Thermostatic Mixer Valve Servicing

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 works to provide many benefits, these include:

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.