Is the Hot Water in Your Apartment Too Hot? Know Your Rights so You Don’t Burn Yourself in the Shower or Tub

New York City law says that the water in an apartment is too hot when it is over 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Your landlord is responsible for maintaining the hot water delivery system and ensuring that anti-scald valves are installed and functioning properly. Failure to do so could make them liable for any scald injuries your family suffers.

If you were injured by apartment water that is too hot, our team of burn injury lawyers can help you understand your rights. At Oresky & Associates, PLLC, we hold negligent property owners and managers accountable for preventable burn injuries.

Is It Dangerous If Apartment Water Is Too Hot?

Yes, scalds can be extremely dangerous. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), 34 percent of all burn injuries are scalds, which are caused by hot water or steam. Hundreds of thousands of burn injury victims nationwide require professional medical treatment every year.

When bath or shower water is too hot, you might suffer:

• Blisters
• Burns that lead to scarring
• Shock
• Nerve damage
• Eye damage

Children are especially vulnerable to scalds because they have not learned how to be careful around hot liquids. In rare cases, such as if the injury becomes infected, scalds can be fatal.

In addition to scalds, you may be at risk of burns from radiators or faucets that become excessively hot due to the water temperature.

Hot Water Legal Standards in New York City

Section PC 424 of The New York City Administration Code states that all showers and tubs must come equipped with anti-scald valves that prevent the water temperature from rising above 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Laws like this one may only apply to buildings constructed after 1996, but anti-scald valves have been the industry standard in New York City for years. Even if your building was constructed prior to 1996, your landlord may still be liable for failing to install an anti-scald valve.

Signs That Your Apartment Water Is Too Hot

Some of the ways you can tell if bath water is too hot in your apartment:

• Putting your hand close to (but not on) the faucet to see if it feels hot.
• Seeing how quickly steam rises from running water.
• Using a thermometer to get an exact temperature.

Because extremely hot water can indicate issues with the boiler and water distribution system, you may hear unusual noises in the pipes. You might also see water coming out of your faucets with more force.

How hot is too hot for shower water? According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):

• Prolonged exposure to water that is 120 degrees could result in third-degree burns. Per Johns Hopkins Medicine, third-degree burns are the most serious type of burn injury.
• As the water temperature increases, it takes less time for severe burns to develop. Thirty seconds of exposure to 130-degree water causes serious burns.
• It takes only two seconds of exposure to 150-degree water to suffer a third-degree burn.

Reasons Why Water May Be Too Hot

Some common reasons why the water in your shower is too hot include:

• Defective equipment, including the boiler or the anti-scald valve.
• Mineral buildup.
• Problems with the pressure relief valve or the thermostat.
• Lack of maintenance.

Many of these issues can be anticipated and prevented by timely intervention from your landlord.

If you were injured because your hot water is too hot, talk to our personal injury lawyers. We will investigate your claim and gather evidence to prove what caused the problem and who is liable.

What to Do If Your Water Is Too Hot

Our personal injury attorneys recommend that you prioritize your health and then your legal rights after a scald. Here is how you can do so:

Get Medical Assistance for Your Burn Injury

Get treatment as soon as possible. This could mean calling 911, going straight to an emergency room, or making an appointment with your doctor, depending on how you feel.

Contact Your Landlord About the Hot Water

The moment you realize the water is too hot in your shower, notify your landlord. Tell them in writing when possible. It is their responsibility to address the issue promptly. In addition, you want it on the record that you alerted your landlord immediately after discovering the problem.

Gather Evidence of the Hot Water Problem

If you have a digital thermometer, record yourself checking the water temperature. Take photos of your injuries, and preserve any communication between you and the landlord (e.g., complaints you made that went unanswered).

File a Formal Complaint About the Hot Water

If your landlord does not provide a satisfactory response to your complaints, file a report with the City of New York. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) will compel your landlord to take action or send an inspector to your apartment.

Hire Our Personal Injury Lawyers

If you suffered burns as a result of scalding hot water from your shower, sink, or bathtub, you might have a valid claim against your landlord for negligent maintenance of the heating/hot water system. Our legal team will help you seek financial compensation for your pain and suffering, medical expenses, and other losses.

Call Now for a Free Consultation

Contact Oresky & Associates, PLLC, at (718) 993-9999 for a free, confidential consultation today. Our attorneys are ready to start protecting your rights.

Free Consultation

Seek Help from Our New York City Law Firm

When bath water is too hot, you and your family could suffer unnecessary injuries. Our burn injury lawyers will help you file a claim for your past and future pain and suffering, economic damages such as medical bills and lost wages, and everything else you have lost. We will aggressively negotiate with insurers, and we never shy away from litigating in court.

You are entitled to fair treatment from your landlord regardless of your immigration status. Contact Oresky & Associates, PLLC, at (718) 993-9999 to schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers.