When you think about it, many of us really do take hot water for granted. We turn on our hot water tap and water at the correct temperature is released from the faucet almost every time and when it’s not, we are pretty annoyed about it… just think about when cold water comes out of the showerhead when you turn on the hot tap.
One of the little additions to ensure that the water being used in your home is at the correct temperature at all times is a tempering valve. If you haven’t heard of them before, or aren’t sure how they work, you are not alone! That is why our hot water experts have collected some information to help you out – if you have any questions, give Brisbane Plumbing and Drainage a call on 1300 616 203 and we would be happy to assist further.
What is a tempering valve on a hot water heater?
A tempering valve, otherwise known as hot water mixing valve or a hot water tempering valve, is either a 2-inlet or 3-inlet adjustable mixing valve which is activated by temperature. It regulates the temperature that hot water is released from outlets throughout your home, by mixing both hot and cold water together to achieve a particular temperature.
How does a tempering valve work?
The way that a tempering valve works is not as complex as it may appear. A tempering valve contains a temperature-sensitive element, whose job is to focus on adjusting the mix of hot/cold water depending on:
What the tempering valve adjustment is
What the water temperature is for any incoming water flow
The mixing valve is a sliding component that is contained within the tempering valve, ensuring the correct ratio of hot to cold water is being let through, and a tempering valve usually controls the temperature within ±3%. This video explains the workings of a tempering valve:
What temperature is a tempering valve normally set at?
In Queensland, hot water must be heated to a minimum of 60°C to prevent the growth of bacteria such as Legionella, and a tempering device ensures that hot water is delivered to taps at a maximum temperature of 50°C.
What are the different types of tempering valves?
There are four different types of hot water mixing valves:
Suited for heaters where the incoming hot water can be close to boiling
Green
Suited to most gas hot water systems
Remember, 50°C factory models that are pre-set generally do not need a tempering valve
Black
Suited to systems that are low-pressure gravity feed and/or large capacity
Why does your hot water heater need a tempering valve?
For two major reasons:
Safety: To ensure that the water coming out of your taps isn’t too hot, so it doesn’t cause injuries such as scalding
Regulations: To comply with the relevant Australian Standards (A3500) when it comes to water coming out of your household outlets
How long does a tempering valve last?
Tempering valve generally has a lifespan of 5-8 years. After this time, they will generally require replacing.
TMV vs Tempering Valve – what’s the difference?
Tempering valves and TMVs (thermostatic mixing valves) get mixed up regularly, and they do have some similarities due to the fact they both mix hot/cold water together, but the main differences between the two are :
To install a TMV, a plumber must have a TMV licence
TMVs respond quicker to temperature changes than tempering valves. Places like schools and hospitals must have TMVs only, due to this point
TMVs are more expensive than tempering valves, but last longer
TMVs are generally repaired, not replaced
Who decides what temperature the water in your hot water system needs to be?
Your local building codes and government are the bodies that determine the relevant water temperatures.
The tempering valve specialists in Brisbane
If you have any further questions regarding tempering valves or would like to arrange for one of our qualified Brisbane plumbers to check a tempering valve in your home, give Brisbane Plumbing and Drainage a call on 1300 616 203 and we can help.
Leaking tap? Before you run off to get your tools and learn from a Youtuber to fix the leak, did you know that in Australia, it is illegal to do DIY plumbing work? Plumbing is a complex job and if you do not have the technical skills to resolve the root cause of the job, you can not only get fined but also end up shelling out money to fix your ‘repairs’. It might seem cheaper to do small plumbing jobs yourself but in the long run, you may be putting yourself at risk of a big mess! So save your time and call a licensed plumber to fix that leaking tap.
DIY plumbing is risky and ILLEGAL
Plumbing, electrical, and gas fitting work done by DIY-ers are against the law. It may seem cool to do the job yourself and save money in the process but unqualified persons may cause more harm than good. As a DIYer, you may be unaware of the health, legal and safety risks associated with plumbing or other trade works. Every state has its own building laws and if plumbing work is found to have been done by an unlicensed person, you may get a minimum fine of $32,000 under the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018. DIY plumbing jobs are not hard to find – posting a photo on your social media platform can land you in hot water. And if your plumbers notice a DIY job, they can also report you for carrying out unlicensed plumbing work in your home. When you hire a licensed plumber, they provide you with a compliance certificate and their work will be covered by insurance. However, any damage caused by a DIY job will often void your insurance and cost you thousands of dollars to get rectified. When you want to sell your home, faulty work discovered in the pre-purchase building inspection will have to be fixed at your own expense by a licensed plumber. Also, if you install your hot water system, dishwasher plumbing or any other appliance yourself, it may void the product warranty.
