City Spec

Glendale, NY - April 29, 2009 -- Effective immediately, the DOB will be taking a much closer look to ensure an “automatic mixing valve” is properly installed on all low-pressure boilers. Although the code has been on the books since 1996, a recent rash of hot water scalding incidents has made enforcement a higher priority to ensure public safety.

The NYC DOB wrote: "You may have individual balancing/mixing valves for all outlets or use a master valve. A central temperature control on a hot water heater is acceptable. A submerged coil in a boiler must have some sort of tempering device to avoid sending scalding water to individual taps. A hand valve is not acceptable. Scalding water court cases are routine. The accidents most often involve the most vulnerable citizens (very young, elderly and disabled). Borough plumbing units have issued violations for failure to meet this for many years."

As a property owner or manager, this valve could be the key to protecting your tenants against injury. It could also be instrumental in protecting yourself against lawsuits that may arise from burns and scalding.

Are you still unsure if your boiler is properly equipped? Speak to your plumbing or boiler professional to make sure you have an automatic mixing valve properly installed.