In plumbing, a TMV is a valve that blends chilled water to maintain a consistent temperature. In this way, faucets, showers, and other water sources are safe and comfortable to use. The hot water in a building is typically at least 60 degrees Celsius. To prevent the growth of dangerous organisms, such as Legionella bacteria, a constant temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit is maintained.
TMV plumbing is necessary for all restrooms, washrooms, and dressing areas using hot water. However, scalding skin can occur if the water is too hot, so it’s essential to be aware of this. This could be particularly hazardous for someone using the restroom in a wheelchair. Other disabled people may not detect the temperature change and others, and some may find it challenging to get out of the water safely and quickly.
What is the significance of TMVs?
For the prevention of Legionella bacteria from growing in the system and preventing scalding injuries, TMVs are essential. They allow hot water circulation at high temperatures while maintaining a safe temperature at the output.
Legionnaires’ illnesses can be prevented if water supplies are disinfected. Legionella can only be killed if the water in your home is kept above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Scalding is a real possibility at these temperatures.
TMVs are installed at water outlets to alleviate these concerns. Hot water can be disinfected at a higher temperature than can be mixed with ice water at the time of use to reach a pre-set acceptable temperature from the outlet. Aside from that, TMV plumbing is also responsible for maintaining a safe heat transfer when water pressure varies due to other appliances being used simultaneously.
TMVs are subject to strict rules and regulations.
TMVs were made mandatory in all new home construction in 2010. This is by Approved Documents G – cleanliness, hot water safety, and water efficiency – of the Building Regulations 2000. It applies to properties that have undergone “change of use” since 2012. TMVs are additionally governed by Thermostatic Mixing Valve Manufacturers’ Suggested Code of Practice on Safe Water Temperatures, which supplements this legislation.
Determine which TMV is best for your needs
There are various TMVs available; however, to comply with the rules and the TMV2 Scheme, you must use TMV2 certified valves for domestic uses. It is required that in the case of a hot-water or cold-water failure, TMVs maintain an outlet temperature of less than 48°C at all times and rapidly shut off.
At RWC, we provide several TMV2 certified valves of our Reliance Valve brand and a swift failsafe system to shut off the valve if either hot or cold water supplies are turned off/interrupted.
It would help if you also thought about how quickly and easily the valve can be installed and serviced when choosing TMV. Installing the TMV as rapidly and efficiently as possible will allow you to move swiftly to the next project phase.
In situations like these, the Easifit TMV might be a helpful tool. Modest and light, the TMV2 approved valve is ideal for tucking under bathrooms and basins because of its small size. As a result of its flat-faced union connections, any future maintenance is likewise considerably more accessible and more efficient. Because of its low flow rate design, it also aids in lowering the property’s water usage. Scalding and bacteria development is reduced by allowing hot water utilities to operate at a greater temperature with the WRAS-approved valve.
185 of the 755 completed consultations for scalds from taps in 2017-2018 were for children under the age of four, according to CIPHER’s data.
If you employ TMVs correctly, you can meet compliance and have a successful project. To begin with, fatalities can be avoided, and residences are protected.
