In Australia, approximately 4,000 people are hospitalised annually due to scalding hot water, with the majority of these injuries occurring in bathrooms. Children under 4 years old, young males, and older adults are particularly at risk. Most incidents result from accidentally altering water temperature, highlighting the importance of safe water practices. Ensuring your water temperature is safe is essential for protecting your family, but how do you achieve this without compromising comfort?
A tempering valve is a critical safety feature in your hot water system. It blends hot and cold water together to deliver a consistent and safe water temperature to your taps. Without one, the risk of burns from fluctuating temperatures increases significantly. While similar to a thermostatic mixing valve, tempering valves are designed for residential settings and meet Australian plumbing standards.
This article delves into the importance of tempering valves, how they function within your hot water system, and when to seek help from a licensed plumber. Understanding these components ensures your household remains safe and compliant with regulations.
What are Tempering Valves?
A tempering valve is designed to mix cold and hot water, ensuring a safe and consistent hot water temperature for household use. Its primary role is to regulate the water supply and deliver temperatures within the safe range of 45°C to 50°C, reducing the risk of scald injuries. This feature is particularly vital when water is stored at higher temperatures in the water heater, which is necessary to limit bacterial growth in hot water storage systems.
How Does a Tempering Valve Work?
Tempering valve work involves blending cold and hot water as it passes through the valve. The valve adjusts automatically to maintain a steady temperature, even if there are fluctuations in the water supply. This ensures users receive safe and comfortable water, protecting against sudden temperature changes.

The Role of Tempering Valves in Compliance
The Plumbing Code of Australia mandates the use of hot water tempering valves in properties during installations or hot water system replacement. This requirement ensures that all domestic systems meet safety standards, protecting residents from harm.
The Importance of Tempering Valves in Your Hot Water System
Scalding from unregulated heated water is a serious risk in Australian homes, particularly for children and the elderly. A tempering valve is a critical solution to ensure safety and comfort in your household.
When mixing hot water with cold, a tempering valve regulates the temperature of the hot water supply. This ensures that the water delivered to your taps is safe, protecting your family from burns caused by sudden temperature fluctuations.
Maintaining Safe Water Storage
Hot water storage systems need to maintain high temperatures to prevent bacterial growth. A tempering valve installed in your system blends hot and cold water, storing water safely at higher temperatures while delivering safe water to taps.
Meeting Legal Requirements
In Australia, tempering valves must be installed in homes during hot water system replacement to comply with safety standards. Understanding your hot water system and the importance of these valves ensures your household meets legal requirements and operates safely. You can always engage a licensed plumber to install a tempering valve correctly.
How Tempering Valves Work in Your Hot Water System
A tempering valve for your hot water system blends hot and cold water to deliver a safe and consistent temperature. The valve senses the water’s temperature and adjusts the mix to maintain it within the safe range of 45°C to 50°C. This system ensures safety and comfort, even as water demand changes.

