What is the maximum hot water temperature for bathrooms in Australia?
Summary (TL;DR)
Under AS/NZS 3500.4, the maximum hot water delivery temperature for sanitary fixtures used for personal hygiene (showers, baths, hand basins) is 50°C. For early childhood centres, schools, and aged care facilities, the maximum is strictly 45°C.
AS/NZS 3500.4 Hot Water Temperature Rules
To prevent severe scalding, Australian plumbing standards strictly regulate the temperature of hot water delivered to fixtures used for personal hygiene. This is typically achieved using a Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV) or a tempering valve.
Standard Residential & Commercial (50°C)
For standard residential homes and general commercial buildings, hot water delivered to showers, baths, and hand basins must not exceed 50°C.
Note: This restriction does not apply to kitchen sinks or laundry tubs, where hotter water is often required for cleaning and degreasing.
High-Risk Facilities (45°C)
A stricter maximum of 45°C applies to facilities catering to vulnerable people, including:
- Early childhood centres and kindergartens
- Primary and secondary schools
- Nursing homes and aged care facilities
- Hospitals and healthcare buildings
Storage Temperature vs Delivery Temperature
It is critical to remember that while the delivery temperature must be restricted, the water inside a storage water heater must be stored at a minimum of 60°C to prevent the growth of Legionella bacteria. This is why a tempering valve or TMV is mandatory — it mixes the 60°C+ stored water with cold water to deliver safe 50°C water to the bathroom.
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