What is the highest temperature tap water inside a house should be set at?

The recommended highest temperature for tap water inside a house is 120 °F. This temperature is considered safe for most household uses while minimizing the risk of scalding. Hot water temperatures higher than this can significantly increase the risk of burns, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly, whose skin may be more sensitive.

Setting the temperature at 120 °F helps ensure that the water is hot enough for effective cleaning and sanitation purposes, while still being manageable for everyday activities like bathing and washing hands. Additionally, water heaters are often set at this temperature to balance safety and efficiency in providing hot water.

In contrast, options such as 100 °F or 110 °F are typically too low for effective cleaning and personal hygiene. While temperatures higher than 120 °F (like 130 °F) may be suitable for certain applications, they present higher risks of scalding and should generally be avoided in residential settings to protect occupants from injuries.