What is a primary concern associated with water temperature in hot water systems?

The primary concern associated with water temperature in hot water systems is the risk of scalding. Maintaining water temperatures at safe levels is crucial because excessively hot water poses a significant danger to users, especially children and the elderly. When water is too hot, it can cause severe burns in just a few seconds of exposure.

Effective management of water temperature includes setting appropriate temperature limits, commonly recommended to be no higher than 140°F (60°C) to balance the need for effectively preventing the growth of Legionella bacteria while minimizing the potential for scalding. By focusing on the prevention of scalding, plumbing systems can ensure user safety while also considering other factors like comfort level, energy consumption, and maintenance, which, although important, are secondary to the immediate health and safety risks posed by too high water temperatures.