The Complete Expert Guide to Scald Proof Shower Tubs

Have you ever stepped into a shower only to be met with an unexpected blast of hot water? That shocking and painful moment is something no one wants to experience. As a home improvement expert who has installed countless bathrooms, I‘m here to provide a comprehensive guide on scald proof shower tubs – an essential safety upgrade for any home.

In this article, we‘ll take a deep dive into how scald prevention fixtures work, proper installation, adjustment tips, maintenance, relevant codes, and everything in between. I‘ll also answer the most common questions homeowners have about scald proof tubs, as well as provide checklists and resources for additional learning.

By the end, you‘ll have all the information you need to make informed decisions about scald prevention in your home. The goal is to help you make your bathroom as safe and comfortable as possible for all users. So let‘s get started!

How Prevalent are Hot Water Scald Injuries?

It‘s alarming how common serious scald burns from hot tap water actually are. Per the U.S. Burn Incidence and Treatment Report, there are around 15,000 hot water scald injuries requiring medical treatment each year. Tragically, many of these occur in children aged under 5 years old.

The most vulnerable populations are:

• Children under 5 years – 34% of hot water scalds
• Adults over 65 years – 33% of hot water scalds

Scald injuries from bathing are also unfortunately common. A few statistics:

• 29% of scald burns happen when bathing.
• Average cost of a hospital stay for a bathtub scald is $72,000
• Around $7 billion is spent on scald burn medical treatment per year.

Many of these injuries can be prevented through proper installation and maintenance of anti-scald plumbing fixtures. But before we get into that, let‘s look at how scald proof tubs work.

How Anti-Scald Fixtures Prevent Burns

Scald prevention shower and tub fixtures use various methods to regulate water temperature and prevent dangerously hot water from reaching the tap. Here are the main technologies used:

Thermostatic Mixing Valves

These are the gold standard for scald prevention. Thermostatic mixing valves automatically blend hot and cold water to maintain a consistent, pre-set outlet temperature.

They work via a thermostat that measures water temperature. If the incoming hot water gets too hot, the valve proportionally adds more cold water to drop the temperature back down to the set point. The valve reacts quickly, so even sudden surges in hot water are immediately tempered.

Key benefits:

• Precision temperature control within +/- 2 degrees.
• Prevents scalding during sudden loss of cold water pressure.
• Easy adjustment of outlet temperature.

Pressure Balance Valves

These shower valves automatically counterbalance hot and cold water pressure. If pressure on the hot side increases, the valve reduces flow to keep temperatures in check.

While effective for minor fluctuations, pressure balance valves react more slowly than thermostatic valves. So they may allow brief scalding during a major hot water surge.

Maximum Temperature Limits

Many modern tub and shower valves come with built-in maximum temperature stops. This is commonly around 120°F – hot enough for comfort, but preventing severely scalding water.

Some valves take this a step further with tepid limits under 110°F, ideal for preventing childhood scalds.

How Are Anti-Scald Valves Installed and Adjusted?

Proper installation is key for anti-scald valves to work as designed. Here are best practices from my conversations with licensed plumber Bill Johnson:

Choose valves compatible with your plumbing – Thermostatic and pressure balance valves must match your pipe size and water pressure. Account for recirculating loops or other features too.

Follow manufacturer instructions – Don‘t skip any preparation steps before installing mixing valves. Bill stresses thoroughly flushing pipes first.

Ensure valves are accessible – Mixing valves must be easily reachable for maintenance and adjustments down the road.

Test thoroughly – Double check for leaks, verify the water temperature is accurate, and ensure the valve reacts quickly to temperature spikes.

Once installed, adjusting the valve is simple:

• Thermostatic – Turn the dial to the desired maximum temperature.
• Pressure Balance – Rotate the limit stop to increase or decrease the hot water.
• Test with a thermometer – Make tiny adjustments and keep testing until the temperature is right.

But how do you choose the right temperature?

Setting the Safest Anti-Scald Temperature for Your Home

The ideal anti-scald setting depends mostly on the age of users, and somewhat on personal preference. Here are my recommendations:

For children under 5 years:

• 100°F to 110°F – This tepid range prevents severe burns. Test regularly as kids grow.

For older children and teens:

• 110°F to 115°F – Monitor use until they learn safe bathing habits.

For most adults:

• 115°F to 120°F – Still provides anti-scald protection without sacrificing comfort.

