What is a Tempering Valve?

What exactly is a tempering valve and why is it important? Learn how this small plumbing device helps control hot water temperature, keeps your family safe, and ensures your system meets Aussie standards.

Keeping Hot Water Safe in Aussie Homes

When it comes to your family’s safety and comfort, your hot water system plays a bigger role than you might think—and one key component behind it all is the tempering valve.

This clever little valve helps maintain a safe, steady hot water temperature coming from your taps and showers. More importantly, it ensures you’re complying with Australian plumbing safety standards, which are designed to protect against burns and bacteria like Legionella.

Let’s break it down in plain terms—what a tempering valve does, how it works, and why every Aussie home with a hot water system should have one.

Tempering Valve Orange Cap

What Is a Tempering Valve, Exactly?

A tempering valve is a safety device that mixes hot water from your storage tank with cold water before it reaches your taps. The goal? To keep the water temperature safe—no more, no less.

Without a tempering valve, water straight from your hot water unit could reach scalding temperatures, especially if it’s been sitting at 60°C or more (which it legally must, to kill off nasty bacteria).

In short, the tempering valve keeps the hot water hot enough in the tank to stay clean, but delivers it cool enough at the tap to be safe for use.

Why Tempering Valves Are a Must in Australia

Here in Australia, our plumbing codes are pretty clear:

Hot water must be stored at a minimum of 60°C to kill bacteria like Legionella.

But it must be delivered to taps at no more than 50°C to prevent burns and scalding injuries.

In places like aged care homes, schools, or hospitals, the delivery temp must be even lower—just 45°C for added safety.

So how do we balance those two very different requirements? You guessed it: with a tempering valve.

Why Tempering Valves Are a Must in Australia

Inside the valve is a temperature-sensitive element. As water flows from your hot water unit through the valve, it automatically adds just the right amount of cold water to ensure the temperature at your shower or sink stays safe and consistent.

No fiddling with the taps. No nasty surprises in the shower. Just comfortable, regulated hot water every time.

Types of Tempering Valves (And Which One You Need)

Not all tempering valves are the same—and the one you need depends on your type of hot water system. Here’s a quick guide to help:

Blue Cap – Most commonly used for electric hot water systems

Green Cap – Best suited for gas hot water systems

Orange Cap – Designed for solar and heat pump water heaters

Black Cap – Ideal for larger-capacity systems

If you’re not sure which valve fits your system, don’t stress—our licensed plumbers are happy to help you out.

Serving Aussie Homes with Trusted Advice

Need help choosing or replacing a tempering valve? Just give us a call at 13 10 91. Our team services homes across Canberra, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Hunter Valley, Central Coast, and Port Stephens—and we’re happy to answer your questions, inspect your system, or install a new valve for you

Final Thoughts: Small Device, Big Peace of Mind

A tempering valve might be a small part of your plumbing setup, but it does a massive job. It keeps your hot water system compliant with Australian regulations and helps protect your family from burns or dangerous bacteria.

So whether you’re building, renovating, or just want to make sure your home is as safe as it can be—don’t overlook your tempering valve.

Got questions? Call us on 13 10 91 and chat with one of our friendly local plumbers today. We’re always happy to help you make the smart choice for your home.

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