Plumbing News & Articles | Whywait Plumbing

Why Your TMV or Tempering Valve Is Crucial for Hot Water Safety

by Gary Mays | Mar 25, 2023 | Hot water tempering valve

Why Do I Need A TMV or Tempering Valve?

Every week, our clients ask us why we must install a TMV or tempering valve to their hot water system. The simple and straightforward answer is that the law mandates it. However, we would like to emphasise that the underlying reason is the safety of the occupants.

A TMV or tempering valve is an essential safety feature that reduces the risk of scalding. This is especially important in storage-type gas, electric, solar, and heat pump systems where the water is stored at high temperatures, typically between 60°C and 75°C. Understanding that a severe hot water burn can occur in just one second when the water is delivered at 60°C or higher is crucial. Hot water burns like fire because of the following reasons:

At 60°C, a severe burn can happen in 1 second.

At 55°C, a severe burn would take 10 seconds.

At 50°C, a severe burn would occur after 5 minutes.

Therefore, it is clear that a TMV or tempering valve is essential in preventing scalding accidents, especially for children, older adults, and people with disabilities who may be more vulnerable to hot water burns. Therefore, installing a TMV or tempering valve is not only complying with the law but also a responsible action towards ensuring the safety of your household or building occupants.

What is a TMV or Thermostatic Mixing Valve?

A TMV or thermostatic mixing valve is a device responsible for mixing hot and cold water together to provide hot water delivery at a consistent temperature. The TMV achieves this by accurately regulating the temperature of the water delivered to your tap.

When we install your TMV, we set the temperature to deliver hot water at a consistent temperature of either 45°C or 50°C, depending on the specific application. For example, in aged care or childcare facilities, the temperature is set at 45°C, while in all other bathrooms, the temperature is set at 50°C.

In common areas for aged care or childcare, a TMV is mandatory to ensure the occupants’ safety. TMVs are very accurate and responsive to fluctuations in incoming water temperatures, maintaining the temperature to within 1°C of the temperature that it was set at during installation.

The temperature regulation accuracy in a TMV is achieved through a thermally sensitive element that expands and contracts in response to the temperature fluctuations of the incoming hot and cold water. This expansion and contraction control the temperature by adjusting the amount of cold water that mixes with the hot water.

In addition to accurately regulating water temperature, a TMV has an added safety feature that shuts down if cold water flows become too low, preventing hot water at temperatures of 60°C or higher from being delivered. This provides an additional layer of safety, ensuring that the water delivered to your tap is always at a safe and consistent temperature.

why we are required to install a TMV or tempering valve

This photo illustrates a TMV installed in a duplex unit to regulate all hot water from the Rinnai instantaneous gas hot water unit at 45°C where the occupant is in a wheelchair due to multiple sclerosis

What is a Tempering Valve?

Like a TMV, a tempering valve’s primary function is to mix hot and cold water to provide a consistent water temperature at your tap.

A tempering valve is a simple three-way valve that is temperature actuated to mix hot and cold water. Most tempering valves come preset at 50°C, and during installation, we test them by measuring the temperature of the water from your hot taps in the bathroom.

Tempering valves are commonly used in residential homes as a one-off valve for the hot water service. Compared to a TMV, a tempering valve is slower to respond to temperature fluctuations and will deliver water to within 3°C of the temperature it was set at during installation.

While a tempering valve may not provide the same level of accuracy and responsiveness as a TMV, it is still an effective and essential safety feature in preventing scalding accidents. By providing a consistent water temperature, a tempering valve helps ensure that hot water delivered to your tap is at a safe and comfortable temperature.

Call Whywait Plumbing to install a TMV or tempering valve

This photo illustrates that the handyman who illegally installed this hot water system did at least attempt to install a tempering valve; however, it is non-compliant as it has been connected with flexihoses which ultimately burst and required Whywait Plumbing to completely repipe the system and lodge a Form 4 compliance certificate.

Which Hot Water Safety Valve do you Require?

