Problems with water supply arise in apartment buildings quite often: the reasons for complaints from residents are the pressure and color of the water, the smell and temperature. The temperature of hot water especially raises many questions. If it is not high enough, then the volume of consumption increases, therefore, the amount in the payment receipt increases.
In order not to overpay for low-quality service, you need to know what temperature of hot water in the tap according to the standard in 2021 must be observed by utilities, how to take measurements correctly, and where to go in case of violations. The answers to these questions are further in the article.
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Temperature standards for hot water
According to the current law, the temperature of hot water must be at least 50 0C. However, there are some restrictions on this:
- The standard applies only to residential buildings connected to a central water supply system (DHW).
- Also, the minimum temperature depends on the type of system used. In an open system it is at least 60 0, and in a closed system – from 50 0. This is due to the fact that in the first case there is a pronounced heat loss.
- Permitted deviations from the norm depend on the time of day. It is allowed that in the period between 00:00 and 05:00 the temperature values of the water in the pipeline are 5 degrees less, and the rest of the time - by 3 0. Based on this, the normal temperature during the day is 57 0, and at night - 55 0.
Due to the reduced temperature, the flow rate of the supplied liquid increases. And as a result, the cost of utilities increases. If the water temperature in all water intake areas is low, pathogenic bacteria will begin to multiply. Under their influence, pathological processes develop in the human body.
For example, legionella can settle in warm fresh water. This is a dangerous microorganism that multiplies quickly and causes pneumonia and other serious pathologies.
The maximum temperature value is 75 0. This allows you to set suitable water temperatures during washing. Washing with too hot water is prohibited - it can negatively affect human health, causing instant burns. In addition, it causes deformations in the water supply system, especially often damaging plastic pipes.
SanPin standard
SanPin 2.1.2496-09 is an important legislative act that defines the minimum (60 0) and maximum (75 0) temperature values for hot water. The permitted differences from the standards are also indicated here.
It notes that at the entrance to the house the temperature may be slightly higher. This is due to the fact that when passing through pipeline networks, the liquid may cool down slightly.
SNIP and GOST standards
Also, the standard temperature of cold and hot water in an apartment building is determined by SNIPA and GOST standards. In all legislative acts, the meaning of the standards is the same, but issues on the topic of hot water are considered from different angles.
According to GOST, the normal temperature of hot water starts from 60 0 for an open type system, and from 50 0 for a closed one. In this case, the maximum temperature in both cases is 75 0. If it is below 40 0, the cost of hot water is calculated as for cold water.
On the topic of hot water supply, one of the most important documents is the SNiP act 2.04.01-85. In 2013, adjustments were added to it under the name SP 30.13330.2012. This act is expanded, since it additionally addresses issues related to water supply, sewerage systems, and poor quality water supply.
Possible reasons for deviation
The standard DHW supply temperature changes for several reasons. The main technical reasons for parameter deviations:
- Scale deposits in pipelines.
- Malfunction of shut-off valves. The unscrupulous plumber did not make the switch in time.
- Incorrect boiler switching circuit.
- The automatic temperature controller is faulty.
In addition, there may be organizational reasons that are associated with the supplier’s attempts to minimize its costs at the expense of the consumer.
These include:
- Low temperature of supply water to the system or to the boiler (underheating).
- Closing valves on pipelines of the hot water circulation system in apartment buildings. Because of this, you have to drain the water from the riser (longer than three minutes, which does not meet the standard) before the water reaches at least 50 degrees.
How to measure water temperature correctly?
To check the quality of the supplied water, the user can measure its temperature. If the received data differs from normal values, he can complain to the service provider.
When taking measurements, certain rules must be followed. The work is carried out in the following sequence:
- Run water from the tap and leave for 3 minutes. During this time, the water will drain, so the resulting calculations will be as accurate as possible. If you measure the temperature immediately, the liquid may be colder or hotter.
- Fill a container with a large neck with water. After this, there is no need to close the mixer; water should constantly flow through the edges of the vessel.
- Measure the temperature with a household water thermometer. It must be in good working order, otherwise the obtained values may not correspond to reality.
- Record the obtained indicators and compare them with normal values.
- To ensure that the data is correct, it is recommended to repeat the manipulations several times.
Measurements taken independently will not have legal force. But it is necessary to carry out such measurements. After this, it will be possible to decide whether it is necessary to call independent experts.
If the temperature of the liquid from the tap differs noticeably from normal values, you must contact the housing and communal services department. Its representatives will take measurements and draw up a document that has legal force.
Attention! Assessment by independent experts is not a free procedure. But if deviations are found, you can ensure that the management company (MC) makes the payment.
Sample temperature measurement report
When drawing up the act, the date and city are indicated at the top.
Then the act itself is drawn up. It looks something like this:
“We, the undersigned, the owner of the apartment ______________ (indicate address, apartment number) and the representative of Management Company RSU-7 LLC _______________ (full name of the representative) drew up a report on measuring the water temperature in the kitchen and bathroom. The measurements were carried out at ____ (indicate the exact time) with a water thermometer, taking into account the Methodological Instructions MUK 4.3.2900-11 (these instructions must be written down).
