Hot Water on Shabbat

Asked by Avi · January 31, 2004 · Shabbat

Question

K'vod HaRav, I remember previous responses that required checking the hot water flow nearest the hot water heater with a thermometer to ensure that it was below 125F. Is this still necessary? What if I know that my heater is set on the "high" side? Also, if showering is OK, what about using hot water for rinsing dishes? (NOT washing them). Thank you for your wonderful harbatzat Torah!

Answer

Answered by Aaron Abadi

If you suspect that your water is so hot that you can almost burn your hands when you wash dishes or something, then you should lower it a bit, or check it. For safety and for Shabbat. It is very uncommon to have a separate hot water heater, that is set so high. Even if it was, you never know if it now at 135 degrees or down to 120 degrees. It fluctuates. If you are rinsing the dishes to have your house clean for Shabbat, it's fine. AA AA