The Plumbing Code of Australia in AS/NZS 3500.4:2018 provides specific guidelines for water temperature control in various settings. For example, section 1.11 of the code outlines that to prevent the growth of legionella bacteria, water should be stored at a temperature of no less than 60°C. Furthermore, for specific settings such as healthcare, aged care, early childhood, schools, and nursing homes, heated water should not exceed 45°C for the aged, sick, children, or people with disabilities. For all other situations, heated water should not exceed 50°C.

As plumbing professionals, we are obligated to comply with the requirements outlined in AS/NZS 3500.4:2018 when installing temperature control devices. While a TMV may be more expensive to install initially compared to a tempering valve, it has a longer lifespan and is more accessible for servicing and replacing working parts. On the other hand, a tempering valve is typically replaced when it stops working, as it is not easy to service or replace parts.

In Queensland, any work performed on a TMV or tempering valve is reportable to the QBCC, and a compliant Form 4 must be submitted. We recommend that you always demand a copy of your Form 4 for your protection. It’s essential to ensure that any work performed on your hot water system complies with the necessary standards and guidelines to maintain the safety and comfort of the occupants.

The Paramount Importance of Safe Hot Water

In the complex realm of plumbing and water systems, it’s easy to overlook the subtle components that play a monumental role in our safety. The TMV or Tempering Valve stands as a silent sentinel, diligently working to ensure that our hot water usage is safe, preventing potential scalds and burns.

As we’ve unravelled throughout this discussion, these valves aren’t just a luxury but a necessity for every household. They bridge the gap between comfort and safety. In a world where the unexpected can happen in the blink of an eye, having a reliable TMV in place offers more than just regulated hot water – it provides peace of mind.

Ensure your hot water system is equipped with a functioning TMV or tempering valve and embrace the assurance of safety it provides.

Why wait? Experienced Gold Coast Plumbers have expertise, skills and knowledge

by Gary Mays | Mar 18, 2023 | Gold Coast plumbers

DIY plumbing is no match for real Gold Coast Plumbers with experience, skills, knowledge and expertise

Plumbing issues are never easy to deal with, but the temptation to handle them yourself and get all the materials you need from Bunnings can be intense. After all, why pay a professional when you can save money by fixing the problem on your own?

However, when it comes to plumbing, taking the DIY route can often lead to more significant issues and expenses in the long run.

That’s why hiring real Gold Coast plumbers with the necessary experience, skills, knowledge, and expertise is crucial to getting the job done right the first time.

An expert plumber’s experience and knowledge is the key to tackling plumbing problems

There’s no substitute for experience and knowledge when it comes to plumbing problems. Expert Gold Coast plumbers who are experienced plumbers bring a wealth of practical know-how to the job, with years of experience tackling multiple issues. Whether it’s a leaking tap, a blocked drain, no hot water or a burst pipe, an experienced plumber has the skills and expertise to assess the problem quickly and provide an effective and efficient solution.

Not only does an experienced plumber possess the technical know-how to solve plumbing problems, but they also bring a deep understanding of the broader issues at play. This can include everything from City of Gold Coast plumbing requirements and regulations to environmental concerns and best practices for maintaining plumbing systems over the long term.

By relying on an experienced plumber, clients can feel confident that their plumbing problems will be addressed in a way that solves the immediate issue and considers their long-term needs and goals.

Ask any real Gold Coast plumbers how incomplete or inaccurate DIY plumbing solutions from Bunnings or Google for plumbing problems can backfire

While the internet can provide a wealth of information on a range of topics, including DIY plumbing solutions, it is essential to exercise caution when relying on Google. Of course, the nice man at Bunnings may listen attentively and sell you various solutions. Still, they are a hardware supermarket, not a licenced plumber who visually inspects your problem.

Incomplete or inaccurate information can lead to costly mistakes and even potentially dangerous situations when it comes to plumbing problems. In addition, it’s important to remember that plumbing systems are complex, and what may seem like a simple fix can require a deeper level of understanding and experience to resolve correctly.

