HEALTHCARE WATER SYSTEMS This ‘plug-and-play’ compatibility means healthcare
providers can adopt PBVs without overhauling their entire water system, minimising disruption, and reducing installation costs. This approach allows the NHS to make the switch to
PBVs with minimal effort and expense. The compatibility of PBVs with existing systems is particularly valuable for facilities looking to reduce both installation time and costs while still achieving the benefits of a more efficient water safety solution. It also provides a smooth transition for Maintenance teams, who are already familiar with the existing fixtures and fittings. Furthermore, many PBVs are exclusively tested using air, as recommended in the latest healthcare bulletin for HTM 04-01. By testing products using air only, they are free from any potential bacterial infection, further simplifying the switch to PBVs. In the ongoing effort to balance patient safety with cost- efficiency, PBVs offer a practical solution for non-critical care settings where TMVs may be overly complex and expensive. These low-maintenance, cost-effective systems help healthcare estates teams streamline their operations and reduce overheads, allowing valuable resources to be allocated where they are most needed. For the NHS, adopting PBVs where appropriate is a
strategic step toward greater financial and operational efficiency. They enable healthcare facilities to maintain high standards of infection control without the need for frequent and costly maintenance. By integrating these smarter solutions into existing infrastructure, the NHS can help drive sustainability and reduce its carbon footprint while still prioritising patient safety. Pressure-balanced valves are also highly compatible with modern, energy-efficient heating systems, helping to reduce unnecessary water heating. By maintaining consistent water temperatures, they prevent sudden fluctuations that would otherwise force water systems to work harder to compensate for drops in temperature.
Enhanced stability Enhanced system stability also means fewer unexpected failures in healthcare environments, reducing the frequency and cost of emergency maintenance. Additionally,
by minimising strain on water heaters and plumbing infrastructure, pressure-balanced valves contribute to the longevity of these systems, delaying the need for costly replacements, and ensuring more efficient long-term operation. As the healthcare sector continues to evolve, PBVs are
likely to play an increasingly important role in delivering efficient, safe, and sustainable water management solutions in suitably risk assessed healthcare environments. With the right products in place, healthcare estates can navigate the complexities of modern care environments, ensuring that both patient safety and cost-efficiency are achieved without compromise.
The Markwik 21+ Comfort SQ PBV tap ‘offers easy plug-and-play installation, allowing healthcare providers to save money by re-using existing Markwik 21+or Markwik 21 TMV handles and spouts’.
June 2025 Health Estate Journal 61
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