Australia has regulated that a tempering valve is installed in any property. So that answers the second part of that question for you if you do reside in Australia. Before beginning to find out the process of getting a tempering valve installed, find out what a tempering valve is and how it is necessary for a property. 

What is a tempering valve? 

A tempering valve is a tool used to restrict the temperature of hot water used within your property. They can be used with hot water to regulate personal hygiene in areas such as the shower. Within half a second, hot water above 70 degree celsius could essentially give anyone a third-degree burn. The placement of a tempering valve allows for hot water to be regulated to a maximum of 50-degree celsius. Australia has regulated that each property installs tempering valves in order to prevent scalding from hot water. The thermostat for the hot water tank is set to a maximum of 60-degree celsius in order to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the tank. In fact, the installation of a tempering valve is required for homes that make use of a storage tank for hot water purposes; homes that tend to have a continuous and regular flow of hot water don’t require tempering valves. 

How Do Hot Water Tempering Valves Work?

Tempering valves are simple in their working – they use a three-way mixing valve. One of them allows hot water in, a second one pulls back cold water from the main water supply, and the third mixes it to produce 50-degree celsius water. It ensures that the water is perfect for use and does not cause scalding.

The thermostatic element within the tempering valve is sensitive to the changes in the water temperature. In response to these changes, the thermostatic element contracts and expands. The three-way motion controls a piston that opens and closes the three inlets and outlets of the tempering valve. If you are someone looking to install a tempering valve, you should hire a plumber in Brisbane. The piston within this tempering valve selectively mixes hot water with cold water to achieve the desired 50-degree celsius. 

Where is the Tempering Valve Placed? 

The tempering valve is adjusted using a simple knob. It can be set within the temperature range of 35 to 55-degree celsius. A licensed plumber must make the adjustments to the tempering valve. However, you can also set the tempering valve to a lower temperature to protect younger children and older ones. 

What Happens if the Tempering Valve Fails?

Although the tempering valve is placed to regulate water temperature to a safe temperature, it’s a wonder what happens if the valve fails. You may worry about it hurting the members of your family. As the water temperature increases, the contact time to get a burn as a result of the water temperature also decreases. 

However, the presence of a thermal shut-off feature in the tempering valves shut the cold water and hot water inlets in such a situation that the tempering valve fails. This prevents the high temperature of the water from scalding the one using the hot water. 

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