What are Thermostatic Mixing Valves?

Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMV) are devices which regulate hot water temperature in your home. Similar devices for this purpose are tempering valves. Your plumber can install a TMV for safe water use in your home or business. Both TMV’s and tempering valves are mechanisms which temper water at its output to a safe temperature. At the same time, they allow water to be stored at a high temperature, to prevent disease. All new hot water systems across the Gold Coast are now required to have tempered hot water running to bathrooms.

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What Are the Rules on Water Temperature in the Gold Coast area?

Temperature requirements for safe water services actually form part of the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA). Australian standard AS 3498 requires that all hot water used for personal hygiene purposes falls below 50°C. This prevents scalding. Furthermore, temperatures must not exceed 45°C in the following institutions:

  • Early childhood centres
  • Primary and secondary schools
  • Nursing homes and similar facilities for young, aged, sick or disabled persons.

At the same time, Australian standards dictate that we cannot store water at these lower temperatures. AS3500.4 requires that hot water is stored at 60°C to prevent the growth of deadly legionella bacteria. The TMV is the solution to this issue.

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How Does a Tempering Device Work?

The TMV or tempering valve allows you to store water at the ideal heat and cool the water delivered to the tap. Your plumber can adjust the outgoing temperature to 50°C or 45°C via the sliding valve.

The requirement to limit water temperatures according to Australian standards applies to all new heated water installations. This includes solar and heat pumps. The exception is the gas tankless continuous flow hot water system. This operates without heated water storage.

Why is a TMV More Accurate?

Thermostatic mixing valves react quickly to temperature and pressure changes. They can reduce variance in temperature output to only 1 percent difference. Importantly, TMV’s are considered the only acceptable mechanisms for heat reduction to 45°C.

How Do You Install The TMV?

There are two ways your plumber can install a TMV in your home or business. Firstly, they can fit the valve to your hot water system. This restricts the temperature output to all appliances (including kitchen and laundry). Alternatively, they can install it away from the water heater. This cools water to bathroom fixtures only. In some circumstances, your plumber may also need to insulate pipes as part of regulation compliance.

We use different valves depending on whether your hot water system is electric, gas or solar. There is also a special valve for high capacity hot water systems.

To conclude, if you are replacing your hot water system, you need to have either a thermostatic mixing valve or tempering valve installed.

We Install Thermostatic Mixing Valves Gold Coast wide

Plumb Perfection can look after the installation and advice on your new hot water system, as well as the best device to suit your budget and needs.

Your old hot water system may still work well, but there are reasons for us to fit a TMV for you. Especially, if you have young children or if you own a rental property where children or the elderly may reside. In addition, if you run a business it is good practice to have one installed for the safety of employees or clients in the bathroom. This is even more important if you are using hot water as part of your business. This includes hairdressers and beauty therapists.

Contact Plumb Perfection for a no-obligation quote to install a tempering valve or TMV on its own or as part of a new hot water system.

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