Tempering valves must be installed close to the water heater, such as near the outlet of heat pump hot water systems or storage tanks. Their location ensures that all hot water supplied to taps is regulated before it reaches bathrooms or kitchens.
These valves also account for fluctuations in water pressure or flow. This means that all hot water provided remains consistent, regardless of changes in usage or supply. Proper installation and maintenance are essential to ensure reliable operation over time.
Types of Tempering Valves and Their Applications
There are different kinds of tempering valves, each tailored to specific water heating systems and household needs:
Standard Tempering Valves
- Commonly used in residential settings.
- Designed for mixing hot and cold water to provide safe, regulated temperatures.
High-Performance Tempering Valves
- Ideal for larger households with higher water usage.
- Maintain stable temperatures even with significant water flow or demand.
Solar-Compatible Tempering Valves
- Suited for solar hot water systems.
- Capable of handling the higher temperatures typical of solar water heating setups.
Mixing Valves vs Tempering Valves
- Mixing valves are used for mixing hot and cold water but do not regulate temperature to safety standards.
- A tempering valve ensures water temperature stays within safe limits, as required for household use.
- In high-risk environments like hospitals, TMVs offer precise temperature control, ensuring hot water must meet strict safety standards.
Choosing the Right Valve
Selecting the correct valve depends on your water heating system and household size. A solar-compatible valve is essential for solar systems, while high-performance valves are better for homes with heavy water demand. Consulting a licensed plumber ensures the right choice for safety and efficiency.
Signs a Tempering Valve is About to Fail and When to Replace It
A failing tempering valve can cause noticeable issues in your plumbing system.
Common signs include:
- Inconsistent water temperatures, where tempered water from your hot tap may suddenly be too hot or too cold.
- Leaks around the valve and reduced water pressure also indicate a problem.
- If the valve isn’t functioning correctly, it may fail to properly mix hot water with cold water, leading to unsafe water temperatures or poor performance.
Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Regular maintenance and inspections of your TMV or tempering valve are vital to prevent these issues. Tempering valves aren’t designed to last forever, so routine checks help identify wear and tear before it causes significant disruptions. If your water doesn’t remain at a consistent temperature, even after repairs, consider replacing the valve or possibly the entire hot water system if it’s outdated.
Always hire a licensed plumber to handle repairs or replacements, as they can safely assess the difference between a mixing valve and a tempering valve and ensure proper installation.
Neglecting these issues can compromise the safety and efficiency of your plumbing system. Addressing problems early ensures your system delivers reliable and safe-tempered water to your household.
Common Locations for Tempering Valves in Hot Water Systems
A tempering valve is typically located near the outlet of the hot water tank, where it mixes hot water with cold before distributing it through the plumbing system. In some setups, the tempering valve may also be installed within the plumbing lines to regulate specific areas, such as bathrooms or kitchens. Its position is critical to effectively delivering safe and consistent water temperatures throughout the home.
Proper valve installation ensures the tempered water reaching your taps meets safety standards while maintaining efficiency. Incorrect placement or poor installation can lead to inconsistent temperatures and reduced system performance. This is why you must install the valve in the correct location for your hot water system’s design and requirements.
Only qualified plumbing professionals should handle tempering valve installations. They have the expertise to determine where the tempering valve needs to be installed and ensure compliance with Australian safety regulations. A correctly installed valve protects your household from scalding and extends the lifespan of your hot water system by maintaining optimal functionality.
TMV or Tempering Valve: Which Is Right for Your Needs?
The difference between a tempering valve and a thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) depends on precision and application. Both options regulate water temperature but serve different purposes.
Tempering Valves
- Tempering valves are usually found in residential hot water systems.
- They blend hot and cold water to deliver safe temperatures at the hot tap.
- A tempering valve is accurate enough for general household use but may fluctuate slightly with changes in water pressure.
- Commonly installed near the hot water tank or within the plumbing system for solar hot water units or storage systems.
Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs)
- TMVs are designed for high-precision applications in commercial or high-risk environments like hospitals or aged care facilities.
- They maintain consistent temperatures even when water pressure changes.
- TMVs are ideal when you need stricter control over water temperature.

Choosing the Right Option
- Residential homes typically need a tempering valve for compliance with safety standards.
- Install a thermostatic mixing valve for environments needing tighter control over temperature.
- If your tempering valve fails or requires replacement, consult a plumber to extend the lifespan of your tempering valves or TMV.
- For questions regarding tempering valves or TMVs, always seek expert advice before installation.
Protect Your Home with Proper Hot Water Safety Measures
Tempering valves prevent scalding by ensuring your hot water system delivers safe, regulated temperatures. Without a properly functioning tempering valve, water from your hot tap can become dangerous, posing risks to your household.
All Kind Plumbing is an expert in Brisbane plumbing services, specialising in tempering valve installations, repairs, and hot water system replacements. Their team is dedicated to providing safe and compliant solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you require a new valve, system maintenance, or a complete hot water unit replacement, we always deliver reliable and professional service.
With a strong focus on safety, compliance, and customer satisfaction, All Kind Plumbing ensures your plumbing system operates efficiently and safely. Contact All Kind Plumbing today for expert assistance with your hot water system and protect your home with trusted service.