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Why you need a thermostatic mixing valve

Whenever you use mixer taps, you can generally manage to find the right temperature without too much risk of scolding, but what about young children and others in the house who are vulnerable? This is where a thermostatic mixing valve comes in.

To put it simply, the valve is a safety device. Once it's been fitted, it's set to prevent any water that's over a safe temperature level from coming out of the spout.

In case you didn't know, hot water at a temperature of 60 degrees can cause a third-degree burn on adults within about five seconds. For children aged up to five years old, it only takes three seconds.

This special thermostatic valve keeps you and your family safe.

The magic behind the thermostatic mixing valve

A thermostatic mixing valve is also known in the industry as a TMV. It's a mechanism that's joined to the piping to blend hot and cold water. This is done to achieve a predetermined water temperature for when the water comes out of the mixer tap.

The TMV can take cold water from anywhere between 5C and 25C and hot water from anywhere between 60C and 90C, and combine them to a fixed temperature between 35C and 45C. This means the water is always at a safe temperature.

The valve also has a set flow rate which adds an extra level of safety because it delivers water with a stable flow. This flow starts at around 4 L/Min.

How a thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) protects us

When a TMV is plumbed into the system, the temperature is usually pre-set by a qualified plumber.

It's quite ingenious the way it works. The element within the TMV is sensitive to thermal activity. It automatically adjusts the levels of hot and cold water to achieve the set temperature as it comes out of the spout.

A quality TMV is a precision device. It's very quick to respond to temperature changes and causes a rapid shut down of the mixed outlet flow in the event of hot or cold water supply isolation. This ensures that the pre-set temperature is always maintained. It operates at an accuracy of around +/-1C.

Commercial uses for TMVs

You might be surprised at how useful TMVs are. Apart from having them installed at home to protect you and your family, TMVs are also important in commercial use.

This includes applications for:

  • residential homes
  • hospitals
  • hotels
  • child care centres

As you can imagine, this offers invaluable protection for children, the aged, and other vulnerable persons. The usefulness of TMVs doesn't stop there either.

thermostatic mixing valve

TMVs are very useful for protecting appliances

Along with offering protection for people, a thermostatic mixing valve is also extremely useful for domestic and commercial applications.

When TMVs are used to release water into dishwashers, washing machines, steamers, water heaters, they can be set to a temperature that gives the best results for cleaning purposes.

They can also be used for central heating or air conditioning, and cooling unit/tower applications in hotels, aged care facilities and hospitals.

The role of TMVs in preventing Legionnaire's disease

There's one more role of a TMV we can't overlook; protection from deadly bacteria.

Legionnaire’s disease is caused by bacteria that's been able to grow in damp or wet environments. As you'll know, it's a serious and potentially life-threatening disease.

When water is able to sit and stagnate over time, this is the kind of environment where harmful bacteria can grow. A TMV can help prevent this. It allows water to be stored at high temperatures, removing the risk.

As you can see, there are numerous benefits to installing a TMV.

A TMV needs to be cleaned for maximum operating conditions

Like everything, a TMV needs to be maintained and cleaned. By doing this, it ensures that the assets are working efficiently and effectively.

With regularly servicing, sanitizing, and cleaning of the TMV, it'll continue to operate properly at the pre-set temperature controls to ensure a safer environment. Regular maintenance and cleaning also help to extend its life. The TMV will cost less to run and will last longer before it needs replacing.

If you want a safe water temperature for yourself, your family, and visitors, installing a quality valve is essential, such as the AVG Thermostatic Mixing Valve in Stainless Box TMV20PIB 20mm at Plumbing Sales.

Plumbing Sales has the largest range of plumbing supplies online at the best prices

Plumbing Sales have the largest range of plumbing products online, including a range of quality TMVs.

Along with range, you benefit from the lowest prices. Plumbing Sales has been offering tradies and DIYers the lowest prices on plumbing supplies for over 60 years, and that tradition continues.

Browse and buy online - 24/7.

PLUS - get free shipping for orders over $300.

For the best range, best quality and best prices on plumbing supplies, the name to know is Plumbing Sales.