Hot water can seem soothing, but should actually be avoided as much as possible. Excessively hot water can damage skin, hair, and plumbing fixtures over time. There are several key reasons why you should avoid hot water usage whenever possible.
Hot Water Damages Skin and Hair
One of the main reasons to avoid hot water is that it can damage skin and hair. The outer protective layer of skin is composed of oil and fat. Hot water breaks down this protective barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, itching, and even conditions like eczema. Hot water also wreaks havoc on hair. The extreme heat causes the outer protective cuticle layer of hair to crack and peel back. This leads to a rough hair texture, tangled or matted hair, split ends, and increased frizz.
How Hot is Too Hot?
Experts recommend keeping your hot water heater temperature no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This provides water that is warm but not scalding. Temperatures higher than 120 degrees can start to damage skin and hair over time. Children and elderly individuals may be at even greater risk for burns and skin damage from excessively hot water.
Tips to Prevent Skin and Hair Damage
- Install a thermostat on your hot water heater and keep it at 120 degrees F or lower
- Check water temperature before stepping into the shower or tub, especially when bathing children
- Avoid long hot showers that strip away protective oils
- Rinse hair with cool water at the end of a shower
- Apply moisturizer after washing to replenish skin
- Use hair masks or leave-in treatments to add moisture back to hair
Hot Water Promotes Bacterial Growth
Hot water is an ideal breeding ground for dangerous bacteria like Legionella. This bacteria thrives in warm, stagnant water environments. It can lead to serious conditions like Legionnaire’s Disease or Pontiac Fever when inhaled in small water droplets. Some of the primary sources of Legionella bacteria growth include:
- Hot tubs and spas
- Hot water storage tanks
- Shower heads and sink faucets
- Decorative fountains
- Cooling towers
- Swimming pools
Ideal Conditions for Legionella
Legionella bacteria flourishes in stagnant water between 77-108°F. Hot water tanks and pipes provide optimal conditions for growth and multiplication of this bacteria. As you turn on your hot water, the bacteria is disturbed and can become aerosolized in the steam and spray. When inhaled, this causes Legionnaire’s disease, a severe form of pneumonia.
Prevention Tips
- Set hot water heater temperature to at least 140°F to kill bacteria
- Flush infrequently used taps weekly with hot water
- Clean and disinfect home humidifiers
- Frequently change filters on faucets and shower heads
- Have hot water tanks inspected and cleaned regularly
Hot Water Wastes Energy
Heating water accounts for nearly 20% of home energy costs. The higher your thermostat is set, the more energy required to heat up water. Saving energy is good for your wallet and the environment. Here are some statistics on hot water energy use in homes:
- The Department of Energy recommends setting water heaters no higher than 120°F
- Each 10°F reduction in water temperature can save 3-5% in energy costs
- The average showerhead uses 2.5 gallons of water per minute
- An 8-minute shower uses 20 gallons of hot water
- The average bath takes 36 gallons of hot water
- Doing dishes by hand uses 4-5 gallons of hot water
- Energy star dishwashers use 3-6 gallons per cycle
Tips to Conserve Hot Water
| Location | Energy Saving Tips |
|---|---|
| Bathroom |
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| Kitchen |
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| Laundry |
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| Whole House |
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Hot Water Damages Plumbing and Fixtures
Excessively hot water temperatures put strain on plumbing components and cause premature failure. Pipes, joints, valves, and gaskets all break down more quickly when exposed to very hot water over time. Hot water weakens materials, erodes seals, and increases mineral buildup and corrosion within pipes.
How Hot Water Damages Plumbing
- Hot water expands copper pipes, causing joints to shift and seals to break down
- Heat accelerates mineral deposit buildup from hard water
- High temperatures erode and corrode galvanized steel pipes
- Plastic PEX and PVC pipes become brittle and crack over time
- Hot water tanks corrode internally leading to leaks or explosions
Warning Signs of Plumbing Damage
- Pounding or hammering sounds in pipes
- Low hot water pressure
- Dripping or leaking pipes
- Rust colored water
- Cracks in plastic piping
- Failure of faucet washers or valve seals
Preventing Damage
- Set hot water heater no higher than 120°F
- Insulate hot water pipes
- Install heat traps on hot and cold lines
- Use dielectric unions to connect dissimilar metals
- Replace galvanized steel pipes with copper
- Install drains and valves to regularly flush water heater
Conclusion
Hot water may seem comforting, but excessively high temperatures cause a range of problems from skin damage to plumbing leaks. The ideal hot water heater temperature is 120°F. This provides sufficient hot water for most uses while avoiding damage. Take shorter showers, insulate pipes properly, and repair any plumbing issues promptly to get the most life from your water heater system. Using water wisely preserves your home, saves energy, and benefits the environment.