People have told how they have ended up in hospital after making a basic mistake when using their hot water bottles. Many have failed to realise that the rubber the heating devices are made from can perish.
It has left people in hospital after the bottles failed, spilling scaling water over them. Now fire chiefs are urging people to know what to look for giving them a simple explanation of how to make an easy check.
In a social media post the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service told followers: “Hot water bottles are a longstanding, low-cost way to stay warm, but they typically have a lifespan of about two years. Do you know how to check when yours will expire?
“Here’s a quick and easy way to find out: Look for the ‘Flower Wheel’ or ‘Daisy Wheel’ on the funnel or neck of your hot water bottle. This will show you the manufacturing date.
“How to Read It:
- The number in the centre of the wheel indicates the year it was made (e.g., ‘20’ means 2020)
- The 12 petals around the wheel represent the months of the year
- The dots in each petal represent the weeks of that month. For example, 3 dots in the fifth petal means it was made in the third week of May.”
And it warned people: “If your hot water bottle is more than two years old from the manufacturing date, it is at risk of leaking or bursting. For your safety, it’s time to replace it!”
The post on Facebook was liked more than 6,700 times with 12,000 shares and 3,000 comments. And many of those posting told of their own experiences with one poster saying hot water bottles are now “barred” in their home.
Kate said: ” I suffered burns when a relatively new one gave up on me. I’ve never felt pain like it. I’ll never use one again and always warn people against them.” Rosie said: “One burst on my back & got burns all over my lower back. My back pain was so bad though that I didn’t even know it had burst & burnt me. Problem is, when you have bad pain it’s the only thing to help it.”
Barbara added: “I spent 3 weeks on burns unit 40% 2nd degree burns just from hot water bottle.” Amie replied to her post: “Me too, in January this year in Whiston Burns Unit – 2nd degree burns all over my right leg, part of my privates and lower belly.”
Christine added: “I did. They’re barred now to all the family.” Karen agreed saying: “Can’t stress to people the importance of checking your hot water bottle regularly especially if it has a cover.
“I had one burst on my thigh which had only been just made up. Spent 30 minutes in a cold shower before going to hospital. Then had to have the scald dressed at the hospital every other day for a couple of months. Thankfully no scar but a very painful incident which could have been so much worse if it had been a child.”
Some posters questioned the advice saying they had used ones for decades without issue. And one even asked why the fire brigade was posting on the subject. Kieran said: “Can I ask why is the fire brigade posting this possible hazard? Do they go on fire if a hot water bottle is expired? I’m sure if they have free time then post how to prevent serious events like fires and checking smoke/carbon monoxide alarms are working and other safety precautions.”
But the fire brigade was quick to answer. It said: “Thank you for your comment. It might seem unusual to you for a fire and rescue service to post about hot water bottle safety, so let us explain.
“Our role isn’t just about putting out fires; it’s about preventing emergencies and keeping Lancashire safe. With energy costs rising, we know many people are turning to alternative ways to stay warm, like hot water bottles and electric blankets. While an expired hot water bottle won’t cause a fire on its own, it can burst unexpectedly, which could lead to accidents, especially if it spills onto nearby electricals or is used alongside an electric blanket (which we advise not to do).
“Sharing this information is part of our broader heating and electrical campaign to ensure people can stay warm safely this winter. Rest assured, we’re also actively promoting advice on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, fire prevention, and other safety measures which can be read on our page – it’s all part of our commitment to keeping Lancashire safe, however we can.
“We appreciate your input and hope this clears up the importance of posts like this one!” And Priya had her own plea saying: “Please if you’re using a very old one, throw it away.
“I had been using one (which was probably older than me!) with no problems until about a month ago when it burst/leaked whilst I was asleep. Luckily it happened as the water was cold and I just woke up with a wet mattress! Could have been a lot worse. Won’t use them now.”