The hot water temperature after draining for three minutes is ______ degrees. The thermometer ball was located in the center of the container. The measurements were carried out with a continuous flow of water into the vessel.
The measurement result was determined _____ minutes after inserting the thermometer into the container with the liquid being tested. The air temperature in the room at the time of measurements was _____ degrees.
The act is drawn up in ____copies.
Signed:
Management Company LLC "RSU-7" ___________________________
Owner ______________________________.”
Permitted deviations
The DHW temperature can deviate downward by 3 0 during the day and by 5 0 between 00:00 and 05:00. Moreover, its indicators should not exceed 75 0 at any time of the day. If the deviations are more significant, consumers can file a complaint.
Attention! For every 3 degrees difference from the norm, a person can demand a reduction in the cost of services by 0.1% for each hour of using hot water. If its values are less than 40 degrees, a person may demand that payment be made as for cold water.
General concepts
The use of public services today is regulated by special legal norms. It should be noted that the delivery must be carried out in accordance with the standards established by law. First of all, this concerns the parameters of hot and cold water. The requirements for the delivery mode must be met. Accordingly, in case of violation of the regime, citizens have the right to contact the relevant regulatory authorities to resolve the situation. But at the same time, the circulation regime itself must be observed. It is required to confirm the very fact of the existence of violations. A specific mode is set for cold and hot water. Moreover, most often difficulties arise due to hot temperatures. Cold water supply, as a rule, does not cause any complaints in most cases.
Poor water quality
Temperature is not the only indicator of water quality. The liquid must also have a certain pressure and purity.
If the pressure is low, the water will flow in a thin stream. And if the pressure is high, it can cause deformation of the components of the plumbing system. The pressure in the pipes should be 0.3-4.5 AT. If it does not meet these parameters, you need to contact the Criminal Code for recalculation.
There may be various impurities in the water - rust, clay, etc. If water is regularly supplied with such impurities, you need to write a complaint to the water utility. Cleaning systems will be inspected together with the housing office service.
What it is
Cold water supply refers to a number of special standards aimed at providing ordinary citizens with water. One of the most important points that directly affects the quality of supplied water is engineering communications.
For 2021, the cold water supply system includes the following:
- the pipeline itself – through which delivery is carried out to an apartment or household;
- pipe entrance, supply to the building;
- various types of fittings - shut-off, mixing, etc.;
- water meter units;
- all kinds of water filtration devices;
- pump equipment.
Moreover, the longer the path the water travels, the higher the likelihood that it will not comply with certain standards established by law.
Since today there are many nodes in the water supply system where the initial parameters are changed. There is a special SNiP according to which drinking and other water is supplied.
This document determines the quality of such water, as well as its temperature. It may vary slightly depending on pressure and some other important factors. Legislation and various regulations also determine the cold water supply mode. According to the standards, the break should not be more than 8 hours in a row.
It is also important to note that, in general, the characteristics of the cold water supplied do not play a special role in the comfort of the supplied utilities. In accordance with GOST, not only the water parameter is determined, but also its pressure in the pipeline and other important points.
Today, the main document defining the issue of water supply to residential buildings and other premises is SanPiN 2.1.4.2496-09. The document itself includes a fairly wide list of various standards and additional documentation. Taken together, all this determines the main points directly related to the use of public services.
For 2021, this legislative document includes the following:
Chapter | Description |
Chapter No. 1 | area of application where compliance with specific data is strictly necessary |
Chapter No. 2 | general provisions, the most important points regarding the use of the document are indicated |
Chapter No. 3 | basic requirements for the design and construction of various systems for the operation of utilities |
Chapter No. 4 | how industrial control is carried out over the quality of drinking water, as well as all other indicators |
Chapter No. 5 defines all issues related to state control in the supply of relevant housing and communal services. The number of water samples per month and other standards are indicated.
Knowledge of legal norms will allow a citizen to independently monitor his rights. If they are violated, carry out the process of defending them in court or otherwise.
It is worth noting that controversial or conflict situations that often arise in the housing and communal services sector are best resolved peacefully. Since legal proceedings take a lot of time, they require some expenses. If for some reason it is not possible to resolve the situation peacefully, then the best solution would be to go to court.
There are also state city special services that monitor this area. By contacting them, it will be possible to influence public services that deal with the issue of supplying cold water and other public services.
It is important to first study all the main regulatory documents. Often, a case is refused due to the lack of properly executed documents.
How to file a complaint
First you need to contact the housing and communal services department. Perhaps the reasons for the deviations are related to breakdowns on the highway and repair work.
Attention! In accordance with the law, housing and communal services must respond no later than 120 minutes after the request.
If the problems are persistent and a person is not satisfied with the quality of the hot water service, he can file a complaint with the Criminal Code. But during this he must take into account the following points:
- The application does not have to be printed; it can be written manually.
- In the upper right corner, indicate the applicant’s personal information – full name, place of residence, contact information.
