Water Temperature and Antimicrobials

Hot water at 140 degrees or higher kills bacteria, but code requires that water coming out of a source cannot be hotter than 110 degrees, for safety reasons. Still, water temperature in hospitals is often higher than other non-medical facilities. In many hospitals, boilers are set to 140 degrees, then the temperature is reduced at the faucet or point of use through a thermostatic mixing valve.

Mechanical mixing valves require the boiler to be set at a lower temperature so that even if a person turns the hot water handle all the way up, they won’t receive a damaging burn.

“More and more we’re seeing thermostatic mixing valves in school districts and hospitals because it’s safer,” explains Chris. “Thermostatic Mixing Valves keep the water temperature consistent. If you get a flush of hot water, it just automatically adjusts it at the set temperature at the point of use so no one can get hurt.”

As you walk through your facility, identify whether your points of use have a mechanical mixing valve or a thermostatic mixing valve.