The control and limitation of water temperature supplied to plumbing fixtures is a critical health and safety issue that the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) takes very seriously. Over the years, PMI has played a major role in the development and implementation of product standards and plumbing code requirements that provide protection against temperature-related injuries in bathing facilities. Shower safety has been the primary focus of our efforts due to the degree of risk. As a result, hot water supply systems are much safer because the vast majority of plumbing codes throughout the United States and Canada now require thermal shock and scald protection in the shower.
As part of an on-going effort to educate the plumbing industry and prevent potential problems, PMI has prepared the following information to assist code authorities, plumbing engineers, plumbers and consumers. This article identifies various temperature-related tap water hazards, applicable product standards, and the methods of use to provide protection.