Various Canadian plumbing and health-based organizations recently met to discuss proposed changes to Canada’s National Building Code and National Plumbing Code regarding hot water heater tank temperatures.

Various Canadian plumbing and health-based organizations — such as the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating, the National Research Council, Safe Kids Canada, CSA International, Health Canada, water heater manufacturers and members of the Canadian Advisory Council on Plumbing — recently met to discuss proposed changes to Canada’s National Building Code and National Plumbing Code regarding hot water heater tank temperatures.

The group reached consensus that the maximum temperature of hot water supplied by fittings on fixtures in a residential building should not exceed 49 degrees C (120.2 degrees F). This can be achieved by temperature-actuated thermostatic mixing valves or other devices installed at each fixture or at the tank itself. This will not involve setting the temperature at the water heater. An exception to this would be for water supplied to dishwashers or clothes washers.

These recommendations were made to the Standing Committee on Building and Plumbing Services. If the recommendations are approved after review, they will be included in the 2005 editions of the national building and plumbing codes.