Enhance Bathroom Safety With Anti-Scald Devices

As we age, creating a safe and accessible home becomes essential, especially when it comes to protecting against often-overlooked hazards like hot water scalds. Scalding injuries are more common than many realize, and seniors, young children, and individuals with certain health conditions are at high risk for serious burns from unexpected temperature surges. 

Anti-scald devices provide an effective solution by maintaining safe water temperatures and preventing sudden bursts of hot water. In this guide, we’ll cover how anti-scald devices work, their importance in senior safety, and how they can enhance daily routines by reducing the risk of accidental burns.

What Exactly is an Anti-Scald Device?

Anti-scald devices are specialized plumbing fixtures designed to prevent burns by controlling hot water temperatures. These devices are particularly valuable for homes with seniors, children, or anyone who might be vulnerable to sudden, high-temperature water. By moderating the flow and blending of hot and cold water, anti-scald devices ensure a safer bathing and washing experience.

Here’s an overview of the three main types of anti-scald devices, each designed to prevent sudden temperature spikes and protect against burns:

Pressure Balance Valves:

• How They Work: These valves detect fluctuations in water pressure and adjust accordingly to maintain a steady water temperature.
• Ideal For: Scenarios where sudden drops in cold water flow might occur (e.g., when someone flushes a toilet), as they prevent the water from becoming too hot when pressure changes.
• Common Use: Often installed in showers and tubs where pressure fluctuations are frequent.

Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs):

• How They Work: TMVs use an internal thermostat to blend hot and cold water to a preset, safe temperature, which remains stable even if water pressure changes.
• Benefits: Provides reliable temperature control and prevents hot water surges, making it especially effective in settings where consistent water temperature is crucial.
• Common Use: Ideal for bathroom sinks, showers, and kitchen faucets where sudden changes in temperature could pose a risk.

Combination Valves:

• How They Work: These devices combine both pressure-balance and thermostatic controls, offering dual protection by regulating both water temperature and pressure.
• Highest Level of Safety: By addressing both temperature and pressure, combination valves provide the most comprehensive protection against scalding.
• Common Use: Often used in homes with vulnerable individuals, such as young children or seniors, where enhanced protection is necessary.

Each type of anti-scald device plays a vital role in preventing scald injuries, with options available to suit different plumbing configurations and safety needs.

Who Benefits Most from Anti-Scald Devices?

Anti-scald devices are beneficial for a range of individuals, especially those who may struggle with detecting or escaping hot water:

• Children: With more sensitive skin, young children are highly vulnerable to burns, so anti-scald devices offer crucial protection.
• Individuals with Disabilities: For those with limited mobility, it can be challenging to avoid scalding water quickly, making anti-scald devices invaluable.
• Seniors: Seniors are more susceptible to burns and may experience shock from hot water, potentially leading to balance issues or falls.
• Those with Cognitive Impairments: People with cognitive impairments, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, might forget to check water temperature or struggle with operating faucets safely. Anti-scald devices help ensure a safer environment by automatically limiting the water temperature and preventing scalds.
• General Households with Unpredictable Water Temperatures: Homes with sudden changes in water temperature due to varying water pressure or shared pipes benefit from anti-scald devices. These devices stabilize water temperature, providing more comfortable and safe water use for all household members.

According to the American Burn Association, when water gets as high as 140°F, it only takes 3 seconds of contact with your skin to burn. In many cases, exposure at this temperature could require surgery. Children and disabled seniors are especially vulnerable, so an anti-scald device is essential for protecting your family from burns.  

Ideal Bath Water Temperature for Seniors

When it comes to bath safety, the ideal bath water temperature for seniors is between 98°F and 100°F (37°C to 38°C). This range is warm enough to be comfortable without the risk of burns or skin irritation, which seniors are more susceptible to due to thinner and more sensitive skin.

