Using Thermostatic Mixing Valve To Prevent Injury
                     USING THERMOSTATIC 
MIXING VALVE TO 
PREVENT INJURY
https://www.aptplumbing.com.au/
ALPINE SKI HOUSE
ARE YOU AWARE OF YOUR OBLIGATIONS FOR THERMOSTATIC 
MIXING VALVE MAINTENANCE AND TESTING?
How hot is too hot? In Australia, hot water needs to be kept in storage tanks at a 
minimum of 60 degrees Celsius to avoid the growth of harmful microorganisms. 
However, 60 degrees is hot enough to scald a person in a few seconds. This is the 
reason why Australian plumbing standards require hot water to be delivered to 
taps at a maximum of 50 degrees celsius.
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However, there is a conflict between the temperature requirements needed to 
store and deliver is solved by having a plumber install thermostatic mixing 
valves. The thermostatic mixing valves (TMV) control the distributed 
temperature of the water from all hot water systems. This allows the water to be 
stored correctly and distributed to taps as a safe and constant temperature.
National Standards require TMV’s to be installed by hot water plumbing services 
like APT Plumbing in schools, aged care facilities, early learning centres and 
hospitals. The TMV’s must be tested regularly and maintained to ensure they 
work correctly and are set at the correct temperature.
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WHAT IS A THERMOSTATIC MIXING VALVE
A TMV is a valve that automatically controls the temperature of the water. The valves are 
extremely reliable and precise and will take the 60 degrees temperature of the water coming 
from the hot water system to deliver it to a specified tap, at a constant and safe temperature.
TMV’s are more accurate and complex than their cousin that is a simplified version. the 
temping valve. Temping valves are mainly found in domestic homes and will distribute water 
at approximately 50 degrees celsius. In some places however, it is essential for the water to 
be delivered at a safer temperature of 42-45 degrees celsius. This is why TMV’s provide a 
higher level of reliability and precision.
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HOW DOES A THERMOSTATIC MIXING VALVE WORK?
TMV’s have an internal thermal element that calculates the hot and cold water inputs to 
bring water to a pre-set temperature. The TMV has a failsafe mechanism to shut off the 
valve fully if the hot or cold supplies are interrupted. The elderly and small children are 
particularly prone to scalds and burns from hot water and would benefit from this 
safety feature’s ability to avoid scalds.
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WHO NEEDS TO USE A THERMOSTATIC MIXING VALVE?
Thermostatic mixing valves must be fitted to any service having vulnerable members of 
society, including children, people with disabilities or the elderly. Installing this is 
required by law, and it also gives the clints and their loved one’s reassurance that all 
the hot water is safe, set safe temperature for them to use. Business are required to 
endorse thermostatic mixing valve services from a plumber like APT Plumbing under 
the National Plumbing and Drainage code AS 3500.
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These include:
 Early Learning/Child Care Centres
 Primary and Secondary Schools
 Aged Care Residences
 Respite Centres
 Hospitals
As part of the national code, hot water delivery systems in these facilities should 
not exceed 42-45 degrees celsius. The specific temperature depends on the 
application. Hot water going into kitchens may be a slightly different 
temperature than water being used for personal hygiene (bathing & showering).
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TMVs are also able to be used in residential hot water systems. Hot water systems 
for new homes must be installed with a tempering valve by default, but you can 
organise and upgrade to a TMV with your APT Plumber. They are an authorised, 
experienced TMV plumber who is able to install TMV’s into homes and business. 
Ensure you ask your plumber if they are qualified before they begin.
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WHAT ARE THE OBLIGATIONS IF I HAVE A THERMOSTATIC 
MIXING VALVE?
All facility managers and domestic home owners need to organise testing and 
maintenance checks every 6-12 months, depending on the application of the valve. APT 
Plumbing have authorised plumbers to come and make thermostatic mixing valve 
repairs and maintenance checks.
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WHAT REASONS DOES TMV NEED TESTING AND 
MAINTENANCE AND WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?
When you make a time for an APT Plumber to come and test your TMV they will test the 
valve and, if needed, perform any necessary repairs. Firstly, they will test the valve to ensure 
it is working correctly. If the test is unsuccessful, they will determine the root of the 
problem, determine what needs to be replaced or fixed, if they have the supplies, do not 
require repairs instantly.  If they need to return, they will make a time that fits in with the 
customer.
TMS’s are precise, mechanical devices that only a TMV Endorsed plumber should install or 
perform maintenance on. Call APT Plumbing, they have experienced, qualified plumbers 
throughout Sydney that will come and execute all your TMV maintenance and repairs.
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CONTACT US
https://www.aptplumbing.co
m.a02u 9/727 5736
[email protected]
m.au
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