Tempering valves on hot water systems

Many of us take hot water as granted in our daily lives. When we turn on the hot water tap, water at the right temperature is released from our faucet almost every time. If it isn’t, we get annoyed. Just think about how cold the water comes from your showerhead when you turn the hot water tap on.

A tempering valve is one of the little things your water system uses to ensure your water is always at the right temperature. You don’t have to be a novice to use them, but you might not know how they work.

What is a tempering valve on a hot water heater

Tempering valves, also known as hot water mixing or hot water tempering, are 2-inlet or 3-inlet adjustable mixing valves that can be activated by temperature. By mixing hot and cold water, the tempering valve regulates how hot water is released from your home’s outlets.

What are the different types of tempering valves

There are four types of hot water mixing valves:

• Blue
  The most common type
  Ideal for electric hot water systems
  This system delivers water between 65 and 75 degrees celsius.
  
• Orange
  High performance
  Ideal for solar hot water and heat pumps
  This is the ideal choice for heaters that use hot water.
  
• Green
  Suitable for most gas hot-water systems
  Pre-set factory models at 50 degrees celsius do not usually require a tempering valve.
  
• Black
  These systems are suitable for large capacities and low-pressure gravity feed.

Why is a tempering valve important for hot water heaters?

Two reasons are essential:

Regulations: to ensure compliance with australian standards (a3500), when water comes out of household outlets

Safety: ensure the water you get from your taps doesn’t heat too much to cause burns or other injuries.

What is a tempering valve?

A tempering valve’s operation is not as complicated as it might seem. A tempering valve contains a temperature-sensitive element whose job is to focus on adjusting the mix of hot/cold water depending on:

• What is the tempering valve adjustment?
  
• How hot is the water at any given time?

The mixing valve is a sliding part found within the tempering cylinder. It ensures the proper hot, and cold water ratio is allowed through. Tempering valves usually control the temperature by +-3%. This video shows you how a tempering device works.

What temperature is a tempering valve normally set at?

Perth hot water must be heated to at least 60 degrees celsius to prevent bacteria growth. A tempering device ensures hot water is delivered to the taps at a temperature of 50 degrees celsius.

What is a tempering valve lifespan like?

The average lifespan for a tempering valve is 5-8 years, and it will need to be replaced after this period.

Tmv vs. Tempering valve – what’s the difference?

Tempering valves are often mixed with tmvs (thermostatic mix valves). While they share some similarities because they mix hot/cold waters, the main differences between them are:

• A plumber must hold a tmv license to install a tmv.
  
• Tmvs react faster to temperature changes than tempering valves. Schools and hospitals should only have tmvs.
  
• Although tmvs can be more costly than tempering valves last longer, they are also more expensive.
  
• Tmvs are usually repaired and not replaced.

Who decides what temperature the water in your hot water system must be?

The bodies that decide the water temperature are your local government and building codes.