Hot water is defined as water of a temperature of 110° F (43° C) or hotter. Tempered water ranges from 85° F to 110° F (29° C to 43° C), and the device supplying the tempered water must limit the temperature to 110° F (43° C).

Water circulating through a hot water circulation system becomes chemically inert and does not rust the piping. But water heaters have a constant supply of fresh water with lots of corrosion-causing oxygen. Because of this, water heaters are prone to corrosion. As a result, water heaters usually have an anti-corrosion rod or sacrificial rod installed. Sacrificial anodes are typically made of magnesium or aluminum. The rod is immersed inside the water heater tank, allowing the chemical reaction from the fresh water to attack it rather than the tank. In some areas, rods are replaced regularly.