A thermostatic mixing valve and a tempering valve are often mistaken for each other. Each combines hot and cold for an optimum water temperature; however, they differ considerably.

Not only are tempering valves recommended, it is regulated. If you’re considering having a new hot water system installed, and your new hot water heater doesn’t include the installation of a tempering valve, it unfortunately will not comply with Australian Standards.

Series 009-AUS reduced pressure zone backflow preventer devices are designed to protect potable water supplies in accordance with national plumbing codes and water authority requirements. This series can be used in a variety of installations, including the prevention of health hazard cross-connections in piping systems or for containment at the service line entrance. This series features two in-line, independent check valves, captured springs and replaceable check seats with an intermediate relief valve. Its compact modular design facilitates easy maintenance and assembly access.

As we often discuss, strange noises coming from any of your plumbing are a cause for concern. Rumbling noises indicate a broken valve or a build-up of sediment. It’s best to get any noises checked quickly before the problem becomes worse.

It’s not usual for your warm shower to suddenly blast cool and hot water before returning to a steady temperature. The temperature-sensitive element of your hot water tempering valves no longer retain the constant outlet temperature and requires a new TMV installed.

Not only does it waste water and drive up your utility bills, but it can also lead to water damage within your walls or floors if the droplets penetrate through them. Additionally, the dripping noise from a leaking tap can be distracting and stress your plumbing system over time due to increased wear and tear.

While cooled water could be a sign of other plumbing concerns, such as replacing the gas bottle or a fuse that has tripped, often it’s related to the hot water tempering valve and needs repair or replacement.

Like many other plumbing issues, we offer services to ensure problems like those associated with your hot water system do not worsen. We recommend a regular, yearly inspection to avoid any serious issues from occurring and prolong the lifespan of your tempering valves.

A tempering valve prevents accidental scalding by allowing adjustments to the heat flow from a hot water tap, showers and other fixtures. These valves are ideal in areas where young children and high-risk persons may be present, such as bathrooms, kitchens, swimming pools, or nursing homes for the elderly.

Over time, your tempering valve will age, compromising its precision, especially if you need a hot water system replacement. A sure sign you need a new tempering valve installed is when the temperature fluctuates when showering, e.g. it’s warm one minute and cold the next.

Canberra Plumbing and Drains A:82 Kalgoorlie Cres, Fisher ACT 2611 P: (02) 6288 9929 Lic: ACT 2024605 Lic: NSW 194945C ABN: 55 602 313 566

It is essential to have your tempering valve checked regularly. Ask Canberra Plumbing & Drains for an inspection, and you can rest assured that you are safe. Our team of plumbers have extensive experience and knowledge, and their approach to customer service is second-to-none.

In contrast, a thermostatic mixing valve mixes cold and hot water to maintain a constant temperature for hot water fixtures such as showers and baths. The mixing valve relies on a thermal actuator to monitor the temperature of the water coming from both sources and adjusts the amount to maintain a set temperature.

In this blog post, we will look further into what a tempering valve is, explain what happens when a valve fails, and discuss possible solutions that don’t always involve a whole new hot water system.

Aside from being frustrating, low hot water pressure is a sign that your hot water system or tempering valve works less efficiently than they have previously. Tempering valves become clogged with mineral deposits and other contaminants, along with corrosion and wear from age.

A tempering valve is essential to hot water systems, as it regulates the water temperature to ensure safety and comfort. Installing a tempering valve ensures mixing hot water with cold flows at an optimum temperature, usually between 45°C and 50°C.

Tempering valves are also frequently installed in industrial or medical settings where there is a greater risk of scalds or burns due to high temperatures, ensuring safer levels of hot water.

If you’ve noticed that your hot tap is dripping, don’t ignore it; you’re likely to experience more damage the longer you wait to fix it.

When your hot water goes to the opposite extreme and loses its temperature instantly, it’s a sure sign you are experiencing major valve failure. Cold water may seem like a safe temperature, but it can leave severe burns on your body by freezing skin cells and reducing blood flow.

As a result, tempered water is no longer being delivered throughout the home, creating an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situation for both occupants and your equipment.

While it could mean you simply need a washer change, it can also be the tempering valve for your hot and cold water. When there is a dripping issue related to the valve, it usually indicates that the ball-type mechanism has become unseated or completely dislodged and needs repairing by a team offering services that meet the plumbing codes of Australia.

As an essential component of your hot water unit, knowing the signs that may indicate your tempering valve needs repair or wider hot water system replacements can help prevent further damage or harm. Here are some common signs you have hot water tempering valve failure:

You can expect us to go the extra mile to ensure your tempering valve works as it should avoid scalding when using hot water. Contact us at (02) 6288 9929.

If you need to locate your tempering valves, they are found outside the hot water system between the cold and hot water lines. The cold and hot water supply travels to the tempering valve to mix together, providing water at a safe temperature to your laundry, kitchen and bathroom taps.

A tempering valve regulates the temperature of heated water, but when it fails, it can cause drastic temperature changes that lead to a range of issues.

As mentioned, a tempering valve reduces scalding risks by creating a maximum delivery temperature, and lowering hot water temperatures to safe levels before supplying it to faucets or shower heads. They use a flow control mechanism that regulates how much cooler and hot water is mixed together, thus creating an output at a lower but consistent temperature range acceptable for human contact.