Hot Water System Valve Sets Explained

Home > What is a Complete Valve Set?

It is easy to get excited about low prices. This article explains what to look for on your quote before accepting a perceived cheaper price.

No one likes the bad taste in your mouth when you are told you have to pay $500 more on install because you need all new valves.

Under the Australian Standard set for the ‘Rebates’, it is expected that when you install a new solar hot water or heat pump system, you also use a full new set valve set. However the manufactures of the hot water systems only legally need to supply a Pressure Temperature Relief (PTR) Valve. This leaves it down to the Retailer and/or Installer to supply the additional valves. Product Manuals and Plumbing Standards for WA specify the following needs to be installed:

Pressure Reduction Valve
Non Return Valve
Isolation Valve
Cold Relied aka Expansion Control Valve
Tempering Valve

Below is an explanation of these valves to assist you to get upfront correct quotes before accepting to proceed.

Pressure Temperature Relief Valve

Also known as the Hot Relief, this valve is always supplied with the hot water system by the manufacturer

Expansion Control Valve

Also known as the Cold Relief. As water is heated it expands. This valve allows the water to drip so the tank stays at a constant pressure

Tempering Valve

To prevent scalding at the bathroom, these are installed to reduce the temperature to ~50C

Non-Return, Isolation, Pressure Reduction Valve

This version combines the three required functions into one.

All images courtesy of Australian Valve Group, a Watts Company

With URECO you have peace of mind a 15mm full valve set is included with all installed systems.

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and areas 1.5hrs drive from the Perth CBD.

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