Hot Water Compliance Upgrades Perth

Western Australian regulations require specific temperature controls for hot water systems. We ensure your system meets current safety standards and provide documentation for insurance, rental properties, and peace of mind.

WA Hot Water Temperature Requirements

The key regulation addresses two competing safety concerns:

Storage Temperature: Minimum 60°C

Water stored below 60°C can allow Legionella bacteria to grow. Legionella causes Legionnaires’ disease, a serious form of pneumonia.

Requirement: Hot water tanks must store water at 60°C or higher.

Delivery Temperature: Maximum 50°C

Water delivered at 60°C can cause severe scalding within seconds, particularly dangerous for children and elderly.

Requirement: Water delivered to personal hygiene outlets (showers, baths, basins) must not exceed 50°C.

The Solution: Tempering Valves

A tempering valve mixes cold water with the hot water leaving the tank, reducing delivery temperature while maintaining storage temperature. This is the standard solution for meeting both requirements.

Tempering Valve Installation

Tempering valves are required for:

• All hot water systems installed or replaced since 1999
• Rental properties (landlord obligation)
• Properties being sold (potential buyer requirement)
• Insurance compliance (some policies require it)

What We Install

We install quality tempering valves that:

• Meet Australian Standard AS 3498
• Are rated for your water pressure and temperature
• Include adjustment capability
• Come with manufacturer warranty

Installation Location

Typically installed:

• At the hot water system outlet
• At the bathroom entrance (if multiple systems)
• In an accessible location for maintenance

Other Compliance Requirements

Pressure/Temperature Relief Valve (PTRV)

Required on all storage systems to release pressure if temperature or pressure exceeds safe limits.

Requirements:

• Valve must be present and functional
• Must be plumbed to safe drainage location
• Should be tested periodically

Expansion Control

When water heats, it expands. If connected to mains pressure without relief, this can damage the system and plumbing.

Solutions:

• Expansion relief valve
• Expansion vessel
• Check valve with relief

Pressure Limiting Valves

For properties with high mains pressure, a pressure limiting valve protects the hot water system from excessive pressure.

Compliance for Rental Properties

Landlords have legal obligations to provide safe, compliant hot water systems.

Landlord Responsibilities

• Ensure system is fit for purpose
• Maintain compliance with safety regulations
• Address safety issues within reasonable timeframes
• Provide compliant replacement when needed

Documentation

We provide compliance certificates that:

• Confirm work meets current standards
• Document valve installation and settings
• Satisfy property manager requirements
• Support insurance claims if needed

Common Non-Compliant Situations

Older Installations

Systems installed before 1999 may lack tempering valves. While not strictly required to be retrofitted, it’s recommended for safety.

DIY Modifications

Unlicensed plumbing work often creates compliance issues. We can assess and rectify these situations.

Failed Components

Tempering valves can fail over time, delivering water too hot or too cold. Signs include:

• Water temperature varies significantly
• Water too hot at tap (scalding risk)
• Water not reaching expected temperature

Missing Relief Valves

Some older or improperly installed systems lack proper relief valves or have incorrect drainage.

Assessment and Rectification

If you’re unsure about your system’s compliance:

1. We assess your current installation
2. We identify any compliance gaps
3. We quote necessary rectification work
4. We complete work to current standards
5. We provide documentation

Insurance and Sale Considerations

Non-compliant hot water systems can affect:

• Insurance claims: Some policies exclude damage from non-compliant installations
• Property sales: Buyers may require compliance as a condition of sale
• Rental agreements: Tenants have rights to safe, compliant systems

Addressing compliance proactively avoids problems later.

Related Reading

Learn more about WA hot water compliance:

• WA Tempering Valve Requirements Explained - The 60°C/50°C rule in detail
• Hot Water Compliance for Rental Properties - Landlord requirements
• Legionella Prevention: Storage Temperature - Why 60°C matters