Don’t disrespect a plumber’s expertise and experience by haggling about their prices

It’s an unfortunate occupational hazard for plumbing businesses that a business you’ve worked for resorts to dishonesty to avoid paying its tax invoice for the work undertaken. Thankfully, a recent experience with a dental practice is generally the exception, not the rule. In this case, the dental practice in question attempted to spin a web of lies to justify their non-payment. It’s frustrating for everyone involved, but it’s important to remember that such behaviour is disrespectful and unprofessional.

Can you imagine the repercussions and reaction if you attempted to withhold payment from the dentist under the pretext of discrediting their expertise and accusing them of incompetence and grossly overcharging?

It’s common for some clients to attempt to negotiate a lower price for our services. Still, there’s a difference between negotiating in good faith and trying to manipulate the situation through dishonesty.

When a business such as a dental practice attempts to beat a plumber’s price down deceitfully, they disrespect the experience and expertise that the plumber brings to the job. It’s important to remember that a plumber’s price is not just for the service they provide but for the years of training and knowledge they bring to the table. Disrespecting their price is disrespecting their value as a professional plumber.

A Plumber's Perspective: A Conversation with a Client on Solving Plumbing Issues and The Ulimate Cost of The Work

G’day mate, now that you’ve looked at everything on my existing hottie, how much for replacing it with a new one?

Well, it’ll cost you $5230, mate.

What? That’s too much! That’s a bloody fortune! Can’t you do it cheaper?

I understand, but this is a big job. So we’re not just slapping a band-aid on it. We’re fixing it properly.

Fair enough, but I reckon it’s a simple job. I’ve Googled it, and all the experts consider $2000 up to $3000 as a fair price. So how about $2500?

I appreciate your opinion, mate, but unfortunately, I can’t do it for that little. I would be better off staying in bed than coming here to work at a loss. Unlike all your Google experts, I’ve eyeballed what is required to properly replace your hot water system and comply with the Plumbing and Drainage Act. But I have a proposition for you. For $1500, I can teach you how to do it yourself.

Teach me? I don’t even know where to start! I work with my brain, not my hands, I’m a financial planner, so I’m not exactly a tradie, mate.

No worries, mate. For $1500, I’ll teach you everything you need to know. It’ll be like a DIY Bunnings sausage sizzle. Plus, you’ll get the knowledge and experience to do it yourself next time.

Alright, I’m game. What do I need to do?

First, you’ll need tools like a pressing tool, battery drill, half-inch benders, screwdrivers and shifters, PPE, a trolley to move the gear around the house and a few other hand tools.

Crikey! I don’t have any of those.

No problem, mate. I can rent them to you for another $1300. So you’re still saving $2430 in the end.

Cool, I’m in, then. Sounds like a good deal. When can we start?

I’m available on Saturdays.

Saturday? But I have plans on Saturdays! It’s my weekend…my day off to spend with the family.

I’m sorry, mate. Saturdays are my teaching days for teaching Bunnings weekend warriors. And if you’re doing it yourself, you’ll need to get up early and get the gear we need for the job from Tradelink at 6.30, so we can start by 9.

That’s a bit rough, mate. Saturday is usually my sleep in morning. Can’t we get the gear from Bunnings?

Sorry mate, if we’re going to fix this correctly, you need suitable quality materials from an actual plumbers merchant.

I don’t have any free Saturdays coming up. Can’t we do it on a weekday?

No. As I said, Saturday is my only free day to teach you. Also, you’ll need a truck to transport the gear.

A truck? I don’t have a truck! I have a Tesla!

It looks like you’ll have to rent one. And the gear is pretty heavy to lift, so you will need some of your mates to come over to help you load and unload the truck.

I really don’t think I can ask my friends, they’re all professionals, not manual labourers, to do that. Can’t we do it on a weekday, and I’ll hire some guys off Airtasker?

I’m afraid not, mate. I’ve got other jobs during the week. However, I have good news for you! You can hire me to do it on a weekday if you’d like.

Really? That sounds like a better idea. But how much will that cost?

Well, it’ll cost you $5230, just like I said at the beginning.

C’mon mate, that’s too expensive! All the experts on Google agree.

I understand, mate. But you’re not just paying for a job. You’re paying for the knowledge, experience, equipment, tools, time, employees and family sacrifices I bring.

