thermostatic mixer valves

[Fred]

Hi,

Does anyone use these? We have our hot water set to 60C as I heard this was the recommended temperature to kill off bugs in the cylinder. It means that the hot tap can get uncomfortably hot. So I was wondering about fitting one of these valves under the basin so that the temperature at the tap is lower. Has anyone else done this? What are your opinions?

I haven't checked the temperature of the water as I only have one of those IR thermometers, bought for the black art of radiator balancing, which I never managed to achieve! I don't think they will work on water. Is this an excuse to buy a multimeter with temperature probe?!

TIA

[John]

I am not an expert but some thoughts that others may wish to develop:

1. Could you check the pipe temp near the tap with your i/r thermometer. It should give a good reading - I think you need a black surface to be accurate.
2. Bugs are more likely to grow in the cold header tank if you have one.
3. Legionella is spread by water mist. It is a respiratory disease.
4. If you have a concern that couldn't you raise the temp on a schedule - say once a month?

[sm_jamieson]

Yes, it is done, regularly in OAP homes and hospitals. They usually have a fixed temp, but adjustable under a cover for when regulations change ! Simon.

[<me9]

I fitted one near the cylinder (set to 50C) feeding all the hot water (a little low for the sink but ok for all else) as the tank tended to rise to the temperature of the CH (near 82C) even with the thermostat set to 60C. works brilliantly, stabilises shower temp (non thermostatic mixer over bath) and prevents scalding all in one go.

No. Stick a bit of black insulting tape on the pipe near where you want to measure then point the IR thermo at it. it will give a reasonably accurate reading.

[Tim Streater]

Black insulting? Is that what Dave looks like after a week without SWMBO?

(Sorry Dave).

[ransley]

How many cases of Legonaires have you heard about from your water, i just keep mine hot enough to shower, more is a waste of money. Probably the Gas company started it all, so they sell more gas.

[spamlet]

Round here, by the time the hot tap is delivering hot, I've already washed and gone. Are your pipes very short: or pre-heated?

;-)

S

[spamlet]

Those red and yellow algae/bacteria that seem to specialise in rubber showerhead parts don't appear to mind the heat at all!

S

[Fred]

Good idea, thanks.

But the water goes from the header tank to the cylinder so I guess all the bugs get killed there.

[Andy Champ]

Doesn't some of the water go direct, and not via the HW system?

Andy

[Fred]

I know your problem. The bathroom is just across the landing from the airing cupboard and I have tried to lag all the pipes I can find but even so it takes awhile for the water to run hot. But if someone has run the bath, there's hot water sitting in the pipes ready and it is very hot. The tap in the kitchen never gets warm because it is such a long run and I think half of it is buried in the concrete floor; running a new pipe is a job on my list.