Thermostatic Mixer Valve (TMV) Servicing

TMV Servicing FAQs

What is a Thermostatic Mixer Valve?

A Thermostatic Mixer Valve (TMV) is an essential component in many modern plumbing systems. These valves work by blending hot and cold water to a pre-set, safe temperature, ensuring the water is not too hot, thereby protecting users from the risk of scalding.

TMVs maintain a consistent water temperature even when there are fluctuations in the supply of hot or cold water, which can be particularly important in environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, and schools where vulnerable individuals are at risk.

By automatically adjusting the mix of hot and cold water, TMVs not only enhance safety but also improve comfort, making them a key element in achieving reliable and efficient water temperature control throughout various applications.

Who needs Thermostatic Mixer Valve servicing?

TMVs are in more places than you’d think. They appear in almost all plumbing systems but typically can be found in:

• Residential properties – landlords, property managers and homeowners should be aware that the majority of bathrooms or kitchens where there is a single tap will have a TMV in place. It’s essential to keep these working efficiently to prevent scalding, especially if young children or elderly family members are in the property.
• Commercial buildings – keeping your building’s water systems compliant is a must for all commercial building owners and landlords. TMVs also help boost the experience of all visitors, customers and staff by ensuring a consistent temperature for hand washing.
• Hospitals and care homes – TMVs are crucial in all healthcare settings such as hospitals, care homes and GP surgeries. They protect patients and staff from sudden water temperature fluctuations.
• Schools – safeguarding children from the dangers of hot water is crucial for any school or nursery. Regular TMV maintenance is essential in these settings.

How Does a Thermostatic Mixer Valve Work?

A thermostatic mixer valve is a device designed to blend hot and cold water to a safe and comfortable temperature, ensuring a consistent water temperature during use. It achieves this through various methods:

Water Mixing Mechanism

The TMV is connected to both the hot and cold water supply. Inside the valve, a thermostatic element responds to changes in temperature. This element expands or contracts based on the temperature of the incoming water, adjusting the flow of hot and cold water to maintain the desired output temperature.

Temperature Control

If the water is too hot, the thermostatic element automatically adjusts by reducing the flow of hot water and increasing the flow of cold water.
If the water is too cold, it increases the flow of hot water while reducing the cold water supply.
This continuous balancing process ensures the water temperature remains stable, even if there are fluctuations in the hot or cold water supply.

Safety Shut-Off Feature

One of the key safety features of a Thermostatic Mixer Valve is its automatic shut-off function. If either the hot or cold water supply fails, the TMV will instantly stop the water flow. This prevents hot water from coming through without being mixed with cold water, which could otherwise cause scalding.

Anti-Scald Protection

The pre-set temperature, which is typically adjustable, is capped at a safe maximum level. This ensures that even if the hot water supply reaches dangerously high temperatures, the water coming out of the taps or shower is within a safe range. This feature is particularly important in environments with vulnerable individuals, such as children, the elderly, or people with disabilities.