I guess you’re right. You know what? I’ve been thinking. It probably is better for you to do the job. It’s better to pay you to do the job right and not have to go through all that hassle.

Sensible decision, mate. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered, mate. When you hire us, you’re not just paying for the job. You’re paying for our experience, expertise and everything we bring to the table with the tools in the back of the ute.

Some advice to plumbers reading this blog – “As a Gold Coast plumber, you know your worth. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise – you’re worth every cent. After all, you’re the professional expert here – you know the costs to keep your business running smoothly. So value your services appropriately and do not undersell yourself as a professional licenced plumber.”

Mutual respect and professionalism are essential for every successful business relationship

As a Gold Coast plumber and business owner with 46 years of experience, I’ve seen first-hand how negative stereotypes can affect people in different professions, trades, and occupations. As a result, I believe in treating everyone as I expect to be treated and in giving people the benefit of the doubt until they give me a reason not to trust them.

Sadly, it’s all too common to hear someone say, “I’m just a…”, which sends a subliminal message that their work is of lesser value. But every occupation requires unique skills and expertise, and it’s essential to avoid making generalisations or assumptions about any profession based on these stereotypes.

One thing that bothers me is how certain professions are viewed as less prestigious or essential than others. This can lead to unfair judgments and undervaluation of people in those occupations. To build a positive business-to-client relationship and create a culture of mutual respect, we must actively listen to each other, communicate effectively, and find common ground to create a solution that is beneficial to everyone. By doing so, we can break down barriers and work together towards a more inclusive and collaborative business relationship.

We must also recognise how negative stereotypes can affect people in different professions, trades, and occupations. Therefore, it’s essential to treat everyone with respect and professionalism, regardless of their job title or position. Doing so can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for all.

A true Gold Coast plumber stands as a beacon of quality and trustworthiness

As we wrap up this exploration into the hallmarks of a genuine Gold Coast plumber, we cannot overemphasise the importance of expertise, skills, experience, and knowledge in this field.

As you navigate the often complex waters of plumbing issues and maintenance, remember that a true Gold Coast plumber stands as a beacon of quality and trustworthiness. They embody a rich blend of technical proficiency and a deep understanding of the local nuances, committed to delivering not just solutions but peace of mind.

In a realm where precision and reliability are non-negotiable, settling for anything less than experienced Gold Coast plumbers is not an option. Stay informed, choose wisely, and safeguard your home’s plumbing integrity with a professional who bears the genuine mark of excellence and reliability.

Wastewater management is every ones responsibility aiding sustainability

by Gary Mays | Jan 25, 2023 | City of Gold Coast, Consumer Issues, Health Issues, Insurance, Plumbers Gold Coast, Plumbing Maintenance, wastewater management, Water Filtration

Do you know what happens to your water when you flush the toilet?

At Whywait Plumbing, we know how important it is to take care of our wastewater. Wastewater is any water used in homes or businesses that needs to be cleaned before it can be safely released into the environment. If not appropriately managed, wastewater can pollute our water sources, harm wildlife and affect our health. That’s why we want to help our clients understand the best ways to handle their wastewater.

First, it’s essential to know that there are different types of wastewater. Household wastewater comes from everyday activities like showering, washing dishes and doing laundry. Industrial wastewater is created by restaurants, mechanics workshops, bakeries, supermarkets, butcher shops, factories and can have different chemicals and pollutants. Both types of wastewater need to be cleaned before they are let into the environment. Most of the time, this cleaning happens at a wastewater treatment plant. These plants use a combination of physical, chemical and biological methods to remove pollutants and bacteria from the water.

Households produce an average of 300 litres of wastewater per person per day. Despite popular misconceptions, ninety-nine per cent of this wastewater is just water. The other one per cent is contaminated wastewater. Wastewater is a vital resource and will be released to our land, waterways and the ocean as recycled water after treatment.

What is wastewater?

