Mixing valves, also called tempering or thermostatic valves, blend hot and cold water to deliver taps and showers at a safe temperature. Installing one prevents scalding while allowing you to run your hot water system hotter. Call to find out if your home needs a mixing valve fitted.
Mixing valves combine hot and cold water to achieve a safe and comfortable water temperature from your system. How does the mixing valve operate? It works by mixing hot water from hot water systems with cold water to deliver a hot water cold blend from the mains supply to achieve an outlet temperature that is suitable for managing your water temperatures effectively.
The key components of a thermostatic valve include:
As hot water from your water heater enters on one side, and cold water into the valve on the other, the thermostatic element senses both the hot and the cold water temperatures. The element signals the valve to adjust and mix the water to maintain the set outlet temperature, typically between 38 and 48 degrees Celsius.
This mechanism is critical in preventing sudden spikes in water temperature that could cause scalding.
The temperature requires a consistent flow of hot and cold water, is typically measured electronically for precision, and the valve can be manually adjusted by turning a dial or knob on the device. The blending action maintains a constant water temperature, ensuring safety despite varying flows or supply temperatures.
Mixing valves provide more consistent flow hot cold water safely in any domestic water or commercial systems by managing temperature controls effectively. They reduce the risk of scalding and enable your water heater to maintain temperatures high enough to inhibit Legionella bacteria growth.
By installing such valves in showers, you can achieve precise temperature control at outlets like showers, baths, and sinks, minimising the risk of serious burns yet allowing higher water storage temperatures.
Most plumbing codes and standards now mandate a thermostatic mixing valve tempering for these essential safety measures.
There are two main types of mixing devices: thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) and tempering valves. The key differences between thermostatic valves manifest as follows:
One might ask, 'why need thermostatic mixing valves?' They provide more exact temperature regulation than tempering valves in almost all scenarios by automatically controlling mixed water temperature.
Visit our Smith Plumbing website to consult with one of our experts regarding the most suitable mixing valve configuration for your home or business.
Series mixing valves have become more common within plumbing systems because they prevent scalding by efficiently blending hot and cold water into a safe, consistent temperature. Here are the main applications where mixing valves are highly beneficial:
Installing a thermostatic mixing valve is required by law for sanitary fixtures like shower bathtubs. The mixing valve can efficiently mix hot and cold water to ensure a maximum temperature of 50°C reaches these fixtures, preventing accidental scalding.
A TMV is also highly recommended for sinks and basins to enable safer use when washing hands, cleansing faces, preparing food, and cleaning dishes. They allow safe use while meeting hot water demands.
Mixing valves reinforce water heating systems, like heat pumps and in-floor heating, to maintain water temperature between 38-45°C for optimal performance and comfort.
Some larger facilities require a higher temperature and have separate heating systems for fixtures needing hotter water, like in commercial kitchens, while the rest of the building needs lower temperatures. Mixing valves can output safe temperatures in various systems.
Visit our customer support page to learn more about installing mixing valves to promote safety and proper hot water provision across your residential or commercial property.
Installing mixing valves is crucial for protecting against tap water scalds and burns. Scalding water can cause a third-degree burn to a child’s skin in just one second. Mixing valves installed near fixtures mitigate this risk by regulating and maintaining outlet temperatures at safe levels.
By Australian plumbing standards, heated tap water for personal hygiene must not exceed 49°C at the outlet. Temperatures within the limits can easily scald infants, children and seniors if exceeded. This is why thermostatic mixing valves on every hot water outlet are so important in households and care homes as preventive measures against scalding accidents.
TMVs have inbuilt safety precautions as well. If the supply of cold water fails suddenly, the TMV sensor will shut off the hot water flow to prevent temperatures from exceeding the set point. This provides an extra layer of protection compared to standard tempering valves.
Inspect your TMVs at least annually and replace internal seals if needed to ensure maximum safety. Keep young children supervised and install tap guards as added precautions around sinks and bathtubs. Visit our customer support page if you require new TMV installations or have any concerns regarding scald hazards in your home.
There are important legal requirements surrounding the installation and maintenance of mixing valves in Australia:
Mixing valves, especially used in sensitive environments like nursing homes, must comply with AS 4032.1 and AS 4032.2 standards for materials, design and performance criteria. Thermostatic mixing valves, ensuring proper flow hot cold water, installed in aged care facilities and care homes also need additional approval certification.
