Choosing The Right Water Temperature

June 1, 2022 | Plumbing

Are you unable to find a comfortable water temperature each time you turn on your faucet? Are you constantly competing against your family members for warm water? This might mean that your water heater temperature needs to be adjusted! But what exactly is the right setting for your needs?

Recommended Setting

Fahrenheit is the common default setting on most water heaters. Experts believe that anything lower than 120 degrees Fahrenheit gives an opportunity for bacteria to form inside your water heater, which might lead to health concerns. Legionella is a very common bacteria that grows in stagnant water, and can lead to Legionnaires’ disease. Maintaining the proper heat in your water heater ensures that you won’t be cultivating bacteria.

What Setting Is Right For You?

Babies are particularly sensitive to high temperatures. For water at a temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit, babies can receive third-degree burns with just two seconds of exposure. The same goes for just five seconds of exposure at 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Elderly people are also susceptible to higher temperatures, causing most to believe that those living with any at-risk people should set their water at 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

The more people there are in a home, the higher the demand for hot water. Setting your water heater temperature at a lower setting means your home will run out of warm water faster. This can be quite the inconvenience if there is someone in your home who tends to take especially long showers. Choosing a higher temperature for your water heater is the best route to take if you have multiple people in your family. Smaller homes with less people can get away with having lower water temperatures.

What About Appliances?

Most dishwashers now will take in water and then raise the temperature inside to provide better cleaning. Dishwashers that do so do not require a higher temperature setting. If you do not own a pre-heating dishwasher, raising the temperature on your water heater to 140 degrees Fahrenheit will provide enough warm water for your appliances and still be safe for most members of your family. As for a washing machine, the standard temp of 120 degrees Fahrenheit should work for your needs.

Choosing the Right Temperature

Choosing the right temperature depends on your living situation and takes time to find a good balance. In general, people who live alone or use less water aim for a lower water temperature, and those who have a larger household tend to aim for a higher temperature. A good way to determine the best temperature for you is to set your water heater at 120 degrees Fahrenheit and increase the temperature in small increments until you find what works best.

Mattex is happy to help answer any water heater questions you may have. You can visit our plumbing page for more information on water heater installation and repair services.