At Whywait Plumbing, we ensure that our customer’s wastewater management treatment systems are working correctly. This includes regular maintenance and repairs for septic tanks, treatment plants, grease traps, house drain sewer systems, and installing new systems when needed. If you live in the City of Gold Coast, then you are connected to the council sewage system unless you live in a rural area.

It’s also important to try and reduce the number of pollutants that get into the wastewater system in the first place. This means being careful about what we put down the drain or toilet, such as grease, oil and chemicals.

Another essential aspect of wastewater management is appropriately disposing of greywater. Greywater is water that has been used for things like laundry or showering but does not have fecal matter in it. Greywater can often be reused for watering gardens or flushing toilets, which helps us save our freshwater resources.

Stormwater is also wastewater being the runoff that flows from roofs, parks, gardens, roads, paths and gutters into stormwater drains after rain in urban areas. Stormwater flows untreated directly to local creeks, streams or rivers, eventually flowing into the ocean. As a result, most stormwater receives no treatment. However, this is changing in new subdivisions and commercial sites with stormwater treatment to remove vegetation debris, human litter, sand, and gravel using bioretention basins and gross pollutant traps.

What are On-site Sewerage Facilities?

At Whywait Plumbing, we understand that not everyone has access to the same sewerage infrastructure provided by the council. That’s why we want to explain what On-site Sewerage Facilities (OSSF) are and how they can help keep your property and the environment safe. Traditionally these have been called septic tanks.

OSSF’s are systems that treat and dispose of the sewerage generated on your property within your property boundaries. These systems include septic tanks, aerated wastewater treatment systems, passive wastewater treatment systems and composting toilets. These types of systems are typically required in areas that are not serviced by council sewerage infrastructure.

It’s important to note that well-maintained OSSF can help protect public health and safety and reduce the risk of environmental harm with contaminated water flowing into creeks and streams. So, if you have an OSSF on your property, it is essential to keep it well-maintained to ensure it continues to work effectively.

If you have questions or concerns about your On-site Sewerage Facilities, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Whywait Plumbing. We’re always happy to help!

How is wastewater treated in a sewage treatment facility?

At Whywait Plumbing, we want to ensure you understand how sewage is treated before it is released into the environment and, ultimately, into the ocean. On the Gold Coast, there are four wastewater management treatment plants at Pimpama, Coombabah, Merrimac and Elanora, which process your wastewater in four stages:

In the first stage, primary treatment, they remove large objects and debris from the sewage. They do this by passing the sewage through screens to catch anything that shouldn’t be there, like plastic or other trash. They also use grit traps to remove smaller particles like sand. After that, they let the sewage sit in tanks so that any remaining solids can settle to the bottom and be removed. Finally, they also skim off any grease or scum that floats to the top.
Next, they use microorganisms to break down and remove any remaining dissolved wastes and small particles. This is called the secondary stage treatment. Finally, they add microorganisms to the sewage that eat away any remaining pollutants.
In the third stage, nutrient removal, they remove nitrogen and phosphorus from the sewage. These nutrients can cause problems in our waterways, like algal blooms.
Finally, they disinfect the sewage to ensure it’s safe to release back into the environment as recycled water for golf courses and parks or ocean discharge. They do this by adding chemicals or using ultraviolet light to kill any remaining disease-causing microorganisms. They may also let the sewage sit in the ponds for several weeks, allowing the microorganisms to die off naturally before releasing it.

We hope this helps you understand the sewage treatment process and how it keeps our waterways clean and safe!

How can you help?

At Whywait Plumbing, we educate our clients on wastewater management and provide the necessary services to manage their wastewater seriously.

There are multiple ways you can help that are simple everyday tasks:

never connect stormwater drains to any part of your house sewer drains
never put substances such as petrol, oil, solvents, pesticides or herbicides into sewer or stormwater drains
compost all kitchen food scraps
use natural cleaning products that are phosphate and bleach free

wastewater management creates a clean environment for drinking water

Ultimately we are all individually responsible for sustainable wastewater management to keep our water sources and the environment clean and safe for future generations by working together.

Understanding Water Pipe Pressure: How it Works and Why it Matters

by Gary Mays | Dec 27, 2022 | water pressure

What are the legally required water pressure requirements?

