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The wonderful little device that helps achieve the right hot water temperature is either a tempering valve or a thermostatic mixing valve, which can easily be mixed up but are actually two different things. To help you decipher between the two and figure out which one is best for your needs, take a read of the below information or give Brisbane Plumbing and Drainage a call on 1300 616 203 and we would be happy to assist.

A thermostatic mixing valve, or TMV, is a great little gadget that blends both hot and cold water together to achieve a particular, predetermined water temperature when delivering water through a faucet.

If you have any further questions regarding tempering valves, TMVs or other hot water arrangements, give Brisbane Plumbing and Drainage a call on 1300 616 203 and we would be happy to discuss your hot water needs.

This means that all hot water system replacements should have a tempering valve installed. Some hot water system repairs do not require a tempering valve to be installed, but we suggest speaking to your plumber anyway to see if this is an option (it should be!).

Tempering valves are adjustable and temperature-activated, meaning they moderate hot water flow when necessary to ensure water isn’t too hot when it is delivered to a tap. Hot water that is stored in a hot water storage system should be kept at a temperature of at least 60°C, however, water should be delivered through a faucet at a maximum of 50°C. A tempering valve works by blending hot water with cold water so it flows through your tap at the correct temperature, within 3°C +/-.

TMVs are generally used in environments that include high-risk persons, such as children, the elderly and the sick, that require a lower water delivery temperature (usually 45°C or 113°C as a maximum).

A TMV works by mixing hot and cold water together to achieve a particular temperature (within 1°C +/-) to be delivered in various. The temperature is usually preset by a plumber or a qualified tradesperson who has installed the device, and the element within a TMV that is sensitive to thermal activity automatically arranges the appropriate levels of hot/cold water to create the correct temperature of the liquid.

A qualified plumber can install a tempering valve, however, a plumber with a TMV licence is the only one who can install a thermostatic mixing valve.

Tempering valves are generally used in residential homes for personal hygiene purposes, where water delivery is a maximum of 50°C (122°F)

A tempering valve is a temperature-sensitive 2-inlet or 3-inlet mixing valve which pulls water from your hot water system, mixes it with cold water and delivers it to a faucet. General household use requires hot water to be no hotter than 60°C, however, appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines may have differing settings.

When you turn the tap on in your home or workplace, you expect water at the correct temperature to be delivered – whether that be hot, cold, warm or something in between.

Tempering valves are required to be installed in the following situations (in accordance with the Plumbing Code of Australia):

For two reasons – for safety and in accordance with the regulations. For the safety of those using a tap and to avoid injuries such as scalding, a tempering valve or TMV ensures the water being released from the faucet is not above 60°C (140°F) for tempering valves or 45°C (113°F) for TMVs. Additionally, in accordance with Australian regulations (National Plumbing and Drainage Standard AS/NZS 3500.4: 2003), various water installations are not permitted to deliver water at a temperature higher than 60°C/45°C for different fixtures.