Taking a few small measures can keep you out of legal hot water.
Many years ago, I wrote a column in which I warned plumbers could be sued if they raised the temperature setting on a water heater. What I hate is when my prophetic statements come true.
Such a lawsuit against a plumber recently occurred in New Jersey. A plumbing contractor was called to a newer home to check why the fixtures were not getting an adequate supply of hot water. Upon investigation, the plumber noticed that the water heater thermostat was set between vacation and low. He informed the owners of the problem and adjusted the setting to between high and very high. Because the job entailed a few minutes and a simple turning of a dial, the plumber did not charge the customer for a service call.