Water pressure within a commercial or residential building is from a consumer viewpoint based on perception rather than reality. According to AS/NZS 3500.1:2021 Water Services in section 3.3 Pressure Requirements, the water pressure should be between 50kPa and 500kPa at the furthermost or most disadvantaged fixture or outlet within a building, with the ideal pressure at outlets being at least 150kPa.

In simple terms, water pressure measures the force required to move water through the pipework and to the fixture outlet and maintain a residual force in the pipework to ensure water is immediately available when needed. When the pressure falls below 150kPa, taps, valves, plumbing fixtures, and appliances may fail to operate correctly. In such cases, a means to increase the pressure, such as pumping, must be provided.

However, excessive pressure beyond the limits specified in AS/NZS 3500.1:2021 can also cause issues. include;

Water wastage with excess water going into the drain.
Noisy pipes, taps and valves.
Water hammer.
Potential for leakage from valves and fixtures such as toilet cisterns.
Failure of pipe joints and valves.
Taps, valves, fixtures, and appliances have a shortened life cycle.
Increased plumbing maintenance costs.

To counter this, pressure-limiting or pressure-reducing valves should be installed when the residual pressure at outlets exceeds the specified or required limits. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the warranties of some appliances or fixture outlet devices may be voided if excessive pressure is evident.

The difference between static and flow pressure

Another important aspect is the difference between static and flow pressure. Static pressure is the pressure exerted by the water on the walls of the pipe, fittings or valves when no water is flowing.

In contrast, flow pressure is the pressure that exists at any point in the system when water is flowing at that point. So in a horizontal pipe, no matter where you measure the static pressure in the pipeline at a tap, you would have the same pressure reading.

For a single-story residential home, if the pressure is 500kPa where the pipe enters the house, it would also be 500kPa at the rear hose tap of the house. The static pressure will reduce as soon as that hose tap is turned on.

What is flow pressure?

Flow pressure exists at any point in the system when water is flowing at that point when a tap or fixture is turned on. Once the water starts to flow, the water moving through the pipe uses some energy to push past the pipe surface, bends, tees and valves no matter how smooth the internal piping system is.

This movement consumes energy and reduces the pressure to push the water out of the end of the tap. This pressure loss is due to friction occurring at every point along the pipeline. When water starts to flow through a pipe, the pressure is highest at the source and decreases every metre along that pipe. Therefore, the pressure would be lowest at the most distant tap or fixture.

How is water pipe pressure created?

Water pressure can be created in two ways: through gravity pressure, generated at water outlets that are lower than a water reservoir and through pumped (boost) pressure created by the force of a pump, which draws in water from a source and discharges it at a higher pressure from the outlet of the pump.

water pipe pressure maintained by Whywait Plumbing

What is gravity water pressure?

All over the Gold Coast, we have reservoirs at elevated locations. The water is distributed from these reservoirs through a network of piping known as a gravity water mains system.

Pressure varies at different locations along the distribution water main depending on the distance from the reservoir and the elevation of the home from that reservoir which is illustrated in Fig 1.

Homes located at low elevation areas receive the highest pressure. Alternately homes located at the highest elevation receive much lower pressure.

The horizontal distance from the reservoir is the other factor that will considerably influence the gravity of the pressure received at each individual home.

With the Gold Coast gravity water mains system the greater the distance from the reservoir that your home is the lower the pressure you will receive. This pressure reduction is due to frictional loss within the pipework compared to the homes closer to the reservoir.

What is pumped water pressure?

In all buildings where the pressure is inadequate for the water service functions required within the building, a pressure booster pump has to be installed to add pressure to the available water mains pressure. This is necessary to overcome the vertical height of the building and the frictional resistance or loss within the pipes, fittings or valves, as well as to supply the required pressure at the tap or fixture outlet.

For pressure requirements at taps and fixtures, it is initially the responsibility of the hydraulic engineer and the plumber to design and install the necessary water flow and pressure in the building during construction to satisfy the function and operation of all of the taps, fixtures and appliances. Ideally, the plumber would aim for at least 250 to 400 kPa at the taps and fixtures.

