TMV testing and compliance support in Kent

A thermostatic mixing valve blends hot and cold supplies before water reaches an outlet. If an outlet runs unexpectedly hot, fluctuates or no longer behaves as expected, the valve and its supplies need assessment. A TMV service record should explain what was checked, not merely state that a building is “compliant”.

Start with the outlet and the people using it

Before booking, identify the location and use of each outlet. A bath used by a vulnerable resident presents a different scalding risk from an ordinary staff washbasin. Explain any recent complaint, temperature change or incident and the immediate controls your premises team has put in place.

Where an outlet may be unsafe, keep people from using it and refer the issue to the person responsible for the premises. Do not turn adjustment screws or override controls to make the water feel warmer.

TMV2 and TMV3 are not interchangeable labels

The appropriate valve and maintenance regime depend on the application, product approval and risk assessment. TMV3 applications include healthcare settings with more demanding requirements. A label on a valve is not enough to establish that its installation and ongoing use meet the needs of a particular outlet.

Provide the make, model and existing asset reference where available. If the valve is concealed, describe the access panel; do not dismantle it to obtain a photograph. We can discuss the TMV2 or TMV3 work required before agreeing attendance.

Testing, servicing and remedial work

The agreed scope should distinguish inspection and functional testing from a full service, adjustment, repair or replacement. A competent person follows the relevant manufacturer’s procedure, checks the supplies and considers the valve’s response as well as the mixed outlet temperature.

Ask which readings and functional checks will be recorded, which valves are included and how failed results will be escalated. If parts or replacement are required, agree the additional work and retesting rather than treating a failed initial test as a completed repair.

Scald protection and water hygiene need separate checks

A comfortable mixed temperature at the tap does not establish that the upstream hot and cold systems are being managed correctly. HSE’s hot and cold water guidance addresses the relationship between scalding risks and legionella control.

Where a TMV is fitted, HSE’s monitoring guidance includes checking the hot supply at the inlet. A TMV visit is not a replacement for the premises’ wider water-risk assessment, monitoring programme or required remedial work.

How often should a valve be checked?

There is no useful one-size-fits-all answer for every valve and building. Start with the specific manufacturer’s commissioning and maintenance instructions, applicable scheme requirements and the premises’ risk assessment. The history of failures and the vulnerability of users also matter when planning follow-up.

As an example, Reliance’s guidance distinguishes the testing regimes for TMV2 and TMV3 applications. Use the instructions for the actual installed valve rather than applying another product’s schedule by assumption.

Records that make the visit useful

Agree the reporting format before work starts. Useful job records identify the premises, outlet and valve, visit date, results, work completed, limitations and actions still outstanding. If an outlet cannot be accessed or tested, that should be recorded rather than counted as a pass.

Give the records to the person managing the water system so follow-up can be included in their programme. HSE explains the role of monitoring and record keeping. A contractor’s report supports that process; it does not transfer all premises-management duties to the contractor.

Arrange TMV work in Kent

Call 07469 896305 with the postcode, property use, approximate number of valves and any existing report. Tell us about access restrictions or a deadline so the scope, competence and documentation needed can be confirmed.

For wider treatment enquiries see water chlorination and disinfection. For a plumbing leak rather than a compliance visit, see water leak repairs.