Have you ever wondered how to balance hot and cold water while showering? Read on how the thermostatic mixing valve makes this possible!
Do your bodies crave a steaming hot shower every morning? Join the club. Who doesn't like the feeling of hot water on their bodies? A hot shower offers numerous advantages, from stress relief to muscle relaxation – especially after this intensive whole body workout. But have you ever wondered how you always manage to achieve the perfect and constant balance between hot and cold water flow? There is absolutely nothing accidental about this harmonious river. A thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) is responsible for this. It works by mixing and regulating the cold and hot water temperatures. As you can imagine, malfunctions of the device can now occur without regular checking of the thermostatic mixing valve. This can have devastating effects. Read on to learn more about testing thermostatic mixing valves and why this is important.
The dangers associated with drastic changes in water temperature
Sudden and drastic water temperatures while showering can damage your body. In fact, the resulting injuries can actually take you to the hospital. How? The lack or malfunction of a thermostatic mixing valve in your sanitary system means that your water temperature is not regulated. As a result, it can suddenly become too tight or too cold when showering. And no desirable circumstances either.
Too hot?
Extremely hot water that suddenly splashes out of the shower head can cause burns. Unfortunately, older and young children are more prone to third-degree burns caused by boiling water.
Too cold?
Cold water that flows down unexpectedly when you shower can cause a thermal shock. The initial shock usually causes the person to jump backwards immediately to escape the extreme water temperatures. In the worst case, this leads to slipping and falling, which can lead to serious physical injuries such as concussions or even broken bones.
The solution: installation and testing of the thermostatic mixing valve
The only way to ensure that such adverse effects do not occur is to install a thermostatic mixing valve. Fortunately, both residential and commercial properties install TMVs to ensure user safety. Gyms, hospitals and beauty salons are among the facilities in whose installation systems TMVs are installed. However, installing a TMV is only the first step. Regular checks of valve operation are essential to ensure that the valve is operating properly. And this is called thermostatic mixing valve testing.
How often should the thermostatic mixing valve be checked?
Different installers have different test periods. As a rule of thumb, however, the valves must be checked regularly at least once a year. In this case, the TMV should be checked against the originally set temperature to determine whether it is the same or not. If this is an initial installation, the contractor should do a full valve test after 6-8 weeks. Depending on the results of this test, additional tests are then carried out. We list some possible outcomes and the recommended action plan:
- If there is no significant change in the mixed water temperature, the next test can be done in 24 to 28 weeks.
- If slight fluctuations in water temperatures are detected, the required temperature settings must be made immediately. After that, the next test should be done in 24 to 28 weeks.
- If major changes in the water temperature are detected, the necessary temperature adjustments should be made again immediately. The next operational tests should then be carried out in 18 to 21 weeks.
Only then can the installer determine the subsequent test periods depending on the results of the previous tests. In other words, during which test period did the TMV experience slight changes in water temperatures? That should be the test interval.
Important: Note that fluctuations in water temperatures that are detected during regular inspections may be due to changes in water supply conditions. For this reason, an audit of the water supply must also be carried out. A remedial action plan is then created from the information gathered.
Test procedure for thermostatic mixing valves
In general, the test procedure depends on the type of thermostatic mixing valve installed. Regardless of the valve type, the following basic steps must be followed:
- Measure the mixed water temperature
- Disconnect the cold water supply of the TMV
- Wait at least five seconds
- Check whether the water temperature is below 46 ° C
- If the temperature does not change significantly (2 ° C or less), it means that the valve is performing optimally
- If the temperature changes exceed 2 ° C, it means the valve is not working and a full operational test is required
last words
It is clear that TMV testing is an extremely important and necessary procedure to protect everyone involved. It is in your best interest whether you are a home or business owner to ensure that your plumbing is checked regularly. We cannot stress enough the need to hire a reputable and knowledgeable plumbing company for this procedure. Such a company not only has the necessary know-how, but also the resources to carry out the test effectively. When are you planning your appointment to test the thermostatic mixing valve?