Do NOT attempt these DIY plumbing jobs
Flexi hoses are one of the most common DIY fails – if you install it yourself, you may be sitting on top of a ticking time bomb
Any work conducted on a hot water system can put you at the risk of electrical shock, fire, leaks and voided warranty.
Cleared blocked drains without specialised equipment will often not remove the root cause of the blocked drains and the problem might become bigger than before.
Any work related to the drinking water system or sewerage systems requires licensed plumbers so avoid attempting it yourself
What plumbing works can you do?
According to the QBCC, unlicensed persons can perform the following plumbing works:
Replacing a drop valve washer, float valve washer or suction cup rubber in a water closet cistern
Installing or maintaining an irrigation watering system downstream from an isolating valve, tap or backflow prevention device on the supply pipe for the irrigation or lawn watering system
Sanitary Plumbing and Drainage
Cleaning or maintaining ground-level grates to traps on sanitary drains
Replacing caps to ground-level inspection opening on sanitary drains
Maintaining an above or below ground irrigation system to dispose of effluent from an onsite sewerage facility
Others
Fire protection work for testing plumbing carried out by a holder of a ‘Fire Protection Occupational License’ or another QBCC license holder
Incidental Skilled Tasks like excavation or backfilling a trench
All other works must be carried out by a licensed and qualified plumber.
Get the right people to do the job
The moral of the story – hire a licensed plumber for any problem. Before you hire a plumber, make sure you check the following:
Are they licensed with the QBCC?
Are they qualified and experienced to resolve your plumbing problems?
Are they insured?
Check reviews on social media platforms
Our Brisbane plumbers are licensed, highly qualified, experienced and insured. From blocked drains to hot water repairs, pipe relining to gas installation, we can help you with any plumbing work. We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week servicing Brisbane, Logan and Redland Bay. For peace of mind and compliance with Australian standards and laws, contact Brisbane Plumbing and Drainage today.
How often do you peer up at your gutters and downpipes and thank them for their vital function? When you’re dry, your property is in good shape and your family is healthy, the answer is probably ‘Not a lot’. But your place’s stormwater solution really is one of the most critical systems at home. Effectively managing stormwater protects your home from flooding, your foundation from irreparable damage and subsidence, and your family from the health problems associated with pooling and mismanaged water. So take a moment to consider whether you may be leaving the door open to trouble with a blocked downpipe or three.
Of course, the easiest thing to do would be to call a great plumber – especially if they have expertise in drain cleaning, roof & gutter repairs.
But if all you have is one or two blocked downpipes, it’s well worth seeing if you can resolve the problem all for yourself with a simple DIY fix. And if your downpipes are working well now, maybe it’s time to think about whether a couple of preventative measures might stop problems from developing in the future.
Such as:
Regularly inspecting/cleaning out your gutters & downpipes
Considering installing larger downpipes to prevent blockages
Trimming back any branches that may be dropping debris on your roof and into your gutters & downpipes
Considering installing ‘gutter guards’ to keep debris out.
If you already have a minor blockage, though, let’s take a look at how to clear a blocked downpipe with nothing more than normal household items:
1. Check for single objects
It’s amazing how often a plumber will discover that something as simple as a tennis ball has caused the blockage. While you’re looking, fish out as much gunk and debris as you can with your gloved hands, ensuring you’re standing on a sturdy ladder.
2. Get out the garden hose
If there are any bulky attachments at the end, take it off so that the hose can be easily inserted into the top of your blocked downpipe.
3. Do a bit of banging
If a fast stream of water doesn’t fix the problem, try banging on the downpipe with your fist or a light rubber mallet. With a bit of luck, that will help dislodge the compacted debris.
4. Move the hose up and down
Another way to help the stream of water do its work is by pushing the hose up and down, in and out of the downpipe.
5. Try a drain rod
Although it gets its name for another purpose, a drain rod, a hand-held plumber’s auger (drain snake) or even some really sturdy wire can help to dislodge the blockage.
6. Try a gutter vac
You may not have one at home, but a gutter vacuum is specially designed with wet-dry technology to suck out the sludgiest of the muck.
7. Try some chemicals
You should always use caution when stepping up your effort to include caustic chemicals. That’s not just because they’re immediately harmful to you, but you don’t want toxic substances getting into your drains.
