TEMPERING
VALVE

What does a Tempering valve do?

A tempering valve for a hot water system is used to regulate the temperature of the hot water coming through at the taps of the residence. The tempering valve will hold the hot water to a maximum constant temperature of 50 degrees, this eliminates the potential for any accidental burns to anyone using the hot water which is great for anywhere there are children or elderly people.

Do I need a tempering valve?

By law in Western Australia all new installations of any hot water unit capable of producing over 50-degree water must be installed in conjunction with a tempering valve for all personal hygiene areas such as a bathroom to prevent scalding. The only exception to this rule is if the hot water unit is being replaced with a unit of exact size and type.

AS/NZS 3500.4:2003 – Plumbing and drainage Part 4: Heated water services specifies the requirements for delivery temperature to sanitary fixtures. Due to these requirements, tempering control devices are installed on most, if not all, hot water systems and services.

1.9.2 Sanitary fixtures delivery temperature

All new heated water installations shall deliver heated water not exceeding -

(a) 45°C at the outlet of sanitary fixtures used primarily for personal hygiene purposes for the aged, the sick, children or people with disabilities in healthcare and aged care buildings, early childhood centres, primary and secondary schools and nurrsing homes or similar facilities for the aged, the sick, children or people with disabilities; and

(b) 50°C at the outlet of sanitary fixtures used primarily for personal hygiene purposes for all other situations

How do I know if I need a new tempering valve?

As with everything over time a tempering valve will deteriorate and no longer work at maximum efficiency. Common issues that arise when a tempering valve is deteriorating are;

• Reduced hot water pressure.
• Luke warm or no hot water coming from the hot tap.
• Visible water leak from the valve.

If any of these issues are happening with your hot water system contact our trained professional team at No Probs Plumbing and Gas, and we will swiftly resolve your tempering valve issue.

Can my hot water system be fitted with a tempering valve?

Without seeing the hot water system first hand it's not possible to say, however it is very rare for one of our tradesmen to not be able to be install a tempering valve on the hot water system.

Types of tempering valve

There are two common types of tempering valves;

• High performance or solar rated, yellow or orange cap. For use on solar hot water units and commercial boiler systems
• Standard performance, blue, green or black cap. For use on gas and electrical storage units, heat pumps, instantaneous units and any other standard systems

The best way to identify which valve is on your hot water system is by the colour of the plastic cap attached to the valve.

No Probs Plumbing and Gas in Perth stock Tempering Valves in all our service vehicles.