For elderly adults:

• 100°F to 115°F – As we age, our skin becomes more susceptible to burns. Keep temperatures low.

No matter the setting, always check bath water temperature before entering!

Installing Anti-Scald Fixtures in Existing Homes

You don‘t need an entire bathroom renovation to gain scald prevention. There are a few easy ways to retrofit fixtures:

Shower valve replacement – Swap out old valves for new thermostatic or pressure balance models with temperature stops.

Tub filler replacement – Screw on an anti-scald tub filler valve. Many come with handheld shower wands too.

Whole home mixing valve – Install a large valve that tempers all household water on the main lines. More expensive, but provides total coverage.

Point-of-use water heaters – Install a small water heater at each bathroom tap instead of one large central heater. Lets you customize temperatures.

My recommendation is replacing high use shower valves first. Over time, add mixing valves and anti-scald fixtures to the rest of your plumbing system. Preventing burns in children‘s bathrooms is the top priority.

Ongoing Use and Maintenance Tips

To keep scald proof fixtures working properly for years to come:

• Test water temperatures monthly and adjust valves if needed.
• Open valves fully to flush out mineral deposits several times per year.
• Inspect valves annually for corrosion and replace worn internal seals and springs.
• Never take apart thermostatic valves yourself! Hire a plumber for needed repairs.
• Replace valves that fail to respond quickly to temperature changes – aging components lose precision.
• Record your anti-scald valve model information so replacements are easy to purchase.
• Educate children on safe bathing as they grow up to prevent risky behavior.
• Print and post hotline numbers for seniors or caregivers to call if they notice problems.

Proper maintenance extends the lifespans of fixtures, maintains safety, and prevents the need for costly emergency plumbing repairs down the road.

Rising Importance of Anti-Scald Building Codes

Due to an increase in scald injuries over the past decades, plumbing codes are placing greater emphasis on scald prevention in new construction:

• Most current plumbing codes now require thermostatic or pressure balance valves for all showers and tubs.

• Maximum hot water heater temperatures are limited to 125°F.

• Childcare facilities in some areas require additional valves to limit hot water to 100°F at sinks.

• Low-flow fixtures must compensate with higher flow rates if needed to prevent scalding.

California‘s tough codes have brought down scald injuries, so expect more states to follow suit. Always check your local plumbing code for specifics. For homes with seniors or children, I recommend going above and beyond code with tepid limits on high use fixtures. Preventing scalds improves quality of life tremendously.

Frequently Asked Questions about Anti-Scald Plumbing

Here are answers to some of the most common homeowner questions I receive about scald proof tubs and valves:

How much does a scald prevention valve cost installed?

• Shower valve replacements average $200-$500 with labor.
• Bathtub filler anti-scald valves range from $50-$300.
• Whole home thermostatic valves cost $800-$2,000 installed.

Do tankless water heaters need anti-scald valves?

Tankless heaters provide nearly instant hot water, so they often don‘t need tempering valves. But for maximum safety, I still recommend shower valves with temperature stops.

Where are thermostatic mixing valves installed?

They are installed in the water lines, usually where the hot water line exits the heater. This lets them blend hot and cold water before it reaches fixtures.

Will new anti-scald fixtures reduce water pressure?

Slightly, but it should be negligible. Make sure you purchase valves rated for your home‘s water pressure to prevent restrictions.

How can I tell if my valves need adjusting?

If you are being scalded, that‘s a sign! Also check annually with a thermometer, or if temperatures seem to spike up and down.

Can I install anti-scald fixtures myself?

It‘s possible for simpler valves, but thermostatic mixing valves are quite complex, requiring expertise. Hire a pro!

Have additional questions? Reach out anytime and I‘m happy to help!

In Conclusion: A Worthy Upgrade for Home Safety

Installing scald prevention valves and fixtures is one of the best improvements you can make for home safety. The relatively low cost to install can prevent thousands in medical bills and lasting injuries down the road. Children and seniors are especially vulnerable to accidental scalding.

Follow the tips outlined here regarding installation, adjustment, and maintenance to maximize performance of your new anti-scald plumbing. Try to exceed minimum codes when possible by adding valves throughout your home.

I hope this guide gave you all the details needed to make informed decisions about scald proofing your own home. Please don‘t hesitate to reach out with any other questions! Let‘s make our living spaces safer for all.