TMV servicing, maintenance, temperature monitoring & failsafe testing

Our thermostatic mixing valve maintenance, servicing, temperature monitoring and safety testing services deliver important benefits to our customers including:

Temperature Control
Ensure safe, accurate temperature control is achieved at water outlets (showers, baths and taps) in accordance with health and safety standards.

Water Quality Standards
Maintain appropriate standards and flow rates with regular cleaning, descaling and disinfection of thermostatic mixing valve components

Failsafe Operation
Ensure TMV failsafe mechanisms operate correctly to protect users in the event of supply failure.

Record Keeping
All thermostatic mixing valve inspections, maintenance and TMV servicing details are recorded and maintained.

What is a thermostatic mixing valve (TMV)?

A thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) is a specially designed plumbing valve that carefully mixes hot and cold water to control hot water outlet temperatures to safe levels. They are used in health and social care environments to protect people by reducing the risk of scalding from very hot water from showers, baths and wash hand basins.

How does a TMV work?

TMVs are precision mechanical valves that are designed to regulate and maintain water temperatures to safe levels even when water pressures or flow rates fluctuate.

As hot and cold water enters the mixing valve it is carefully blended using an internal thermal element to output a mixed water stream at a pre-set temperature that is typically between 39°C and 43°C. This is the recommended temperature range for hot water outlets where a TMV is installed.

TMVs also incorporate an essential failsafe mechanism that will automatically shut down the valve if either the cold water or hot water supplies fail. This ensures that people are protected from dangerously high hot water temperatures (interrupted cold water supply), and thermal shock from cold water (interrupted hot water supply).

Why are TMVs important for safety?

Children and the elderly are particularly at risk from scalding from hot water with accident statistics showing nearly 600 people suffered serious scald injuries in the UK each year. 75% of the victims of severe scalds were children under five years of age. Additionally, the figures also show that older people are at particular risk with those over the age of 65 accounting for almost two thirds of all fatalities in the UK.

TMV servicing & maintenance. What does it involve?

Our in-service TMV servicing and maintenance solutions are delivered by experienced, in-field water treatment and engineering experts and include the following:

Visual Inspection
Examine each TMV to identify if the correct valve is fitted, good accessibility and if isolation valves are fitted.

Water Temperature
Measure and record the mixed temperature to ensure it is between 39°C and 43°C.

TMV Failsafe Test
Perform a TMV failsafe shut-off test, isolating the cold water supply.

Clean, Descale & Disinfect
Isolate each TMV and clean, descale and disinfect valve components and fine mesh strainers.

Managing the risks associated with scalding from hot water is a simple but essential safety management process. Regular testing and TMV servicing will help to ensure scalding risks are effectively managed and should be seen as an essential component in and regulatory compliance and Legionella control programme.