Ensuring performance and efficiency in plumbing and heating

The most important characteristics of plumbing systems are performance, efficiency and reliability. In practice, that means meeting the specific demands of the building and contributing towards sustainability efforts - and doing so for decades to come. Specifiers and plumbing and heating engineers are on the front line in delivering on this through their roles in designing, installing and maintaining plumbing and heating systems.

When carrying out maintenance, plumbing and heating engineers will likely be dealing with systems that are several years – if not decades – old. While these can still operate reliably with the correct maintenance, installers can help to identify and implement improvements.

Water control valves are integral in improving plumbing efficiency, performance and reliability. In this blog, we will explore this role further and consider the types of valves that can be used to realise benefits for customers and installers alike.

In any plumbing system, valves are essential. With each serving a specific purpose, they can effectively control the flow of water through a pipe or section of the system, in addition to regulating the flow and pressure of water. Used and installed correctly, every connected appliance across the property will be able to operate effectively, safely and contribute to plumbing efficiency.

In commercial environments with circulating hot water systems, Thermal Balancing Valves (TBVs) are critical. Regulating the flow of water depending on the temperature, the valve uses a thermostatic element that balances the hot water network to maintain a consistent temperature across the circuit. That means hot water can be maintained consistently at temperatures of around 70°C, with any water exceeding this temperature forced into other parts of the system that are operating at lower temperatures.

In practice, TBVs achieve two things: performance and efficiency. Where performance is concerned, a thermally balanced system delivers instant hot water at the tap. While this improves usability, it also contributes to the system’s efficiency. Less waiting at the tap means less water is wasted. But that’s not all. With a thermally balanced system, the heat source isn’t required to work so hard to deliver hot water to the further points of the system, ultimately reducing energy usage for greater levels of efficiency.

Of course, where hot water is always on tap, safety needs to be another consideration in delivering reliable performance. Here, Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs) are essential. By blending hot and cold water, they can ensure safety at the point of use, minimising the risk of scalding.

With valves so essential to both the operation of a plumbing system and plumbing efficiency, it’s important for installers to use the most appropriate solutions, in the right places, and maintain them correctly.

For both TBVs and TMVs, it is all about location. TBVs should be installed on the return leg of pipework, eliminating dead legs of uncirculated hot water. In commercial buildings with lots of outlets, a TBV should be installed for every draw off area to ensure a consistent temperature across the circuit. Where TMVs are concerned, one valve is required for each outlet and installation is recommended within two meters of the outlet being served.

Once installed correctly for performance and plumbing efficiency, maintenance is the crucial step for delivering long-term reliability.

For TBVs, maintenance should focus on the piston and thermostat assembly where dust and other debris can build up over time. TMVs, on the other hand, are subject to more detailed maintenance – depending on the environments they serve. While domestic TMVs aren’t required by regulations to have regular maintenance, annual servicing is recommended. In commercial environments, TMVs must be serviced and tested every year to maintain their certification, while in healthcare environments, testing is required every six months.

As professionals who are on the ground and dealing with the complexities of individual systems every day, installers are best placed to identify and promote system improvements. By understanding the environments being served by plumbing systems and working closely with customers, plumbers can make a tangible difference to the plumbing efficiency, performance, and reliability of a system.

When it comes to valves, this knowledge and expertise gives homeowners the confidence that every improvement is worthwhile, delivering value year after year.