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What is Tempering Valve: Everything You Need to Know

Hot water from shower - The Local Plumber Melbourne

A tempering valve is an essential component of your water system. Using such a tool is one best way to maintain safety and prevent the risk of scalding when hot water flows out of your faucet.

It is necessary to have a tempering valve for your hot water unit to control the temperature of water distributed in your kitchen, shower, and bathroom. 

The valve combines hot and cold water to decrease the temperatures. At the same time, it keeps the water inside the tanks hot enough to prevent bacterial growth.

The required temperature is set on the local building codes, which we need to follow strictly. Your trusted emergency plumbers in Melbourne can make the installation and necessary adjustments for the tempering valve in your water system. 

Read on to know more about the tempering valve and its function.

How Tempering Valve Works

A tempering valve checks the overall water sensitivity by blending hot and cold water. It ensures constant and safe temperatures to prevent scalding. 

It is a mixing tool that combines hot and cold water to deliver the required water temperature to your faucets. The mechanism contains a sliding valve that adjusts the proportion of hot and cold water accordingly, regulating the water temperature between +-3%. 

When installing a tempering valve to a hot water system, the plumber needs to ensure a minimum tank temperature required which is 60-degree. But depending on your home’s requirement, your trusted plumber can adjust the tap water temperature to 45-50-degree. 

Remember that it’s legally necessary to let a licensed plumber install and adjust your tempering valve to ensure a safe and right function on your water system. 

Different Types of Tempering Valve

Your hot water mechanism’s tempering valve requirement depends on the size and type of your overall water system. There are different kinds of tempering valves available in the market, which include:

  • Black Cap Tempering Valve

This valve is often intended for large capacity systems or low-pressure gravity feed. But you will have to replace such a valve every five years as the lifespan of large-scale systems is indefinite. 

  • Blue Cap Tempering Valve 

The blue valve is for electric water heaters. We use it to deliver temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees. 

  • Green Cap Tempering Valve 

A green valve is often for gas hot water systems, such as tankless uninterrupted flow types. You may not need this valve if you have a new gas system that already has a pre-set 50-degree temperature. 

  • Orange Cap Tempering Valve 

This valve is for solar and heat pumps hot water systems where hot water reaches the boiling point. 

When you’re unsure of which tempering valve you need for your water system, refer to a professional plumber in Melbourne for assistance. 

Hot Water Tempering Valve Requirement

Based on The Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA), there are two strict regulations we need to follow. Firstly, maintaining a minimum water temperature of 60-degree in any stored water is legally necessary to prevent bacterial growth and buildup. 

At the same time, the code requires the dispensed water temperature for personal hygiene not exceeding 50-degree Celsius. Primary and secondary schools, nursing homes, and child centres need to maintain a temperature of at least 45-degree for safety purposes. 

You need to install a tempering valve to meet the said requirements. This component enables cold water to essentially flow on the pipes along with the hot water, controlling and directing the stream of hot water to various parts of your home. 

Conclusion

A tempering valve controls the temperature of the water that comes out from your faucets. It prevents bacterial buildup while keeping us safe from potential scalding. 

Knowing how the tempering valve works and the regulations for installing and adjusting one is essential to maintain the right and required water temperatures. However, always remember that working with a tempering valve is quite complicated. 

Only well-trained and licensed plumbers can legally perform the job. Never attempt to fix or install a tempering valve yourself, as you can potentially harm and damage your entire water system.

Your best option is to rely on the experts at The Local Plumber for a tempering valve installation and adjustment. We handle various plumbing concerns in Melbourne with safety and efficiency. 

Our professional plumbing services are within your reach anytime and anywhere you are in Melbourne. Once you call us, we will be right there at your doorsteps before you know it. Contact us today! 

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