Why is head pressure important for water pressure?

Head pressure is critical to ensuring adequate water in every building, especially in high-rise buildings.

In pump systems, the water pressure head is measured in metres meaning that every 1-metre increase in height (1-metre head) requires 9.81kPa to lift the water up 1 metre. It is precisely the same for gravity systems, so for every 1 metre below the reservoir, gravity provides 9.81 kPa water pressure. To keep it simple, use the rule of thumb, which is 1-metre head equals 10 kPa.

If you want to put this into perspective, the tallest building currently on the Gold Coast is the Q1 Building which has 77 floors and is 322.5 meters high, so to pump water from the bottom of the building to the top requires 3164 kPa pressure. As you can see in Fig 2 below, an example of how high-rise buildings are supplied with water to the very top. With the height difference of each floor, pressure-reduction valves are required at each floor level to balance the pressure delivery at the taps and fixtures.

Water pressure for taps and fixtures is an important consideration

When constructing a new building, the hydraulic engineer and the plumber must provide the entire building water flow and pressure at the taps, fixtures and appliances to ensure their function and operation per each manufacturer’s requirements.

Achieving the correct pressure is crucial to the operation of any building. Almost every building, whether a residential home or a high-rise building, will have water pressure controls, pressure limiting, and pressure reducing valves to ensure pipe pressure does not exceed 500 kPa and each tap, fixture or appliance performs to the manufacturer’s specifications.

If the pressure is too low, this will inconvenience and impact the occupants in multiple areas, such as the washing machine, garden hose taps, bath filling, toilet cistern filling and low-pressure showers.

Conversely, if the pressure is too high, as we have already discussed above, the results can be disastrous and result in water wastage with excess water going into the drain, noisy pipes, taps and valves, water hammer, the potential for leakage from valves and fixtures such as toilet cisterns, the failure of pipe joints and valves, taps, valves, fixtures, and appliances having a shortened operational life cycle expectancy and increased plumbing maintenance costs.

The issues with pressure loss

In all new buildings, as we have already discussed pressure head is crucial when selecting and sizing the water pipe services. The pipes, valves and fittings’ head loss or pressure loss are equally important as the supply pressure entering the building.

Excessive pressure losses in the water piping can be caused by selecting incorrect pipe sizes and valves with high frictional loss. This may cause more significant overall frictional head loss within the water supply piping system. In many Gold Coast residential homes, this is a major issue with poor pressure, especially in showers, as the plumber has only used 12mm piping instead of 20mm, which as we now know, creates significant pressure reduction due to frictional resistance.

Your water pressure needs monitoring

In conclusion, proper pressure is essential for all taps, plumbing fixtures and appliances.

At Whywait Plumbing, we strive to provide our clients with the necessary solutions and services to ensure that their pressure is within the ideal range as per AS/NZS 3500.1:2021. We understand the importance of proper water pressure and the potential risks associated with inadequate or excessive pressure.

You need to maintain your plumbing systems, such as pumps and pressure reduction valves installed at the time of construction, to ensure they continue to function correctly and provide you with the correct pressure of 500 kPa.

If you have any concerns about your water pressure, don’t hesitate to contact us for professional advice and solutions.

Mitigating Flood Damage: How to Implement Water Surge Protection in Water Pipes

by Gary Mays | Nov 28, 2022 | banging pipes, burst flexible hoses, Consumer Issues, emergency plumber Gold Coast, erosion and corrosion in plumbing pipes, Health Issues, Insurance coverage of water leaks, Leaking Pipes, licensed plumber, Plumbers Gold Coast, Plumbing Emergencies, Plumbing Maintenance, Water Hammer, Water Leaks, water surge

What is a water surge or water hammer?

At Whywait Plumbing, we understand that a water surge or water hammer can be frustrating and potentially damaging for homeowners. That’s why we’re here to explain the problem in simple terms and offer solutions for preventing and resolving it.

Water hammer or water surge is a common issue in any system that utilises pipework, valves, pumps, and other equipment to control water flow or other liquids throughout a building.

