Understanding Hot Water Temperature QLD: All You Need To Know

There’s nothing quite like a steaming hot shower to start or end your long day, is there? But while some may like it super-duper hot, did you know there are regulations in place governing just how hot your water can get? In Queensland, as in other Australian states, there are strict rules about hot water temperature to ensure safety and prevent injuries.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what the maximum hot water temperature should be, why it’s regulated, and everything else you need to know about maintaining the right temperature in your home:

Maximum hot water temperature in Queensland

We all know someone who, if they could, would like to turn that hot tap even higher. However, it’s important to recognise not only that there is a safety limit to how hot your water should be, but also that a maximum is set for very good reasons.

In Queensland, the maximum hot water temperature from taps in bathrooms, kitchens and laundries must not exceed 50°C. This regulation is in place to prevent scalding injuries, which can occur rapidly at higher temperatures. 50°C is pretty standard across Australian states and territories, although there are slight variations for specific use cases, like health and childcare facilities, where the limit is lower.

Why is hot water temperature regulated?

Primarily, it’s all about preventing scalding injuries, which can be devastating in vulnerable populations like young children and the elderly. According to the Australian Institute of Health & Welfare, thousands of Australians suffer scald injuries each year:

• Water at 60°C causes a severe burn in just one second
• While at 50°C, it takes about five minutes for a serious burn to occur.

It’s also worth noting that the temperature within the hot water storage system itself is usually set at around 60°C to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria like Legionella. So how does your system manage to get it down to 50 by the time it hits your hot tap?

How is hot water temperature regulated in the home?

Hot water systems in Australian homes are equipped with a device called a hot water system tempering valve. But what is a tempering valve – and how does a tempering valve work?:

The tempering valve hot water system at your place simply mixes the hot water with cold water to ensure the water temperature remains at the compliant level.

But what else do you need to know?:

1. Checking your tempering valve

Regular checks are crucial to ensure your hot water system tempering valve is functioning correctly. Watch out for changes in water temperature or flow, as these could indicate a problem with the valve.

2. Signs of a faulty tempering valve

Are you noticing:

• Inconsistent water temperatures, such as water that is too hot or too cold?
• Unusual noises?
• A reduction in water pressure?

If so, you may need to get your system checked by a professional.

3. Testing your hot water temperature

To check if your tempering valve is working correctly, here’s what to do:

• Run your hot water tap for a few minutes
• Use a thermometer to measure the temperature
• The water should not exceed 50°C
• If it does, it may indicate that the hot water system tempering valve needs adjustment or replacement.

4. What happens if a tempering valve breaches regulations?

Breaching tempering valve regulations Qld-wide can have serious consequences. If your hot water system is found to exceed the regulated temperature, you may face fines. But, more importantly, there is a significant risk of scalding injuries.

5. Steps to take if your tempering valve isn’t working properly

If you suspect your tempering valve is faulty, it’s best to contact a licensed hot water plumber to inspect, repair or replace the valve. Attempting to fix it yourself can be dangerous or illegal, especially if you’re not trained in handling hot water systems.

6. When to consider professional help

While some basic checks and maintenance tasks can be done by homeowners, making sure your tempering valve hot water system is functioning properly usually requires a professional. So if you’re unsure about the condition of your system or if it’s been a while since your last inspection, scheduling a professional service is your best and smartest move.

Need more help with your hot water temperature?

Maintaining the correct, safe and legal hot water temperature is not only a matter of comfort but – much more importantly – also about safety. Ensuring your hot water system tempering valve is functioning correctly can prevent serious injuries and ensure compliance with strict local regulations.

Do you still have concerns, or need assistance with your tempering valve – or any other hot water system issue? Stop stressing, because the friendly team at S&J Hot Water Brisbane is here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional advice and service, because we’re just around the corner.