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It’s important to note two things: These are not rated as anti-scald devices, and, second, it must be a “listed” device and not one simply claiming it conforms to the ASSE listing.
Last, but certainly not least, we need to protect the public using this 135°F to 140°F potable hot water at each point of use. Here’s where the listed ASSE 1016 anti-scald point-of-use devices come into play. Remember the three types of anti-scald valves: P, T, and P/T or good, better and best? You might think the P (pressure balancing) types are worry-free now that we’ve flat-lined the point of source outlet temperatures, but we need to remember they’re blind to temperature changes and municipal potable water systems often see a wide range of delivery temperatures as the seasons change. OK, we’ve shifted liability from the water heater manufacturers to the manufacturers of the ASSE 1017 and 1016 devices, but we’re still in the cross hairs of liability suit marksmen and that too can be addressed. Suppose it was the responsibility of the plumbing inspector to check the point-of-source temperature at the thermometer we’ve installed just downstream of our listed ASSE 1017 device; verify constant circulation throughout the potable hot water distribution line(s); check every point-of-use device where a potential for scalding exists to verify a listed ASSE 1016 device is in place; perform a running water temperature check to ensure delivery temperatures are within a safe range; fill out an inspection report; and have the homeowner sign off acknowledging the inspection was performed.
Dave Yates owns F.W. Behler, a contracting company in York, Pa. He can be reached by phone at 717/843-4920 or by e-mail at .
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Now that we’ve flat-lined the source outlet temperature with a listed ASSE 1017 device, let’s add constant circulation to prevent stagnation and maintain the elevated 135°F to 140°F water temperatures. I’d like to see a temperature gauge here, wouldn’t you? That would make our job setting up the 1017 device delivery temperature a snap. All along the potable hot water highway, there would be road signs stating, “No Bugs Allowed!”
Wouldn’t that be grand? Scalding cases would be greatly diminished and bacteria such as Legionella couldn’t gain a foothold. When bidding your work, everyone would be on the same playing field and safety wouldn’t be held hostage by the competitive bidding process. But it can’t and won’t happen until the national plumbing codes address these issues. The only argument that can be presented against putting these common-sense solutions to work is the notion that it will cost the consumer too much money. The fact is we cannot afford not to implement these changes.