One of the most common causes of a water surge or water hammer is the rapid closing of a valve. When a valve is closed quickly, water hits a dead end, sharp bend, or any other situation that creates a high-pressure shockwave to travel through the pipework, causing a loud banging noise and increased pressure. This can damage pipes, fittings, and appliances and cause leaks.

Another common cause of water surge is a problem with your pressure pump system. If your pump is malfunctioning, it can create a surge of pressure that can cause the same issues as a rapidly closed valve.

The effects of water hammer can range from a loud knocking or banging noise in the pipes to more severe issues such as broken pipework. However, the risks posed by water surge are particularly significant in high-rise buildings.

High-rise buildings are susceptible to water surge

Most high-rise buildings have at least one riser that runs from the basement to the top floor and connects to smaller distribution pipework on each floor. Suppose a pump stops operating, for example, due to a power cut or a fault in the system. In that case, the water pressure in the building gradually declines as outlets are opened, and the remaining water in the system is drained under gravity.

This can create a vacuum in the pipework, depending on whether there are non-return valves or pressure-reducing valves installed in other parts of the water pipe reticulation system. When the power is restored, and the pump begins to operate again, it restores system pressure to pre-set levels. However, if the unit is not designed, installed and maintained correctly and does not have a comprehensive “soft fill mode”, the water hammer or water surge will be almost unavoidable.

In the worst-case scenario, pressurised water is pushed into a vacuum, causing the water to accelerate beyond expected design velocities. This can be due to multiple pumps running or pumps that are designed as “standby”. This results in a hydraulic shock to the pipework that can be beyond the operating pressure of the system, potentially causing weak pipework or connections to burst, resulting in flooding and expensive water damage within the building.

Not only is this expensive to repair, it means downtime to the building’s water supply. It is also a severe health and safety risk to those occupying the building during the burst.

water surge is a danger to high rise buildings on Gold Coast

Recommended precautions

To avoid these issues, it’s essential to take the necessary precautions. One solution is to ensure that you have a booster set with a surge protection feature, so when the pumps are powered back up, they are limited to one pump and gradually increase their pressure to avoid ramping up too quickly. In addition, an AWSPV valve or an Air and Water Protection Valve can be installed at the top of each riser. This device not only avoids vacuum being created, but it also forces air through the “anti-surge” orifice when the system is filling, allowing for the deceleration of the incoming water supply, thanks to the resistance created by rising air pressure in the AWSPV valve.

This softens the potential pressure spike when the AWSPV valve finally closes. The AWSPV valve design ensures effective de-aeration under all pipeline flow and operating conditions via one of three discharge orifices. Once the system is full and free of air, the valve seals and must be piped to a drain or safe area to ensure any leaks are discharged to a visible position. This ensures that everything is visible without causing further water damage.

In conclusion, a water hammer or water surge is a common issue in any system that utilises pipework, valves, pumps, and other equipment to control water flow throughout a building. High-rise buildings are particularly at risk due to the potential for a vacuum to be created when the water pressure is restored, which can cause a surge in water pressure and potentially cause damage to the pipework or connections. By taking the necessary precautions, such as ensuring a booster set with a surge protection feature and installing an Air and Water Protection Valve, you can avoid these issues and ensure the safety and reliability of your building’s water supply.

Proactive prevention you should implement

To prevent water surge, it is crucial to have your plumbing system regularly inspected and maintained by a professional plumber. This can help identify any potential issues before they become a problem.

Even in your traditional home, installing a water hammer arrestor, a device that absorbs the shock wave created by a rapidly closed valve, can help prevent water surge or water hammer from occurring.

If you have doubts about whether you are experiencing a water hammer or a water surge in your home or your high-rise building, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Whywait Plumbing. Our team of experienced plumbers can diagnose the problem, offer solutions, and get your plumbing system back to working correctly. Whether a simple adjustment or a complex repair, we have the skills and expertise to get the job done right.

At Whywait Plumbing, we are experts in protecting you from water surge or water hammer. We can help you understand the causes of your problems and recommend the best solutions for your home or high-rise building. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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