While we all love a nice hot shower or bath, absolutely no one wants to get burned – especially when it comes to the vulnerable, like children, the elderly, or those with disabilities. But how hot is too hot, exactly? Are there specific rules and regulations? The answers are yes, and yes – and understanding exactly how the hot water temperature regulations Queensland wide work is crucial for ensuring safety and compliance.
Yes, there are regulations: Here’s why they matter
The hot water temperature regulations QLD residents like you need to abide might seem complex and a bit over-the-top – but they are actually essential for protecting against scalding injuries, particularly for people with thinner or more sensitive skin. The hot water temperature regulations you need to know about all across the state but also pretty much the entire country are designed very carefully to prevent accidents. At the same time, they need to still ensure that your hot water system can maintain the extremely high temperatures necessary to prevent bacterial growth, like Legionella.
What temperature is hot tap water in Australia?
In Queensland, the current guidelines require that hot water is stored at a high temperature (usually above 60°C) to kill bacteria, while the water that comes out of your tap for personal use – showers, baths, and basins – must be much lower to avoid scalding. Hot water temperature control devices, mainly tempering valves, are professionally installed to achieve this.
DID YOU KNOW:
- Water stored at 60°C can cause a third-degree burn in just one second
- But water at 45°C takes six hours to have the same effect.
That’s a pretty small difference in temperature for a huge difference on your skin, and it’s exactly why temperature control is so important.
All of your questions about hot water temperature – Answered
Thanks to our experienced Brisbane hot water plumbers, we’ve produced an exclusive rundown of the key points you should be taking away from the hot water system installation regulations QLD – to answer every question we’ve ever heard on the topic:
1. What temperature should hot water be at the tap Australia wide?
In most cases across Queensland but also pretty much the entire rest of the country, the maximum temperature for water coming out of your tap is 50°C.
- However, in places like aged care facilities, childcare centres, and hospitals, where the risk of scalding is higher, the maximum temperature is reduced to 45°C.
2. What temperature should hot water be stored in the tank?
Typically, hot water systems in Australia are set to store water at around 60°C to prevent bacterial growth. However, devices such as tempering valves are then installed to reduce the temperature at the tap to safe levels.
3. How hot does tap water get without a tempering valve?
Without temperature control devices, tap water can reach dangerously high temperatures that far exceeds even 60°C.  According to the Australian Institute of Health & Welfare, thousands of Australians experience scald injuries each year. Consider this:
- Even at 60°C, third-degree burns can take no longer than a single second
- But at 50°C, the same burns could take up to 5 full minutes
- And at 45°C, third-degree burns will take an immense SIX HOURS for the same outcome.
If the storage temperature is set at 60°C, the water that comes out of the tap could easily scald someone if a tempering valve isn’t installed.
4. What is a tempering valve?
A tempering valve simply but ingeniously mixes hot and cold water to deliver water at a safe temperature. It’s a device used in many installations to ensure that water from taps used for personal hygiene is safe.
5. Do I need a licensed plumber for hot water system installations?
Yes, Queensland’s plumbing regulations explicitly require licensed plumbers to oversee all the hot water system installation regulations QLD wide. These experienced plumbers will install the necessary devices to control the hot water system temperature and ensure the system complies with local safety laws.
6. What is the maximum hot water temperature in Australia?
The maximum hot water temperature Australia wide is generally capped at 50°C for residential properties. This cap ensures that householders are protected from accidental burns.
7. How do I know if my system complies with the regulations?
When your system is installed by a licensed Brisbane plumber, it will certainly meet the requirements of hot water system installation regulations – including the temperature rules. Regular maintenance is also crucial to ensure that the system continues to function properly.
The importance of licensed professionals
Installing and maintaining hot water systems requires professional expertise, especially when dealing with devices that regulate the hot water temperature Australia demands. Whether you’re installing a new system, replacing an old one, or ensuring compliance with the latest standards, a fully-licensed plumber will make sure your system is safe and efficient. And don’t forget: only this kind of expert can legally install or repair the temperature control devices necessary to maintain domestic hot water temperature at safe levels.
So don’t risk it, and instead call out a professional to ensure your system meets those strict hot water temperature rules!
Need help with your hot water system?
For professional advice, repairs, maintenance, or installations of hot water system temperature control devices, make sure to only ever contact the trusted experts. Give us a shout here at S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting to get the help you need today, with fully-guaranteed workmanship always our top priority. Our friendly plumbers will ensure your system and home are safe, efficient, and fully compliant with all relevant hot water temperature regulations. Call S&J today!