Heating Valves FAQ
- Pressure Limiting Valves
- Non return isolation valves
- Tempering valves
- Expansion Control Valves
- Temperature and pressure relief valves
- General relating to all valves
1. Pressure Limiting Valves
Why are pressure limiting valves installed?
It is to protect mains pressure hot water systems and ring main installations. Also used to protect ceramic disk taps (500 kPa max.)
What size are Watts limiting valves available in?
15 and 20mm.
What are the pressure ratings of the valves?
350,500 and 600kpa.
What fitting configuration are they available in?
Flare, female and compression
Which Expansion Control valve do I require?
| Limiting Valve | Required ECV |
|---|---|
| LVH15350FM | ECV15550 |
| LVH20350FM | ECV20550 |
| LVH15500C,FM,FL | ECV15700 |
| LVH20500C,FM,FL | ECV20700 |
| LVH15600FM | ECV15850 |
| LVH20600FM | ECV20850 |
| LVH15600FM | ECV151200 |
| LVH20600FM | ECV201200 |
2. Non return isolation valves
Why are non return isolation valves installed?
Thety are designed to permit fluid flow in one direction and allow isolation for servicing
What size are the valves available in?
15 and 20mm
What fitting configuration are they available in?
Flare, female and compression.
3. Tempering valves
Why do Tempering valves have to be installed?
They are designed to mix hot and cold water to enable a safe and controlled water delivery temperature to fixtures reducing the risk of scalding.
Can it be installed in any orientation?
Yes. Horizontal and vertical is acceptable.
Are there different types of Tempering valves?
Yes. Watts manufacture 2 types. Standard and solar.
What is the difference between standard and solar tempering valve?
Standard tempering valve is rated to 99°c. Solar valve is rated to 110°c.
What is the factory temperature setting?
50°c. (Adjustable from 40°c to 50°c)
What size are the valves available in?
15 and 20mm
4. Expansion Control Valves
Why are expansion control valves installed?
They are an energy saving device. It relieves cold water rather than hot water. It protects hot water cylinder from excessive pressures.
Do they have to be installed?
Depends on your location. In many areas such as South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland and scaling water areas, it is a requirement to install an ECV.
What size are the valves available in?
15 and 20mm
What are the pressure ratings of the valves?
550,700, 850 and 1200kpa
What ECV rated valve should I install?
See earlier pressure limiting valve requirements.
5. Temperature and pressure relief valves
Why are Temperature and pressure relief valves installed?
They are designed to open and relieve excessively hot water that could potentially cause harm or damage if the temperature in the hot water cylinder was out of control (eg. failed thermostat and temperature overload)
They are also designed to relieve increased pressure caused by hot water expansion during normal heating cycle (if a cold water expansion valve is not fitted). Providing fully automatic temperature and pressure relief for water heaters and hot water tanks.
What size are the valves available in?
15 and 20mm
What are the pressure ratings of the valves?
1000 and 1400kpa
What is the Temperature relief?
93-99°c
6. General relating to all valves
What are the valves made of?
Pressure limiting,non return and tempering valves, DR brass construction, precision machined.Expansion control valves and Temperature and pressure relief valves, Bronze body.
Are the valves tested?
Yes. 100% hand tested.
Can the valve be insulated?
Yes. The TPR, ECV and TVA are supplied with insulation in the carton.
What is the warranty for Watts hot water control valves?
2 years against faulty materials and manufacturing.(refer website for terms and conditions)
Who can install these valves?
All valves must be installed by a licensed plumber in accordance with Australian standard AS3500.4 and any local requirements.