In Queensland, hot water must be heated to a minimum of 60°C to prevent the growth of bacteria such as Legionella, and a tempering device ensures that hot water is delivered to taps at a maximum temperature of 50°C.

The mixing valve is a sliding component that is contained within the tempering valve, ensuring the correct ratio of hot to cold water is being let through, and a tempering valve usually controls the temperature within ±3%. This video explains the workings of a tempering valve:

The way that a tempering valve works is not as complex as it may appear. A tempering valve contains a temperature-sensitive element, whose job is to focus on adjusting the mix of hot/cold water depending on:

Dielectric unions are used in commercial and residential applications to prevent accelerated corrosion and deterioration in the piping system due to galvanic and stray current. It is installed between pipes made from dissimilar metals, and features a female iron pipe thread to solder connection. It consists of a union nut, two tailpieces, and a gasket that separates the tailpieces to prevent an electric current from occurring.

Queensland Government (Department of Housing and Public Works – Hot Water System Requirements): https://www.hpw.qld.gov.au/construction/Sustainability/SustainableHousingLaws/Pages/ElectricHotWaterSystemReplacement.aspx

If you have any further questions regarding tempering valves or would like to arrange for one of our qualified Brisbane plumbers to check a tempering valve in your home, give Brisbane Plumbing and Drainage a call on 1300 616 203 and we can help. ‍

‍Tempering valves and TMVs (thermostatic mixing valves) get mixed up regularly, and they do have some similarities due to the fact they both mix hot/cold water together, but the main differences between the two are :

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A tempering valve, otherwise known as hot water mixing valve or a hot water tempering valve, is either a 2-inlet or 3-inlet adjustable mixing valve which is activated by temperature. It regulates the temperature that hot water is released from outlets throughout your home, by mixing both hot and cold water together to achieve a particular temperature.

When you think about it, many of us really do take hot water for granted. We turn on our hot water tap and water at the correct temperature is released from the faucet almost every time and when it’s not, we are pretty annoyed about it… just think about when cold water comes out of the showerhead when you turn on the hot tap.

One of the little additions to ensure that the water being used in your home is at the correct temperature at all times is a tempering valve. If you haven’t heard of them before, or aren’t sure how they work, you are not alone! That is why our hot water experts have collected some information to help you out – if you have any questions, give Brisbane Plumbing and Drainage a call on 1300 616 203 and we would be happy to assist further.