A tempering valve is used for tempering the hot condensate or hot water discharge from commercial equipment going to a drain to comply with local, national, and international plumbing codes. According to the IPC (International Plumbing Code) and most state codes, the maximum allowable temperature entering a sewer system is 140°F (60°C) to avoid damage to existing piping.
Commercial dishwashers produce 180°F+ (82.2°C+) wastewater. This high-temperature discharge damages PVC piping, which can cause failed inspections, costly fines, interruptions to day-to-day business operations, and damage to personnel.
Tempering valves mix cold water into the equipment discharge to reduce the temperature to acceptable levels before it reaches any PVC piping or public sewers.
How Does a Tempering Valve Work?
Thermostatic drain tempering valves monitor water temperatures and control the cold water supply that mixes with the hot discharge, eliminating the risk of water or waste exceeding 140°F (60°C) going down the drain. If the hot effluent is above the specified set point of the valve (offered in 5-degree increments from 120°F to 140°F), the actuator senses the rising temperature. It signals the DTV to open to allow cold water to temper the discharge fluid.
The DTV drain tempering valve is a mechanical valve that eliminates the need for electrical solenoid valves or thermostats. It opens only when the effluent exceeds the specified set-point temperature, usually 10°F below the full open temperature. This valve conserves water by automatically turning off cold water when not needed.
Where is the Tempering Valve Located?
The drain tempering valve’s inlet is connected to the cold water supply and installed into the drain line of commercial plumbing equipment. Hence, the flow passes over the thermal actuator, which senses the temperature of the water going to drain and prevents over-temperature conditions.
What Are Common DTV Applications?
Applications such as commercial dishwashers in schools, hospitals and healthcare facilities, hotels, and prisons with high-temperature water discharge that requires tempering before draining.
Drain Tempering Valve Solutions
ThermOmegaTech’s thermostatic Drain Tempering Valve (DTV) is an effective solution for commercial facilities because it prevents damage to PVC piping, complies with plumbing codes, and meets drain temperature limitations.
It is self-operating, minimizes water waste, is easy to install, and is clog-resistant. Compared to other solutions, the DTV is a compact design, adaptable to almost any drain size, and operates automatically to keep drain water within appropriate plumbing code limits.
DTV Case Study: DTV & Lab Remodel
Maintaining plumbing code compliance, particularly regarding drain water temperature, was a key priority in the construction of the Wyoming Life Resource Center in Lander, Wyoming.
Read how ThermOmegaTech’s drain tempering valve worked for them, conserving water and protecting their piping.
Read the case study here.
Protect Your Drains and Water Lines with ThermOmegaTech
If you are starting a project that could result in a high-temperature discharge into the drain/sewer, it needs to be tempered with cold water so as not to damage the drains or piping. A thermostatic drain tempering valve is the most efficient solution for controlling the water temperature and preventing damage, fines, and scalding.
Drain Tempering Valves help protect infrastructure, enhance safety, and reduce environmental impact in high-temperature wastewater applications by automating the cooling process and ensuring compliance with plumbing codes.
Getting started has never been easier! Contact ThermOmegaTech to learn how our DTV will protect your client’s systems, piping, and drains.
Other case studies here.