How Hot Should a Hot Water Service Be in Australia?
- Peter Holmes
- Feb 4
- 2 min read
In Australia, a hot water service should be stored at 60°C to prevent harmful bacteria like Legionella, while hot water delivered to taps in bathrooms must be limited to 50°C (or 45°C in aged care and childcare settings) to reduce the risk of scalding.
Why Hot Water Services Are Set to 60°C
Hot water systems are required to store water at 60°C for health and safety reasons. At lower temperatures, bacteria such as Legionella can survive and multiply inside the tank, creating serious health risks.
This applies to most systems used in Melbourne homes, including:
Gas storage hot water systems
Electric storage hot water systems
Some heat pump systems
Keeping stored water at 60°C ensures the system remains hygienic and compliant with Australian plumbing standards.
Why Tap Water Is Limited to 50°C
While storage temperature is high, hot water at the tap is intentionally reduced using a tempering valve or thermostatic mixing valve.
In residential homes:
Bathrooms, ensuites and basins → Max 50°C
Kitchens and laundries → Can be higher (untempered)
This is a critical safety measure. Water above 50°C can cause burns in seconds, especially for children and older residents. If your bathroom water feels excessively hot, it’s often a sign the tempering valve isn’t working correctly.
Plumb Melbourne install or replace broken Tempering valves
📞 Call Plumb Melbourne on 0437 296 544
What Happens If Your Hot Water Is Too Hot or Too Cold?
If your hot water service isn’t set correctly, you may notice:
Too hot
Scalding risk at taps
Failed safety inspections
Non-compliance for rentals or property managers
Too cold
Running out of hot water quickly
Poor shower performance
Higher energy use as the system struggles to recover
Both issues are common in older Melbourne homes or systems that haven’t been checked in years.
Does Hot Water Temperature Affect Energy Bills?
Yes. Incorrect temperature settings can increase running costs.
Too high → wasted energy and higher bills
Too low → reheating more often, reducing efficiency
A correctly set and well-maintained system delivers consistent comfort while keeping energy use under control.
How to Check or Adjust Your Hot Water Temperature
Some systems allow temperature adjustments at the unit, but tempering valves must be adjusted by a licensed plumber. Incorrect adjustments can void warranties or breach plumbing regulations.
If you’re unsure:
Your shower water feels unsafe
Your hot water runs out too quickly
You manage a rental or strata property
…it’s best to have the system checked professionally.
Hot Water Compliance Checks in Melbourne
At Plumb Melbourne, we regularly inspect and adjust hot water services to ensure they:
Meet Australian safety standards
Are compliant for rental properties
Deliver reliable, comfortable hot water
We service gas, electric, heat pump and instantaneous systems across Melbourne and can identify issues before they become costly problems.
Need help checking your hot water temperature?
Book a hot water safety check with Plumb Melbourne and get clear advice, no guesswork, and a system that’s set up properly — good under pressure, every day 💧💪
📞 Call Plumb Melbourne on 0437 296 544
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