Domestic Hot Water Temperature Control (Tempering Valves)

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Domestic Hot Water Temperature Control (Tempering Valves)

Did you know that in domestic situations hot water heaters store water at a temperature of between 60 – 70 degrees Celsius as a requirement to prevent the spread of legionnaires disease?

However, the downside of this is that when water of this temperature is delivered from the tank to household outlets it can easily cause scalding or third-degree burns, especially to children and the elderly.

For example, 60 degree water can cause third degree burns in as little as one second (or even less!) for children and the elderly. In contrast, water just 10 degrees cooler at 50 degrees will take up to two and a half minutes to cause the same third degree burns.

Because of this it’s no surprise that the Australian Standards have changed and now require that the domestic hot water temperature delivered to all basins, baths and showers be no greater than 50 degrees Celsius.

As a result, the NSW Department of Fair Trading have introduced a requirement that temperature control devices are fitted to all new domestic hot water heaters to limit the risk of severe scalding and burns.

The most common temperature control device used in domestic situations is a Tempering Valve, which need to be installed by a licensed hot water specialist. It is important to note that Tempering Valves should be tested annually and replaced every 3 years.

Although it’s not a requirement to do so for existing hot water heaters and systems, if you are concerned about the dangers of burns or scalding you can still have a Tempering Valve retrofitted. This is especially important to consider doing if you have young children or elderly using your hot water system as they are by far the most at risk of scalding.

Poole & Co Plumbing trading as Ryde Hot Water has over 50 years experience and can service all your hot water needs, including professionally installing Tempering Valves.

So if you require a new valve installed or would like an existing one tested or replaced please contact Poole & Co today and we will be happy to assist.

For more information on hot water and scalding please refer to:
https://kidshealth.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/hot-water-and-scalds

For details on the new temperature control device requirements please visit:
https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/371434/New_installation_requirements_of_temperature_control_devices.pdf