Hot Water Safety
Did you know hot water can burn like fire? It can take as little as 1 second to receive third degree burns if exposed to hot water between 65 and 80 degrees celsius.
A thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) is a valve that blends hot water with cold water to ensure constant, safe shower and bath outlet temperatures. It can assure constant outlet water temperature even with variations in hot or cold water supply temperature. A thermostatic mixing valve provides important benefits of safety and comfort to the building occupants.
Thermostatic mixing valves automatically calculate the input flows of hot and cold water to ensure an output with a constant temperature. Australian-wide legislation has been enabled through AS/NZS 3500.4:1997, for hot water control and the safe delivery of hot water for ablutionary outlets in all buildings.
This legislation requires hot water to be delivered to sanitary fixtures at a temperature no greater than 50 degrees Celsius in domestic applications and 45 degrees Celsius in applications such as:
- Early childhood centers
- Primary and Secondary schools
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes and similar facilities for youth, aged, sick and disabled persons.
With hot water required to be stored at a minimum temperature of 60 degrees Celsius to prevent the growth of Legionella bacteria, Thermostatic mixing valvles are a purpose built solution for the delivery of controlled temperature hot water for ablutionary purposes.
Thermostatic mixing valves are required to be installed and serviced in accordance with National Plumbing and Drainage code AS 3500 in conjunction with any manufacturers, local and state requirements. Thermostatic mixing valves require servicing and maintenance at intervals no greater than 12 month unsder the current legislation.
Advantages of Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV):
- Comfort and Convenience
- Reduction of energy consumption by 50%
- Prevention of scalding and burns
- keep Water Temperature at a Safe Level
- Improved Sanitation
Mates Rates Plumbing are compliant with all manufacturers, local and state requirements for the installation and servicing of Thermostatic Mixing Valves. Mates Rates Plumbing offer a fixed rate service agreement to customers to ensure regular and correct servicing of Thermostatic mixing valves as required buy all authorities.
Our range of plumbing services also includes hot water system repairs and plumbing, commercial plumbing services, emergency plumbing services and repairs to blocked drains and burst pipes. Contact us today for more information on our services.
Thermostatic Mixing Valve - FAQs
What is a Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV)?
A thermostatic mixing valve is a device that controls water temperatures and releases warm water at a safe and predetermined temperature for showering, bathing, hand-washing, and bidets. TMVs can be fitted under baths and basins as a feature of exposed hot and cold water mixers.
Why is THVS important for safety?
You need to reduce the water temperature to prevent scalding and that is possible only with the thermostatic mixing valve. It is a helpful tool to store the water at a temperature to avoid bacteria growth while also delivering shower water to the user at an appropriate temperature.
What are the signs of a failing thermostatic mixing valve?
One of the most common signs of a failing thermostatic mixing valve is leaks or drips from the valve itself. Another one is drastic and sudden changes in water pressure and inaccurate temperature like water is too cold or too hot.
What temperature should a TMV be set to?
TMVs must maintain a safe and stable temperature of under 50 degrees Celsius in domestic applications and 45 degrees Celsius in applications. Testing and regularly monitoring hot water temperatures at thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) to ensure the hot water temperature is proper.
Who should install and service thermostatic mixing valves?
A qualified plumber with a TMV license is the only one who can install a thermostatic mixing valve. We are your local TMV plumber in sydney. Mates Rates Plumbing staff are fully qualified & experienced in TMV installation, maintenance, & testing.
