HEALTHCARE WATER SYSTEMS
PBVs in healthcare water safety and specification
Anil Madan, Non-Residential Marketing manager at Ideal Standard UK and Armitage Shanks, looks at some of the advantages of pressure- balancing valves (PBVs) in healthcare water systems. He says PBVs can offer ‘a simpler, more cost-effective, and lower maintenance alternative’ to the ‘traditional’ TMV for suitably risk-assessed environments such as non-critical care settings.
In healthcare, infection control and patient safety are non-negotiable priorities. While effectively managing water safety is critical to reducing infection risks, balancing this responsibility with financial constraints and operational efficiency remains an ongoing challenge for both healthcare engineering and estate management personnel, and others with responsibility for the safety of the water system in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Reducing costs and emissions is a long-term journey
for the NHS, but small, impactful changes can improve efficiencies now. By adopting innovative solutions from manufacturers, and ensuring their effective and consistent implementation, the benefits can be realised in the shorter term. One area where the balance between maintaining the healthcare facility’s water system in a safe and hygienic condition, and the need to operate within tight financial constraints is particularly evident is with water delivery and management systems, where the pressure to maintain safety standards while controlling costs has led to the emergence of more efficient solutions.
PBVs – ‘an increasingly attractive option’ Among these, Pressure Balance Valves (PBVs) are becoming an increasingly attractive option within the UK healthcare sector in suitable environments, especially when compared with the more traditional thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs). While TMVs have long been the gold standard for maintaining safe water temperatures and preventing scalding, They offer a simpler, more cost- effective alternative for suitably risk-assessed environments such as non-critical care settings. PBVs offer advantages in terms of installation and maintenance, making them a valuable tool when seeking to balance safety with the ever-growing demands for cost savings. In a setting where patient safety is paramount, but cost and sustainability demands are also high, any modifications to standardised and accepted systems must be carefully considered. PBVs are not a direct replacement for TMVs, but serve as an alternative in specific situations. Infection control must be a priority from the early design and construction stage of new facilities. Everyone involved must have a clear understanding of what infection control and risk assessment mean in relation to their role. The earlier that knowledge sharing begins, the better the specification process – which in turn assists in optimising budget use during construction, and provides long-term savings. The relationship between healthcare personnel and manufacturers is therefore critical to finding solutions that balance patient safety, cost-efficiency, and sustainability, and manufacturers like Armitage Shanks are
working closely with the NHS to develop products that meet the specific needs of healthcare environments. For example, in the case of PBVs, this collaboration has resulted in Armitage Shanks’ latest design, which simplifies installation and reduces ongoing maintenance, while also ensuring that the water system continues to meet required safety standards. By understanding the needs of healthcare professionals, manufacturers can foster strong cross-disciplinary relationships and develop practical solutions.
Armitage Shanks’ non- thermostatic Markwik 21+ Comfort SQ PBV mixer.
June 2025 Health Estate Journal 59
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