Designing for the Life Span Segment 4
Designing for the Life Span Segment 4 
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[D]
Hot water running continuously into the waste-pipe can heat the pipe sufficiently to cause burns or scalds. There is a very clear danger in old houses presented by unprotected waste-pipes.
In older homes, hot water may be unregulated as to the temperature at the tap. This is a very serious problem for those older people who are now using wheelchairs and may not have the ability to detect contact or extremely hot temperatures transmitted by the waste-pipe to their knees and lower legs. Modern hot water heaters can be regulated so that hot water temperature is controlled. The picture to the right shows a sink with an unprotected waste-pipe. Older homes with unregulated water temperatures may produce instances where burns to the legs could take place. Water temperatures should be at or below 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
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One of the most serious hazards found in older homes and their bathrooms is the unregulated temperature of hot water. Hot water tanks are more appropriately kept at "warm" temperatures than at hot... saving energy as well. Hot water flowing from any tap, shower head or bathtub spigot should not exceed 120 degrees. A related problem is that extremely hot water will heat the waste pipes on a sink and, if they are exposed, they are a potential source of burns to the legs. It would be wise to wrap or otherwise insulate a waste pipe to insure against burns to the knees and legs.
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