Hot water too hot — scalding from taps
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Find a Gas Safe engineer near you →⚠️ Scalding water from taps is a serious safety hazard. Ideal UK hot tap temperature is 50°C at the outlet. At 60°C, scalding occurs within 3 seconds. Reduce the temperature setting immediately.
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Most likely cause & what to check
For a cylinder system: locate the cylinder thermostat on the side of the hot water cylinder (airing cupboard). It should be set to 60°C — high enough to prevent Legionella (L8 guidance) but no higher. If it has been turned up above 65–70°C, reduce it now.
For an unvented cylinder: find the thermostat dial (usually on the lower immersion heater boss or a separate electronic controller). Set to 60°C.
For a combi boiler: adjust the DHW (domestic hot water) temperature dial on the front of the boiler. Most combi boilers allow adjustment between 35°C and 65°C. Set to 50–60°C.
Consider fitting a thermostatic blending valve (TMV) at the cylinder or at the point of use (e.g. over a bath) — this blends cold water with hot to deliver a safe temperature (typically 41–46°C at the outlet). TMVs are required by Building Regulations in new builds and care settings.
If the temperature does not reduce after adjusting the thermostat, the thermostat has failed and is not cutting out the heating element or boiler. A plumber should replace it.
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