What is a Tempering Valve?

What is a hot water tempering valve?

A tempering valve is one of the best ways to ensure people are not harmed or scalded by hot water when it comes out of a faucet. It works as a mixing tool, as it combines both cold and hot water to correctly produce the required water temperature to be released from a particular outlet.

What is the difference between a tempering valve and a thermostatic mixing valve?

Both thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) and tempering valves blend hot and cold water together to create a suitable water temperature, however, there are some important differences, including :

• A plumber must have a TMV licence to install a TMV
• Tempering valves do not respond to temperature changes as quickly as TMVs, which is why facilities such as schools, nursing homes and hospitals which require a reduced water temperature of 45°C can only have a TMV installed, not a tempering valve
• Tempering valves are cheaper than TMVs but do not last as long
• Generally, plumbers will repair a TMV and not replace it

Are there different kinds of tempering valves?

Yes, there is – the required tempering valve for your hot water system will depend on the type and size of your system. These include :

• Orange Cap Tempering Valve: Recommended for heat pump hot water systems and solar hot water systems
• Green Cap Tempering Valve: Best for gas hot water systems
• Blue Cap Tempering Valve: Recommended for electric water heaters
• Black Cap Tempering Valve: Most commonly used for large capacity systems

Your plumber will be able to assist with the type of valve needed, so do not worry if you are unsure.

Do I need a tempering valve on my hot water system?

Yes, you do! In order to ensure the water temperature being produced from your outlets complies with Australia Standards (AS3500), you are required to have a tempering valve installed on any hot water system in Brisbane. The Standards state that, in order to avoid scalding, hot water must be set at a particular safe temperature and includes aspects such as:

• Stored water must be kept at a minimum of 60 degrees Celsius, to avoid the growth of legionella bacteria, but
• Water that comes out of a faucet must not be hotter than 50 degrees Celsius.

Additionally, tempering valves must be installed by a licensed plumber and are required to be installed in the following circumstances (according to the Plumbing Code of Australia):

• The installation of any new hot water system
• When moving a hot water system from one property to another
• For any hot water system replacement that isn’t like for like
• For any hot water system replacement that is like for like

Realistically, this means that all hot water system replacements should be installed with a tempering valve, however, the requirements do not extend to some repairs – it is still highly recommended however that you arrange for the installation of a hot water tempering valve to ensure your safety.

Need more information or assistant with your hot water system tempering valve? See our main tempering valve service page here.

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