A TMV, or thermostatic mixing valve, is a specialised valve fitted to water outlets such as showers or taps with a mixed temperature output. They have a temperature-sensitive element that will cause the outlet to close if the water temperature exceeds a set limit. Their purpose is to prevent scalding in the event that the cold water feed fails.
Thermostatic mixing valve servicing is crucial for a number of reasons:
Regulatory compliance - as stated in HSG274, the servicing of TMVs is required by the HSE, as well as the CQC in healthcare environments, under HTM 04-01
Disease prevention - poorly maintained or infrequently checked TMVs can allow for the growth of harmful bacteria such as Legionella
Occupant safety - a faulty TMV can lead to scalding, especially where vulnerable occupants and whole body submersion are concerned
Valve longevity - regular servicing also extends the lifespan of your TMVs, reducing the need for replacements
ACOP L8 and HSG274 require that water within a hot water system be kept above 45℃ in order to prevent the growth of Legionella bacteria. What this means is that water reaching a TMV will potentially be too hot to use, especially in the case of vulnerable or infirm individuals. The TMV, therefore, cools the water before the outlet to prevent scalding.
As a result, the water in the stretch of pipe between the TMV and the point of use (POU) could be at a temperature that allows for the growth of Legionella bacteria. To combat this, HSG274 requires that TMVs be installed as close as possible to the POU. Regular outlet flushing and TMV maintenance should also be conducted.
Because of the heightened risk of Legionella growth, regular TMV servicing is required. In commercial or public environments, servicing is mandated in HSG274, while healthcare facilities are also subject to the requirements of HTM 04-01.
At EMS Water, we offer routine TMV maintenance and servicing to help you effortlessly maintain Legionella compliance.
A TMV service will involve:
Checking incoming and outgoing water temperatures
Fail safe tests
Removal of the TMV for visual inspection
Cleaning and disinfection of strainers
Replacement of any damaged or worn components
Reinstallation and leak checks
Final fail safe test
Completion of a detailed report
EMS Water is one of the nation’s leading water hygiene consultancies, offering TMV servicing across the UK. We are an award winning provider with years of experience helping clients from all industries, from healthcare to leisure, maintain safe water systems.
We also offer Legionella risk assessments and Legionella disinfection treatment, providing a complete solution to Legionella compliance. Get a free quote today by calling our friendly team on 0800 358 1100, emailing info@emswater.co.uk or filling out our contact form.