8. Remove/replace the downpipe
As a last resort, simply remove the entire downpipe and see if you can clear the blockage by hand. If the blockage is too severe or the downpipe is otherwise damaged, consider replacing the entire gutter.
Brisbane’s best plumbers can unblock your downpipes
Still having trouble with how to clear a blocked downpipe? Don’t stress! While a bit of DIY elbow grease can sometimes fix a simple problem with your stormwater system, only the experts like Brisbane Plumbing & Drainage have all the know-how, hands-on experience and professional tools like high-pressure jet rodder, CCTV drain inspection cameras and motorised augers to really get those more difficult jobs done properly.
So take the stress out of your blocked downpipes by giving our friendly Brisbane plumbing company a call today.
When you’re laying back in the bath, reflecting on life’s little stresses, mould on the bathroom ceiling is the last thing you want to discover. If bathroom mould has become an issue at your place, don’t get too down about it – because you’re definitely not alone. Remember, if you’re going to get mould somewhere at home, it’s in your wettest and most humid room.
However, the thing about the bathroom is that, once those taps are off, it all tends to dry out – and you don’t have to worry too much about how to get rid of mould. Something, therefore, might be amiss – so let’s dig a little deeper into what’s going on.
But before we do that, let’s try to change the minds of anybody who might think mould in bathroom spaces is no big deal. Firstly, once mould gets a hold, it can be much harder to break the cycle. And even more important is that mould is not exactly harmless, as there are hazardous spores to breathe in, airways and asthma to inflame, and immuno-compromised people who can get very sick indeed.
How to prevent mould in bathroom
So if your bathroom mould problem isn’t so bad right now, our local Brisbane plumbers will talk about how to prevent your mould in bathroom from becoming a much bigger issue!
1. Ventilate
Even if the wet spots in your bathroom are drying up, it’s evaporating into the air – which is how it culminates with mould on your bathroom ceiling. So if you don’t already have an exhaust fan, install one straight away … and use it often! Opening a window during the day is also a good idea.
2. Light
Another thing mould hates is natural light – so don’t keep those curtains or blinds closed in there except when you need privacy. A really great idea is a skylight, and the bonus of that is you’ll save money by not turning on the light switch so often.
3. De-clutter
Another thing commonly associated with mould in bathroom problems is clutter. The issue isn’t the clutter itself, it’s the moisture that tends to cling to it all. So if your bathroom looks like a 16-year-old has just spent 5 hours in there, do yourself a favour and remove everything that you really don’t need to be constantly laying about. And to be extra sure, use a dry cloth to give the shower a quick wipe-down after each use – and give the bathroom a good clean and those towels a regular change.
4. Consider your plumbing
But all too often, it isn’t your fault at all that you’re dealing with bathroom mould. Time after time, plumbers make the connection between an obvious pipe leak and the equally-obvious signs of mould on bathroom walls, ceilings and other surfaces. And remember: just because you can’t see a pipe leak, doesn’t mean it’s not there.
Brisbane’s best plumber can solve your bathroom mould problem
That’s why great plumbers put so much emphasis on the importance of regular or routine plumbing inspections. Here at Brisbane Plumbing & Drainage, we invest a lot of time, money and attention on all the latest and best water leak detection equipment, technology, skills and techniques so that even the tiniest, hidden, long-term and unreachable of leaks and other problems are found, accessed and affordably rectified.
Wondering how to get rid of mould for good? Give your bathroom plumbing a clean bill of health by calling the friendly team at Brisbane Plumbing & Drainage today.
Blocked drains are annoying and can leave a stinking mess. Wet wipes, paper towels, coffee grinds, and grease build-up are common culprits behind clogged drains.
Place stormwater grates on the drain at all times to ensure the debris doesn’t create a blockage
Keep your garden clean and well maintained
Remove leaves, tree branches, and get the stormwater drains cleaned twice a year
Other tips to prevent blocked drains:
Avoid using harsh chemicals to clean drains
Hire a licensed local plumber to carry clear the drains. It’s better to have a plumber inspect and clean the drains before they become clogged. Prevention is better than cure! It might seem futile to have plumbing inspections done when there’s no problem. But it would be better to avoid a disastrous blocked drain problem and then spend a lot of money on clearing blocked drains.
Blocked drains specialists Brisbane
If you need any assistance or more information about maintaining your drains, give us a call on 1300 616 203. We provide 24-hour emergency plumber services in Brisbane, Logan and Redland Bay.
