An anti-scald device, also known as a tempering valve or mixing valve, controls the temperature of the water in your home by mixing hot and cold water inside a chamber. When installing an anti-scald device on your hot water heater, it protects your entire home.

Where is my anti-scald device?

As its name implies, a shower faucet anti-scald device is a small plastic part installed between the shower faucet handle and cartridge to prevent scalding by excessively hot water in the shower. They limit how much you can turn the faucet handle on the shower valve’s hot water side.

Are anti-scald valves required?

Many reported incidents of serious burns and shocks received while showering have prompted the requirement for anti-scald shower valves, thermostatic mixing or pressure-balancing shower control valves (see Figure 408.3a). Both types of valves regulate the water temperature by tempering hot water with cold water.

Do all faucets have anti-scald?

Sinks with separate faucets for hot and cold do not come with anti-scald devices but one-handled versions might. These are called scald guards and are controllable using adjustable knobs.

How do I adjust anti-scald device in shower?

How to Adjust an Anti-Scald Valve
Turn off the water. Remove the handle. Remove the valve cover retainer sleeve. Remove the temperature stop. Reinstall the temperature stop. Put the valve cover back on. Replace the valve handle. Turn the water back on, and enjoy your optimally heated water in the shower!

Do kitchen faucets have anti scald?

One-handle hot and cold faucets can also come with something called a scald guard, controlled by an adjustable knob. This prevents water becoming dangerously hot. However, if this scald guard is set too high or is malfunctioning, your one-handle kitchen faucet can end up feeling far too hot.

Why when I flush the toilet the shower gets hot?

To achieve your desired temperature, your shower valve is mixing hot water and cold water. However, when the toilet is flushed, cold water is temporarily siphoned away from the shower as the toilet refills. This makes the mixture of water coming out of your showerhead much hotter.

Why does my hot water get cold when I flush the toilet?

When the toilet flushes while you’re showering, the toilet demands a load of cold water, and because it shares a cold water line with the shower, the shower temporarily loses pressure from the cold water line.

How do you adjust an anti-scald faucet?

Remove and Adjust the Scald Guard

Grab the scald guard with your fingertips and pull it from the handle assembly. Rotate the guard counterclockwise to increase the water temperature and counterclockwise to decrease it. Each notch on the guard represents a water temperature difference of 4 to 6 degrees.

What is the best temperature to set your water heater?

120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting. Most experts agree that anything below 120 degrees creates a risk for bacteria to develop inside your water heater from stagnant water, such as legionella that causes Legionnaire’s disease.

What is the minimum acceptable hot water temperature?

The minimum temperature of hot water to prevent Legionella bacteria growth – The minimum temperature to prevent Legionella Bacteria growth is 122°F. Above 122°F and up to 131°F, Legionella bacteria survives, but will not multiply. At 131°F, it takes about 5 to 6 hours for the bacteria to die.

What does the code require for anti-scald shower valves?

United States Anti-Scald Codes & Regulations

If a tub or shower is equipped with an anti-scald valve that prevents the hot water temperature from exceeding 120 degrees, the minimum hot water temperature for that tub or shower is 110 degrees. Uniform Plumbing Code (IAPMO / ICBO) 1994, Max 120°F.

How does a scald protection valve work?

These devices have a chamber in which they mix hot and cold water before it flows out through the faucet. A thermostatic element inside the chamber expands and contracts with changes in the water temperature. As the temperature rises, the element expands to limit the hot water entering the mixing chamber.