every type of residential dwelling, when installed correctly.
- As this paper will point out, there are many installation practices that if not followed completely may lead to potential scald burns caused by excessive temperature of the hot water at the point of use.
- The do-it-yourselfer or the uninformed installer may be unaware of these installation practices. The best choice is to have a licensed professional install the water heater to avoid these potential hazards.