Hot water - MUCH TOO HOT!

[BRISTOL86]

Hi Guys

I'm new here, we have a problem and i was wondering if you could help

We have recently moved into a flat, which has a Megaflo water heater.

Our problem is that the water from the taps, once they have been running for 30 seconds or so, is much too hot to put your hands under comfortably.

We have a mixer tap in the kitchen, and the shower has a temperature control dial on it which solves the problem, but in the bathroom sink you literally can't put your hands under the hot water because it's too hot!

Is there any way to regulate the temperature of the water coming out of the taps?

Thanks!

 

[Agile]

You dont say how your cylinder is heated.

If by an electric immersion heater then they have a thermostat and that can be reduced by a DIYer who is competent to isolate and work on electrics.

Tony

 

[BRISTOL86]

Apologies, it is heated electrically - there is no gas in the flat.

So it's not a DIY job then, adjusting the thermostat?

 

[TicklyT]

Turning down the thermostat on the immersion heater is one choice, but you may run short of hot water if you do (adding cold water to reduce the temperature usually reduces the flow rate of hot water, so a cylinder full lasts longer).

The temperature is usually controlled by the immersion thermostat hidden under the cover on top of the heater element. Removing the cover exposes live parts, so switch off the power at the CU first!

The thermostat usually has a screwdriver slot to adjust the temperature, and a (often inaccurate) temperature scale printed round the adjuster. Turn that back by, say, 10 degrees a time till you find a temperature you're comfortable with.

Note that hot water is usually heated to 60 degrees C or more to kill off any bugs like legionella.

Adding a thermostatic mixing valve to the basin supplies is an alternative.

They blend cold water with the hot supply to regulate the temperature. They are commonly specified in care homes, hospitals etc. to prevent scalding.

 

[Biguns]

See FAQ 4 here:-
//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=37170