TMV & Backflow Prevention Services
Your Certified Partner for Water Safety & Compliance in Orange and The Central West
In every home, business, and public facility, the safety of the water that flows from our taps is something we take for granted. Behind the scenes, however, sophisticated safety devices work silently to protect our water from two critical dangers: scalding and contamination. Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs) and Backflow Prevention Devices are the unseen guardians of our public health, mandated by law in many settings to ensure water is always safe for use.
Mid West Leak Detection is your accredited and licensed specialist for all TMV and backflow prevention needs across Orange and the Central West. Our certified plumbers provide expert installation, mandatory annual testing, maintenance, and compliance management for these essential systems. We deliver not just a service, but the peace of mind that comes from knowing your property is safe, your legal obligations are met, and your water supply is protected.
Ensure the safety and compliance of your property’s water system. Contact our certified experts today.
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Understanding Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs)
A Thermostatic Mixing Valve, or TMV, is a precision plumbing valve designed for one crucial purpose: to prevent scalding. Hot water systems are required to store water at a minimum of 60°C to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria like Legionella. However, water at this temperature can cause a third-degree burn in just one second. A TMV solves this problem by expertly blending hot and cold water at the point of use to a precise, pre-set, and safe temperature, typically between 45°C and 50°C.
Why TMVs are an Essential Safety Requirement
The primary function of a TMV is to protect vulnerable individuals from severe burns. This makes them a mandatory legal requirement in a wide range of facilities where users may have reduced sensitivity, slower reaction times, or more delicate skin. If a sudden pressure change occurs in the water lines, a TMV’s advanced fail-safe mechanism will automatically shut down the flow, preventing a spike of pure hot or cold water from reaching the user.
These devices are mandated by Australian Standards (AS/NZS 4032.1) and NSW Health regulations in locations such as:
- Hospitals and Medical Clinics
- Aged Care Facilities and Nursing Homes
- Childcare Centres, Preschools, and Schools
- Shopping Centre Amenities
- Disability and Respite Facilities
Our Certified TMV Services
As accredited plumbers, we provide a complete lifecycle of TMV services to ensure you remain compliant and safe.
- TMV Installation: We supply and install high-quality TMVs that are appropriate for your specific application, ensuring all work is performed in strict accordance with plumbing codes and manufacturer specifications.
- Mandatory Annual TMV Testing: It is a legal requirement for all installed TMVs to be tested at least every 12 months (or more frequently in some high-risk health settings). Our testing process is meticulous, involving temperature checks, valve response tests, and a full inspection of all components to certify the device is operating correctly.
- TMV Maintenance & Repairs: During testing, we clean filters and components to ensure longevity. If a valve is found to be faulty or fails its test, our team can perform on-the-spot repairs or provide a full replacement to ensure your facility remains safe and compliant without delay.
Protecting Your Water Supply: Backflow Prevention
While a TMV protects people from the water, a backflow prevention device protects the water itself. Backflow is the unintended and dangerous reversal of water flow in a plumbing system. It occurs when contaminated or “used” water from a property flows backward into the mains drinking water supply, posing a significant public health risk. This can happen in two ways:
- Back-Siphonage: Occurs when there is a sudden pressure drop in the town water main, such as from a water main break or a fire hydrant being used nearby. This creates a vacuum effect that can suck water from a property back into the public system.
- Back-Pressure: Occurs when a property’s private water system (like a pump, boiler, or elevated tank) creates pressure that is higher than the mains pressure, forcing water back into the supply.
The Severe Dangers of a Backflow Incident
A single backflow incident can contaminate the drinking water for an entire neighbourhood. Contaminants can range from harmful chemicals and fertilisers from a garden hose left in a bucket, to pathogens and bacteria from commercial or industrial processes. The consequences can be severe, leading to widespread illness and significant legal liability for the property owner responsible.
Our Accredited Backflow Prevention Services
As certified backflow plumbers, we are authorised to help you meet your legal obligations and protect the community’s water supply.
- Hazard Assessment & Device Installation: The type of backflow device required depends on the hazard level of your property (Low, Medium, or High). We conduct a thorough site assessment to determine your property’s hazard rating and install the correct, compliant device, such as a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) device for high-hazard sites or a Double Check Valve (DCV) for medium-hazard sites.
- Mandatory Annual Backflow Testing: Local water authorities, such as Orange City Council and Bathurst Regional Council, require that all testable backflow prevention devices be inspected and certified by an accredited plumber every 12 months. Our service makes this process seamless. We conduct the test, tag the device with its certification status, and manage all the paperwork for you by submitting the official test report (Form 9) directly to the council.
- Backflow Device Repair & Maintenance: If your device fails its annual test, our team is equipped to service, repair, or replace all types of backflow prevention valves, ensuring your property is brought back into full compliance as quickly as possible.
Backflow Prevention FAQs
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we receive about our services below:
What is the difference between a TMV and a tempering valve?
While both valves mix hot and cold water, a TMV is a high-performance safety device with a faster fail-safe mechanism and more precise temperature control (to within 1°C). Tempering valves are less precise (accurate to around 3°C) and are typically used in standard residential settings. TMVs are legally required in high-risk commercial environments like hospitals and aged care facilities due to their superior safety features.
Why do I have to test my backflow device every year?
Annual testing is a legal requirement mandated by your local council and NSW Health. These devices are mechanical and contain seals, springs, and moving parts that can wear out or fail over time. The annual test is the only way to ensure the device is still capable of protecting the public water supply from contamination. It is a critical part of your responsibility as a property owner.
Who is qualified to test these devices?
Only a plumber who holds specific, additional accreditation in TMV servicing and backflow prevention testing is legally permitted to install, test, and certify these devices. This requires specialised training and equipment. The team at Mid West Leak Detection is fully licensed, insured, and accredited for all TMV and backflow services.
What happens if my device fails the test?
If your TMV or backflow device fails its annual test, it must be repaired or replaced immediately to remain compliant. Our plumber will provide you with a detailed report of the failure and a clear quote for the necessary repair or replacement work. We can typically perform the required work promptly to ensure your system is re-tested, certified, and made safe with minimal downtime.
Your Certified Compliance Partner in the Central West
Navigating the legal requirements for water safety can be complex. At Mid West Leak Detection, we make it simple. We are more than just plumbers; we are your compliance partners, ensuring your facility in Orange, Bathurst, Mudgee, Lithgow, Cowra, or anywhere in the Central West meets all its legal and moral safety obligations.
Don’t leave the health of your clients, your community, or your business to chance.
- Call Us Today for an Expert Consultation: 0422 125 707
Or fill out our simple callback form to schedule your annual testing.