It is mandatory for licenced plumbers to follow the correct installation process for mixing valves. Australian plumbing regulations also mandate that TMVs undergo commissioning test after installation and then ongoing verification tests at least annually, with full servicing recommended every 5 years.
Delivered water from taps and showers must not exceed 50°C in care homes and early childhood centres or 45°C in all other buildings, as enforced by law under the Plumbing Code of Australia. TMVs play a crucial role in maintaining these safe temperature limits.
Fines can apply for non-compliant valve installation. At Smith Plumbing, we serve our community by being fully accredited to install, test, and maintain valves TMVs to the highest safety standards. Feel free to call us to arrange an inspection or replacements.
Regular maintenance of mixing valves, particularly TMVs, is vital to prevent scalding and ensure continual performance. Here are some best practises:
We offer professional mixing valve your TMV testing, repairs and replacements to maintain safety. Visit our customer page to book annual inspections or a full service if your TMVs are older than 5 years.
There are a few key signs that indicate your mixing valve may be failing or in need of replacement:
To ensure the devices last longer, ideally, thermostatic mixing valves should ideally be replaced every 10 years as part of routine preventative maintenance. We recommend more frequent testing if you notice any of the above signs earlier.
It’s critical to have annual verification tests conducted by a licensed professional; if valves fail these tests, immediate repairs or replacement are needed for safety reasons.
Replacing older mixing valves ensures ongoing protection against scalds and gives you peace of mind. Contact us if you suspect your TMV needs attention.
When selecting a mixing valve, there are a few key factors to consider:
The valve should be suitable for the water pressure of your plumbing system. Standard mixing valves accommodate common residential water flows and pressure ranges. Special high-pressure valves are needed in systems above 500 kPa.
Choose a valve that matches your water flow rate needs; for instance, shower mixing valves should support higher flow rates than basin taps.
Choose a thermostatic mixing valve with a temperature range that can be adjusted to suit your specific needs, whether for personal hygiene or radiant heating. Most TMVs can blend water over a 35-60°C span.
Ensure the valve is compatible with your plumbing system’s pipe type/diameter and fittings. Also check it has the necessary regional approvals and standards certification.
Our plumbing services at Colyton Plumbing can provide expert advice on selecting the most appropriate, efficient and safe mixing valve for your residential or commercial application.
Properly installing a mixing valve which is critical for performance and safety. Here are some key considerations:
Make sure mixing valves are installed on the hot water supply lines immediately before the outlet, such as a faucet, shower, or appliance. This practice will highlight the difference between too-hot supply water and precisely controlled temperature at the point-of-use.
To ensure your mixing valves are easily accessible for maintenance, have isolation valves installed. There should be enough room to test temperatures, adjust settings, or replace internal components if required.
All mixing valve installations must comply with the Plumbing Code of Australia and relevant AS/NZS standards. Using a licenced plumber ensures proper configurations are carried out for optimal safety.
Upon installation, mixing valves must undergo commissioning tests to calibrate the correct temperature and ensure functionality before approval of the system. Annual ongoing tests are also mandatory.
Reach out to our experts at Colyton Plumbing to have your mixing valves installed to precise standards. We handle all testing and compliance requirements as well.
Yes, mixing valves are crucial for preventing scalds and burns. Legally, they are mandatory for outlets such as showers and sinks in residential settings, businesses, and aged care centres, among others. They provide essential temperature regulation for the safety of your hot water unit.
Understanding the correct settings for tempering valves is crucial for personal use, as the hot water temperature should not surpass 50°C. Mixing valves enable heaters to operate at higher internal temperatures while delivering safer tap temperatures around 45°C.
Inconsistent temperatures, leaks, unusual noise, or failures in annual verification tests suggest the mixing valve may require repair or replacement.
No, only qualified professionals should handle mixing valve installations and checks to ensure correct configurations for safety/compliance.
Mixing valves, also called tempering or thermostatic valves, blend hot and cold water to deliver taps and showers at a safe temperature. Installing one prevents scalding while allowing you to run your hot water system hotter. Call to find out if your home needs a mixing valve fitted.
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