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Posted By Mark Glynn Thomas
Did any one see the article on GMTV this morning regarding thermostatic blending valves which reduce the risk of scalding by controlling the temperature of the water that comes out of taps? Not being biased (I work for a tap manufacturer!), but I feel they should be a fixture in all new home builds.
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Posted By holmezy
Hi,
I seem to remember seeing or hearing something about building regs being changed or amended to cover this...........is that right or did I dream it?
Holmezy
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Posted By andy evans
I recall it was a big John Prescott initiative - perhaps when DETR still existed.
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Posted By J Knight
Hi Mark,
We use these extensively; they are usually known as TMV (thermostatic mixing valves) and the version currently recommended is TMV3, which reach operating temperature quickly, deliver a stable temperature in use and fail to safety; that is, a drop in cold water pressure causes the valve to shut down.
I would hate to see them widely used in domestic houses; quite a few of our service users complain that they cannot have a hot bath or shower. Now, I do understand why we need them for vulnerable people, and I am also aware that scalding causes deaths every year in Health and Social care; but what is good for the care of vulnerable people in more or less institutional setings isn't necessarily appropriate for the domestic environment.
People worried about the safety of their children can arrange to get them fitted; they are about £150 per valve fitted. I have no children.
In my own home I want to be able to make the choices that relative youth and physical well-being make available to me. My freedom will be restricted if I live to be old enough to be frail and vulnerable, and so be it, but not now,
John
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Posted By JJ
I have one of these fitted in the shower in a fairly new house. Can these be adjusted in order to raise the temperature slightly, since my missus is always complaining that it's not quite hot enough despite the fact that the hot water at the other outlets is hotter.
Also, can these be retrofitted in place of existing bath taps i.e at the same hole centres ?
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Posted By J Knight
Hi JJ,
Whether it can be adjusted will depend on the particular device. The type we use at work bridges the supply, rather than replacing taps, so I don't know about the second part of your question,
John
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Posted By Mark Glynn Thomas
Hello JJ,
The valves in question are fitted to the pipes before the taps, so you can keep the taps you have, there are also thermostatic shower mixers which replace your existing taps.
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Posted By lewes
Is this not going another step further towards a nanny state??
I do appreciate the need for TMV in care institutions and other areas where people are at risk but why should we be told what temperature I should have my bath at if they install them in all new homes?
TMV are primarily located in inaccessible locations so any adjustment is not possible plus it defeats the object of having one in the first place.
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Posted By JJ
Mine is a thermostatic shower mixer mounted on the wall and fed by two pipes. Can these be adjusted since the temperature control knob is 'locked' in a set position.
I've noticed a wee allen screw underneath though ?
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Posted By lewes
Most thermostatic showers have a max limit but they can normally be easily overidden by either holding a button in or by in your case, taking the main knob off and adjusting them.
TMV's are designed to be fixed at 46deg C I think and cannot be overidden.
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Posted By Catman
Hi JJ
I would not adjust the wee allen screw, it could be an adjustment, could also be holding the valve head on.
Best get a plumber as if the water is not hot enough, I would strongly suspect its more likely to be down to a pressure problem, poss choke at the hot side inlet strainer or similar rather than incorrect factory setting of the thermostat.
Cheers
TW
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