Whether you’re a new parent or just someone who likes to do their laundry in the sink, you’ve probably seen a scald. Scalds are burns caused by hot water or steam, and they can happen anywhere—even in places where you wouldn’t necessarily expect them.
If you are like most people, you probably got a nasty burn from hot water. Most people do not know how to get rid of scalds from hot water, and they often just let them heal on their own.
But there are several steps that can be taken to prevent this from happening again. This article will explain the causes of scalds from hot water heaters, immediate action that should be taken after getting burned, and prevention tips that can help prevent these types of burns from happening again in the future.
What Causes Scalding Hot Water?
Hot water is hot, and that’s a good thing—it makes us feel clean, it helps our dishes get clean, and it can even help us wash away the stress of the day.
But did you know that there are some things that can cause your hot water to become scalding hot? If you’ve ever felt the sting of scalding water on your skin, then you probably already know that it’s not pleasant.
But if you’re not sure what causes scalding hot water or how to avoid it, then here are four possible causes:
The Water Temperature Is Too High
If your hot water heater is set too high, then it will produce scalding temperatures that can cause painful burns. You should never adjust your hot water heater unless it’s broken or needs replacing—instead, call Paso Robles plumbers, who can ensure everything is working properly and safely.
Malfunctioning Thermostats
This is the most common cause of electric water heater suddenly scalding hot. Over time, the temperature setting on your thermostat can become too low, and the water will come out at a temperature that’s too high for your comfort level. If you suspect this is happening in your house, you should call a water heater repair Paso Robles plumber to check out your setup, as it could also be a sign of other problems.
Water Pressure Fluctuations
Water pressure fluctuations can result in hot water coming out of the faucet at an inconsistent temperature. This can happen when there are issues with your plumbing system or even if you’re using water from a good source instead of city water. In any case, if you notice that there are times when it seems like your gas water heater suddenly scalding hot and others when it’s just normal temperature, then it’s probably due to this cause.
Leaking Pipes
If you’ve got leaking pipes anywhere near where your electric water heater comes into the house or near where it leaves, then this could be causing your hot water problems as well! This is because leaking pipes allow air into the system—and that means less pressure on the system overall!
The Pressure Relief Valve Is Blocked.
The pressure relief valve is designed to prevent a situation where too much pressure builds up in your pipes. If it gets clogged or stuck, the pressure can’t escape as it should, which means it will increase until something gives out! That something could be your pipes—and that would be bad news for anyone who wants to use them for anything other than holding up a picture frame.
Mineral Build-Up
The most common cause of scalding hot water is mineral build-up. Over time, water left in the pipes can leach minerals into the water, which then ends up in your bathtub or shower. If you notice that your hot water is just not getting as hot as it used to be, it could be that there’s too much mineral buildup in your pipes.
Faulty Heater Element
The heater element is the most common cause of scalding hot water in your house. A faulty element can cause the water to get too hot, so check it out. If you can’t find anything wrong with the element, call a professional plumber.
Important of Immediate Action
Immediate action is important when you’re trying to show off your abs.
If you’re trying to get that six-pack you’ve always wanted, you can’t just wait around for it to happen. You have to work for it. You have to do the right things and eat the right foods—and then, you have to make sure that your body is able to hold in those abs while they’re still in training.
So how do you do that? How do you keep your core cool and relaxed?
Cooling the affected area
Running cool (not cold) water over the scalded skin for 10-20 minutes helps reduce pain, prevent further tissue damage, and promote faster healing.
Removing Constrictive Items
After you have done that, remove any tight or constrictive items from around the affected area. This includes jewelry and clothing that are too tight or restrictive for your comfort level. This can cause further irritation and discomfort, so it’s best if you can avoid it entirely until the pain subsides completely.
Evaluate the severity of the swelling.
If it’s just a little bit swollen and not causing any pain or other discomfort, you might be able to wait until later in the day when you have more time to treat it. However, if it’s severely swollen and painful, you should do something right away—like remove constrictive items like high heels or tight socks.
Tips to Prevent Scalds in Future
At the end of the day, we want to make sure that you and your loved ones are safe. That’s why we’ve put together a list of tips to help prevent scalds in the future:
Adjust Your Water Heater Temperature
Most people set their water heaters to between 120 and 125 degrees Fahrenheit, but this can be too hot for some people. If you have children or older adults in your home, consider adjusting the temperature down to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
Install Safety Devices
There are numerous safety devices on the market that will help prevent scalds in the case of an unexpected drop or rise in hot water heater scalding temperature. These devices include timers, thermostats, and temperature control valves that can be installed onto any water heater.
Supervise Children and the Elderly
While it might be tempting to turn your back on little ones while they play or work on homework, it’s important to keep an eye on them when they are near any kind of water. Even if you think they know better than to touch a stove burner or fill up their bathtub with boiling water, it only takes one slip-up for them to get hurt.
When Should You Replace Your Water Heater?
You know when you’re in the middle of a project and just want to get it over with? Yeah, we’re talking about changing out your water heater.
It’s not a glamorous task. It’s not even funny. In fact, it’s pretty much the opposite of fun. But it needs to be done. And here are some signs that it’s time:
- Your water heater is more than 10 years old.
- You’ve had at least one emergency repair in the past year.
- Your water heater has an Energy Star rating of less than 80% efficiency (all new models are at least 80% efficient).
- Your hot water takes longer than 5 minutes to heat up after being turned on (this is normal for older models).
What are some benefits of tankless water heaters?
Did you know that a tankless water heater can save you up to 50% on your energy bill?
That’s right. Tankless water heaters are more efficient than your standard, old-fashioned water heater. They heat water as it goes through the pipes in your home rather than storing and warming it in a tank.
If you want to save money on your monthly utility costs, switching to a tankless water heater is one of the simplest methods to do it.
It’s also an excellent choice for renters who don’t want to make permanent changes to their properties. You can take your tankless water heater with you if you move and sell your property!
Call Professional Tankless Water Heater Repair And Replacement!
If you’ve been experiencing problems with your tankless water heater, you know how frustrating it can be. You don’t want to be stuck with a broken heater and spend thousands of dollars on water heater repair —and you definitely don’t want to go without hot water.
We’re here to help. We’re Rocksteady Plumbing.
Rocksteady Plumbing is a reliable and experienced company that provides full-service plumbing, heating, and air conditioning. We are committed to providing outstanding customer service possible and are proud of our reputation for being honest, trustworthy, knowledgeable, and efficient. We have been serving Paso Robles since 2018 and offer free estimates on all work we complete.
We provide:
– Water heater repairs in Paso Robles
– Water heater replacements in Paso Robles
– Tankless water heater installations in Paso Robles
Our team of experts has extensive training in everything from water heater installation and repair to maintenance and replacement. We’ll help you determine whether your tankless needs repair or replacement and then we’ll get the job done right away!
If you need tankless or tank water heater repair replacement in Paso Robles, call Rocksteady Plumbing today at 805-237-7625!
