Mandatory Mixing Valves
Not complying to this Ontario Building Code will put you in hot water
The Ontario Building Code has been amended to specify that the maximum hot water temperature supplied to fixtures
in residential occupancies shall not exceed 49°C. This requirement exempts dishwashers and clothes washers.
The change is in response to a strong national lobbying effort by Safe Kids Canada that produced multiple doctors’
reports and accounts of children, handicapped persons and the elderly who had been severely burned by hot
water.
Some common options of compliance with the requirement include:
Installation of pressure balanced or thermostatic mixing shower valves for showerheads and an anti-scalding device
at each hot water faucet. Note:
This is a very costly option as you have to add a mixing valve or
anit-scalding device to each and every one of your hot water faucets & showerheads.
Installation of an anti-scald mixing valve (CSA Approved) at the outlet to the water heater to lower the
temperature to 49 C. Note: This is the most economical option as it only
requires one mixing valve to be installed next to your hot water tank.
Installation of a water heater with an integral anti-scald device. Note:
Many of the new tankless water heating system have built in anti-scald devices, but be warned, not all tankless
systems are the same and many cannot be used in Canada with our colder ground water. See my article on
tankless systems for more information.
Altering the thermostat on the water heater itself is NOT considered an option. This change will also affect older
homes where renovations extend or materially alter the existing plumbing of the home. This includes the replacement
of water heaters.
To find out more information about the costs of installing an anti-scalding mixing valve call Francis Plumbing
& Heating at
613-224-0041
Written by Kay
Kinder ©copywrite September
2008
About the author:
Kay Kinder is a freelance writer & advocate for online consumer awareness.
Note from the author:
I have been actively involved in the home improvement industry for decades and have seen many changes
over the last few years especially with the big box stores bringing in new merchandise that doesn't
meet our specific construction codes in Ontario.
In particular some plumbing and heating products are actually illegal for licensed plumbers and
licensed gas technicians to install in Ontario. What is good for the US may not be good in our unique
Canadian climate and the stricter rules of construction that apply to Ontario plumbing, heating,
construction, and the overall home improvement industry.
I'm also passionate about consumer awareness as I have been ripped off enough times over the years to
make anyone scream! One mistake can end up costing thousands in costly repairs later in order to get
your home back up to code. I believe that if we educate consumers we arm them with the tools they need
to make educated decisions while putting companies back into the business of providing reliable service
not just selling any merchandise (legal or not).
I'm passionate about many things in life - family, faith, global health concerns, environmental
concerns, natural healthy living, and the quality of life we leave behind for our
children.
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Source: http://www.ConsumersWakeup.com
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