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What water heater thermostat setting does the CPSC urge to help prevent scalds?

120 degrees Fahrenheit, per the CPSC.

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  1. 100 degrees F
  2. 120 degrees F ✔
  3. 140 degrees F

Why: The CPSC urges all users to lower water heaters to 120 degrees F. That helps prevent scalds, especially for young children and older adults, and it also saves energy.

Huh, didn't know that: CPSC says to check the real temperature by holding a thermometer under the hot tap first thing in the morning, or two hours after water use.

The dad joke
Setting the water heater to 120 is the one time Dad turns it down and nobody complains.
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References

Answer: 120 degrees F. The CPSC urges all users to lower water heaters to 120 degrees F. That helps prevent scalds, especially for young children and older adults, and it also saves energy.

  1. CPSC: Avoiding Tap Water Scalds (Pub. 5098) www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/5098-Tap-Water-Scalds.pdf
    urges all users to lower their water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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