- It is mandatory to write the name of the organization against which the complaint is being made. You can also send a claim to a specific person who is involved in solving hot water supply problems.
- The main part of the complaint indicates the reasons why the person had to write it (for example, temperature readings do not correspond to the norm, incorrect pressure in the system, presence of impurities in the water). You also need to describe the essence of the current problem and identify attempts to solve it (where the consumer applied, what was the response to his request). It is recommended to make references to the standards that are in force in the Russian Federation.
- After this, you must indicate the attached documents.
- At the end, the date of drawing up the claim is noted, and the applicant signs.
- The completed application receives its own code, which can be used to track it in the future.
If the Criminal Code refuses to solve the current problem, you must contact the police station. To confirm your claims, you must agree to an independent examination. If the expert does not identify any violations, the claim will be denied.
Where to write if they refuse to count
If, after taking official measurements, drawing up a report, writing a claim in the appropriate form, the RSO refuses to recalculate, it is necessary to involve government authorities in solving the problem:
- The State Housing Inspectorate, since its main function is to control the activities of enterprises in the housing and communal services sector.
- Rospotrebnadzor, which monitors the proper fulfillment of obligations in all areas, including housing and communal services, and also suppresses the threat of sanitary problems for citizens.
- The prosecutor's office is a supervisory authority that monitors the actions of public utilities, and also evaluates the inaction of government officials.
- Court. It will not change the temperature of the water, and if damage is indicated, the application will be accepted.
Recalculation of payment for hot water supply
If water is supplied of poor quality, the cost of the service is recalculated. The receipt has a “Recalculation” column, which adjusts the payment amount if there are certain grounds for this. The difference between the amount paid and the actual amount is credited to the future payment account.
Recalculation is made after the consumer submits an application. It must be accompanied by a protocol confirming the violations identified.
If payment is calculated without meters, according to the standards, recalculation is possible if the user is absent for more than 5 days. But he must present evidence for this - tickets, discharge from the hospital and others.
Attention! Recalculation must be completed within 5 working days. If the management company does not agree with the complaint, the tenant must be sent a written reasoned refusal within 30 days.
Sample application
When drawing up an application for recalculation of hot water, the following aspects are taken into account:
- In the upper right corner it is indicated to whom the application is being submitted (to the director of the HOA, his full name) and from whom.
- Then, “Application” is written in the center of the sheet, and below it is necessary to write “about the recalculation of fees for hot water.”
- The text of the statement should look something like this:
“According to my application, the hot water temperature was measured in the apartment I own at ___________ (indicate the exact address). Violations were detected as the temperature was ______ degrees. After this, an inspection report was drawn up. Based on this, it was determined that I was receiving a low-quality service that did not meet regulatory requirements.
In this regard, I ask:
– Recalculate the payment for hot water from the period –_________ (indicate the date when the check was carried out).
– Carry out the necessary work to ensure the supply of water at a temperature that meets sanitary standards.
- Below, indicate your full name and date of writing the application, and sign.
Attach a copy of the inspection report to the application. If there are grounds, the complaint must be satisfied within 5 working days after filing.
Actions after receiving the act
After you have completed all the documents and received an act of violation of the quality of public services for the delivery of hot water, your further actions are to submit a request for recalculation of payment. You can find out the time for which the recalculation must be made from the information provided above.
The period of violation of the temperature schedule is considered:
- From the time of bringing information about the violation to the dispatcher;
- Until the time of testing to restore parameters.
If during this time the correct DHW has not been resumed, then the services with a violation of quality are considered incomplete, which means you have the right to submit a second claim.
Permissible fluctuations
The law sets the permissible range of fluctuations in the temperature of water entering homes. The Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 05/06/2011 N 354 stipulates two ranges.
At night, hot water from the tap can be colder or warmer than normal by a maximum of 5C. At this time, its minimum level is allowed to be 55C, and its maximum is 80C.
This applies to open water intake systems. In closed hot water supply systems at night the minimum temperature should be 45C. Night hours are considered to be the time period starting from 0:00 am and ending at 5:00 am.
During the daytime, a deviation of the regime by a maximum of 3C is permissible. At this time, 57-degree water may flow from the tap. But the maximum it can be is 78 degrees. This is acceptable for open water supply systems.
For closed ones, the temperature regime is different. Minimum water in them can be heated during the day to 47C. Daytime hours are considered to be the period from 5 am to 12 midnight.
Resolution 354 states that supplied hot water less than 40C will be counted as cold in calculations.
Self-measurement
You can take measurements using a thermometer.
- Take the container and turn on the tap.
- Wait a while for hot water to start flowing from the tap.
- Place the container under running water and leave it in that position.
- Place a thermometer in the container and monitor the movement of the mercury column.
When the mercury column stops moving and is fixed at one temperature value, you need to write down this indicator.
Measuring the temperature of tap water can only be done if the air temperature in the room is about 20-35C. Air humidity during measurements should be in the range from 30 to 80%. When taking measurements, the atmospheric pressure in the room should be about 84-106 kPa.