If not specified and installed correctly, showerheads can cause scalding!

Currently, standard shower valves and showerheads have a minimum flow rate of 2.5 GPM. Water-saving shower valves and showerheads are available with lower flow rates. WaterSense showerheads are rated at 2.0 GPM. There are also showerheads available that have 1.5, 1.0, and even 0.5 GPM flow rates. These various options for minimum flow rates in shower valves and showerheads create opportunities for misapplication and dangerous outcomes.

When the flow rate of a showerhead is less than the minimum flow rate of the corresponding shower valve, the potential for scalding increases for the following reasons: [Read more…]