Balancing Hot Water

Balancing Hot Water:

Have you ever been in a hotel room shower and the temperature of your water skyrockets to hot? This
is a common issue in large-scale housing units. Every year, thousands of people suffer serious thermal
shock or scalding injuries in their bathtubs, sinks, and showers. More than 90% of scalding incidents
occur in the home. The tender skin of very young children and the slow reaction time of the elderly and
the handicapped make them most vulnerable to serious hot water burns. (watts.com) Even though most
accidents happen in the home, commercial and large-scale residency operations are at most risk for this
problem.

Hot water can also cause a bacterium to build up called Legionella Bacteria. The bacteria can multiply in
hot water pipes and hot water systems with a storage tank where the temperature is in a certain range
that makes the water hot. You can catch this bacterium if the water accidentally enters your lunges,
usually from coughing.

The balancing of hot water is not only an issue in residential settings but can also cause issues in
commercial settings. Hospitals need water to run at a very specific temperature to keep tools and
products sanitary. Restaurants and commercial kitchens need hot water to run at very specific
temperatures to keep equipment sanitary. Schools also need water to run at proper temperatures to
ensure the safety of students and staff. There are many more situations where water needs to be
managed and kept at safe running temperatures.

Solving the Issue:

There are a few ways and products to help balance your hot water. The best solution is to have a professional install a water valve on your hot water system.

The water valve ensures that the temperature is controlled and reduces the risk of the issues mentioned above. Below are a few great water valve companies that Carter’s will work with.

1. Leonard Water Temperature Controls:
   • Mr. Leonard utilized a bi-metal coil as his thermostat to temper hot and cold water to attain the desired output. Thus, the first Leonard thermostatic mixing valve was created to temper water in barber shops. Leonard was also very concerned with the wellbeing of the infirmed and the very young, and he thereafter used his mixing valve technology to control water temperature for critical hospital and healthcare facilities. You can purchase a Leonard water valve directly through their site or contact Carter’s today.
2. Circuit Solver:
   • A vertically integrated product with 95% of their designs being tested onsite. The circuit solver product
     is widely used in the railroad industry, commercial plumbing, aerospace & defense, and industrial
     applications where temperature control is important. Their product is also widely used for eyewash
     stations where temperature control is critical. Contact Circuit solver today or Carter’s for more information!
3. Webstone Valves
   • Webstone takes pride in being a very versatile product with years of experience in the plumbing industry. They have a wide range of products suitable for many needs (not only hot water valves). You can learn more about their products by visiting their website or contacting Carter’s today.