Key Points:

• Stay Below 104°F (40°C): Temperatures above this can increase the risk of scalding and overheating, especially if the senior has reduced skin sensitivity.
• Use Anti-Scald Devices: These can help maintain a safe, consistent water temperature, preventing accidental burns if the water temperature unexpectedly rises.
• Consider Personal Comfort and Health Conditions: For seniors with certain medical conditions (e.g., cardiovascular issues), slightly cooler water might be safer.

Areas to Install Anti-Scald Devices

Keeping water temperatures at safe levels is extremely important. Luckily, anti-scald devices are flexible in their application and can be installed in various household water fixtures:

• Showerheads: Anti-scald valves help stabilize temperature by adjusting to sudden pressure shifts, allowing all users—especially children and seniors—to shower comfortably without fear of unexpected hot surges.
• Bathtub Spouts: Installing these devices on tub faucets can be life-saving, as users often turn on water at a high temperature initially. Anti-scald technology keeps water at safe levels, especially useful for households with children or pets.
• Kitchen Faucets: Kitchen sinks experience frequent use and quick temperature changes, especially when washing dishes with hot water. Anti-scald devices protect hands from sudden bursts of hot water, which is particularly important for children and seniors.
• Bathroom Sinks: Often used by children for handwashing, bathroom sinks benefit from anti-scald devices to maintain safe water temperatures, providing parents with peace of mind when kids use these sinks unsupervised.
• Laundry Rooms: In rooms where hot water is necessary, such as laundry rooms, anti-scald valves can be a safeguard against burns for anyone handling clothing or supplies near a sink or utility faucet.
• Water Heaters: Adding an anti-scald valve directly to the water heater is an efficient way to manage temperature for the whole house, reducing the risk of burns across all taps and fixtures.

Plumbing Codes and Compliance

Getting a bathroom remodeling expert or a plumber to install your anti-scald device properly is important. Plumbing codes generally require anti-scald devices to limit water temperatures and prevent burns. Key guidelines include:

1. Temperature Limits: Plumbing codes like the IPC and UPC set a maximum hot water temperature of 120°F (49°C) at fixtures such as showers and faucets to prevent scalding.
2. Required Devices: Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs) or Pressure-Balancing Valves (PBVs) are mandated in many areas to maintain safe, stable water temperatures by mixing hot and cold water or balancing pressure.
3. Compliance Standards: Standards like ASME A112.1016 and CSA B125.3 outline performance requirements for these valves, ensuring they adjust automatically for temperature fluctuations.
4. Inspections: Anti-scald devices are checked during building inspections to ensure they meet local plumbing codes, which vary by region but follow similar safety principles.

Installing an anti-scald device can be tricky due to plumbing adjustments, calibration, and code compliance, so it’s often best to have a bathroom remodeler or plumber handle it. Simple faucet attachments may be DIY-friendly, but more complex installations generally require a professional for optimal results.

Need Assistance Installing Your Anti-Scald Device?

Atlas Home Safety is proud to help families across southeastern Michigan create safer, more accessible homes. We offer a variety of anti-scald devices to suit your unique needs, providing installation services with a focus on safety and code compliance. Our team is here to help you choose the right device and ensure it’s installed securely, offering you peace of mind and a safer living environment for everyone in your home.

To learn more about anti-scald devices, or to schedule an appointment for your bathroom remodeling project, please call 844-660-7233 or contact us online. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you adjust your anti-scald valve?
Most anti-scald valves include an adjustable temperature control that lets you set a maximum water temperature, helping keep water within a safe range.

Where is the anti-scald valve in a bathtub?
Anti-scald valves in bathtubs are typically found behind the handle, allowing for easy access by removing the handle to make adjustments.

Where is the anti-scald valve in a shower?
In showers, the anti-scald valve is also located behind the handle. Tools may be required to access and adjust the valve.

How do you remove an anti-scald valve?
Removing an anti-scald valve usually involves unscrewing the handle and accessing the valve assembly. Professional assistance is recommended to ensure proper reinstallation and to meet code requirements.