How Does a Hot Water Tempering Valve Work?
One of the most common tempering valve questions isn’t just how does it work, but what is a tempering valve?
Hot water storage systems must keep water at 60 degrees Celsius to ensure legionella bacteria are destroyed and cannot spread through your plumbing. The problem with this is that water at 60°C can scald or burn with prolonged exposure. Kids and the elderly are especially vulnerable.
In the interest of safety, most Australian states have made it mandatory to install a tempering valve on new hot water systems.
Tempering valves control the temperature of the water that comes out of your taps so that it doesn’t exceed 50°C. They are attached to both the hot water and cold water lines, mixing the hot and cold water. A temperature monitor expands and contracts to maintain the perfect balance.
With such specific requirements, whenever something goes wrong or you need hot water services, contact Jim’s Plumbing.
Our technicians can tackle all tempering valve issues, from repairs to installation.
Do you need a Tempering Valve on Continuous Flow?
Gas continuous flow hot water heaters are typically set to 50°C as there is no water stored in a tank, like electric systems. Tempering valves are only needed when the water is heated to a higher temperature that is not suitable for general household use.
Tempering Valve Installation
With Australia-wide temperature regulations it’s essential your hot water system has a tempering valve. However, not all storage tanks may come with one – although a licensed plumber should recommend installing a tempering valve.
Jim’s Plumbing installs temperature control valves on all storage tank hot water units, while we also offer replacement services on damaged valves.
And if you have an existing water heater without a tempering valve we can easily install a new one to make sure your home meets local regulations.
If you have any doubts just contact our friendly customer service team now to book in a hot water service.
Thermostatic Mixing Valve v Tempering Valve v Terminator Valve
There are a number of important valves associated with hot water and they can get a touch confusing.
Thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) respond more quickly to pressure and temperature variations. TMVs are mandated in places such as nursing homes, child care centres and schools where the outlet temperature has to be a lower 45°C.
A terminator valve, or mildred valve, is installed on an indoor hot water system. It automatically turns off the water supply to the hot water heater if it starts to leak. It’s an Australian Standard any damage caused without one may not be covered by insurance.
Another familiar part is the pressure limiting valve. The inlet water pressure for hot water heaters is set at a maximum of 500kPa, so if your water pressure goes over this, you need to put in a pressure limiting valve.
Hot Water Tempering Valve Adjustment
Not only does a tempering valve require professional, licensed installation, but any adjustment must be performed by a licensed plumber.
Jim’s Plumbing will ensure the exact temperature is set and that your home is 100 per cent compliant.
Alongside any installation or adjustment, we can offer a full hot water system service. This is to keep your unit running efficiently and safely.
As part of our services we can throw in a $0 deposit, interest free payment plan** to even out the costs.
There’s no need to pay for all of the work upfront. You can manage the price of hot water repairs in simple weekly or even fortnightly instalments.
If this is something you’re interested in, contact Jim’s Plumbing today!
Tempering Valve Service Areas
We service all metropolitan areas of: Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Geelong, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
