Hydromassage temp limit

Local Inspection Issues Texas/TPREIA Home Inspectors
1

New construction/phase inspections?

2006 IRC P2713.3

Hydromassage tubs (with separate hot & cold control valves) don’t have a temperature limit device such as the single lever tub/shower control. This
may lead to a hot water scalding.

Each year, approximately 3,800 injuries and 34 deaths occur in the home due to scalding from excessively hot tap water. The majority of these accidents involve the elderly and children under the age of five. (ref: U.S. CPSC)

As such the 2006 IRC recognizes the potential for injury and codified the need for a temperature limiting valve for hydromassage tubs.

[ref: 2006 IRC P2713.3 Bathtub and whirlpool bathtub valves. The hot water supplied to bathtubs and whirlpool bathtubs shall be limited to a maximum temperature of 120°F (49°C) by a water temperature-limiting device that conforms to ASSE 1070, except where such protection is otherwise provided by a combination tub/shower valve in accordance with Section P2708.3.]

A typical temperature limit valve link is below. One builder in my area installs them in the sink vanity cabinet to make it accessible as it is adjustable and from there the water line goes to the hydromassage tub.

http://www.watts.com/pages/_products_details.asp?pid=718

Importance Factor? (your decision):

http://gothamist.com/2008/03/22/100_million_law.php

http://www.tap-water-burn.com/pamphlet/obvious.htm

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2286308/posts

The temperature limit controls for the combination tub/shower controls started in 1993/1994 (3210.4 of the CABO One & Two Family code). The lack of or inoperable tub/shower temperature safety valves may be a recognized safety hazard which can lead to personal injury.

2

I wonder if America will regulate itself out of existence with its obsession for safety. First lets start with the most unsafe item in a home . . the stairs. There should be no more stairs allowed.

Keeping sanity in perspective, I think a great alternative action would be a dedicated optional safety inspection Standard. Make home inspection Standards the cornerstone for performance based inspections (does it operate) then let the consumer choose to purchase optional safety inspections that include GFCI, tempered glass, stair geometry, temperature regulators and many other items.