The importance of regular maintenance of thermostatic mixing valves

By: |Published on: Apr 18, 2023|Categories: Insights-blog| 0 comments

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The importance of regular maintenance of thermostatic mixing valves

TMV - post photoWhen it comes to maintaining an establishment, there can be a huge number of safety measures and considerations to keep track of. One such factor is the installation and maintenance of thermostatic mixing valves. Despite not being required by law for any buildings constructed prior to 2006, thermostatic mixing valves are highly recommended for any building where there are occupants other than just the owner. Neglecting this recommendation can have serious consequences, and in the past has resulted in injuries and even deaths.

What are Thermostatic Mixing Valves?

TMVs are a type of valve that maintains water temperature by blending hot and cold water together in one constant flow. It allows water to be stored at a high enough temperature to fight off bacteria, prevent legionnaires’ disease, and regulate said temperature when it comes out of the tap. This is done to keep a safe temperature and avoid hot water burns during hand washes, showers and baths. It also has the added benefit of conserving your hot water supply.


The consequence of not maintaining your Thermostatic Mixing Valve

Without a TMV in place, life-threatening accidents can occur in the washroom. In fact, approximately 20 people die per year in the UK after being scalded by hot water and around 570 suffer from injuries. Such was the case in the tragic story of Kalyani Uthamanm, a tourist from India who died while staying in a Scottish hotel. As the hotel was constructed prior to 2006, it wasn’t a legal requirement that the hotel had a TMV fitted. As a result, Kalyani was scalded in the shower and suffered 25% burns. She was taken into intensive care for six weeks and later died of organ failure caused by her injuries. 

 

Her family subsequently sought damages in excess of £1 million to pay the hospital fees, with their lawyer arguing the hotel had failed in its duty of care by not having a TMV fitted. The hotel initially resisted, claiming it was “an isolated incident”, but they later reached a settlement, paying the family compensation and issuing an apology. Even if, by law, your building doesn’t need a TMV installed, it’s not worth the risk. Contact Ford Mainwaring today, and we’ll be happy to walk you through your options for a safer washroom.


Signs your Thermostatic Mixing Valve needs maintenance

There are multiple signs to watch out for that will indicate that your TMV could do with some maintenance.


Your water isn’t flowing normally

If your water flow is inconsistent, that could indicate that your valve is being blocked due to debris, scale, corrosion, or even poor initial installation.

The water temperature runs too hot or cold

A faulty valve can also lead to a failure to regulate the water temperature. As a result, water will run hotter or colder than it should. 


Here to help

If you notice these or any other problems and need a mechanical engineer to restore your plumbing system to its optimal condition, get in touch with Ford Mainwaring. We have a number of experienced, trusted engineers who are capable of working in any environment. They’re professional, friendly and thorough and will ensure that your establishment is meeting the safety standards it needs to keep going.

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