A guide to installing the Easifit TMV

Thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) are vital for keeping people and water supplies safe. They are regulated by law and have been a legal requirement since 2010 in all commercial and domestic new builds. Reliance Valves’ innovative range of TMVs are perfect for installations in even the smallest spaces. Read further to find out more on our best practice advice for installing the Easifit TMV.

The Easifit TMV precisely blends hot and cold water to a safe and comfortable temperature, protecting users from scalding. They also allow hot water systems to run at high enough temperatures to prevent Legionella bacteria from breeding. Easifit TMVs are compliant for both TMV2 and TMV3 schemes.

It is a control valve for the modern built environment when installers need efficiency in both domestic and light commercial applications. The concept of the latest version of the Easifit combines the robust and reliable design of the standard version, with the inclusion of JG Speedfit connections.

The compactness of the design also makes it easy to install the Easifit into any tight spaces, such as underneath baths. They are also future-proofed to meet BREEAM requirements and water conservation purposes, as the TMV can restrict taps to 1lpm, without the valve pulsing and malfunctioning because of a bottleneck.

The fact an Easifit TMV is compliant to both TMV2 and TMV3 schemes makes it the perfect addition for these applications.

TMV2 certified valves must be used in all new and refurbished domestic, commercial and public buildings, as stated in Part G of the Building Regulations and the TMV2 Scheme. This means a TMV must maintain a safe and stable temperature of under 48°C at all times and quickly shut off during a hot or cold water failure.

A single TMV can serve multiple commercial outlets, ideal for a group of basins, public toilets and showers in a gym. These must be tested regularly to maintain their certification, which is made easier by the Easifit, as it can be dismounted, worked on and put back in place without the use of tools.

If you’re fitting in a healthcare setting, under the NHS D08 regulations and TMV3 scheme, a risk assessment should be carried out before installing the Easifit. It’s also vital that a valve is installed to every water outlet identified in the risk assessment.

TMVs must perform at the flow rate required by the specific application. While TMV2 valves allow for ‘group mixing’ to multiple outlets, the valve must be sized accordingly to meet the demand. Undersized valves can cause insufficient hot water to reach the required outlets.

However, as times are changing, more attention is being placed on using less water to help save the planet. Many modern taps, for instance, now have a built-in flow restriction. However, even if that restriction is as low as 1lpm, instead of the typical industry standard of 4lpm, the Easifit TMV will still function as expected.

Before installing the Easifit TMV, you must prepare and install the pipework. For group mix valves, make sure the Easifit is placed as close to the first outlet as possible, to prevent the risk of a stagnation point, which can lead to Legionella getting into the system. For TMV3 installations, regulations stipulate that valves should be placed within two metres of the tap.

In healthcare and commercial installations, the valves have to be regularly maintained so we recommend placing them in a service hatch, or getting them surface mounted, rather than being hidden out of reach inside cavity walls. The Easifit is perfect for this as it can be placed in the tightest of spaces with ease, allowing for painless and efficient maintenance.

It’s essential that the Easifit Thermostatic Mixing Valve is installed correctly, or else it will fail to regulate the temperature of the water effectively and cause major disruption.

You can avoid issues by making sure the hot and cold feeds are plumbed the right way around and the correct adaptors are put on the correct valves. There should also be service valves either on the valve itself, or they should be plumbed in on the pipework leading up to the TMV.

Like all TMVs, the Easifit needs to be tested, maintained and serviced at intervals set by the relevant scheme. Each application has its own temperature requirement.

TMV2 valves should be checked by measuring the mixed water temperature, then isolating the cold-water supply to the TMV. When the valve shuts off, no more than 120ml can be allowed in the outlet in a minute to meet test requirements. The same process is required for hot water – if the temperature has changed by 2°C or more, or the failsafe doesn’t work, a full service is required.

TMV3 valve installers must check the system is still operational 6-8 weeks after installation, and at six-month intervals after that. If there’s a failure, installers must fix the issue and re-test the valve and return again in six weeks’ time.

The Easifit Thermostatic Mixing Valve significantly reduces the risk of scalding and will do so longer thanks to its tool-free fitting and maintenance, no matter the space available. Whether it’s a domestic, commercial, or healthcare application, Reliance Valves’ Easifit TMV is the best option for providing a safe supply of water.