In a sector where safety, efficiency, and sustainability have become essential requirements, choosing the right taps can make a real difference. In this interview with Francesco Balbo, Technical Office Specialist at Idral, we explore the role of thermostatic mixers in public and commercial environments. Particular attention is given to the TERMO-TEMPO cartridge, a technological solution that combines temperature regulation and water flow timing in a single compact component.
“A thermostatic mixer’s purpose is to keep the water temperature constant, regardless of pressure or flow rate fluctuations in the plumbing system. Unlike traditional mixers, which require manual temperature adjustment each time, thermostatic mixers handle everything automatically through an internal thermostatic valve. This ensures maximum comfort and, more importantly, safety, as it prevents sudden scalding in the event of pressure drops or cold water interruptions.”
“Absolutely. At Idral, we offer a wide and versatile range designed to meet the installation needs of even the most demanding settings, such as healthcare facilities and high-traffic environments. By ‘high-traffic’ we mean places where the devices are used frequently and continuously over time, like hospitals, schools, gyms, campsites, or large hospitality venues. Some concrete examples from our range are models 900.12, 900.35, and 900.42, also available in a thermostatic timed version. These products combine sturdiness, advanced functionality, and maximum user safety.”
“The TERMO-TEMPO cartridge is an innovation developed by our technical team: for the first time, we have managed to integrate both thermostatic and timed functionality into a single compact cartridge. This means that the same device automatically regulates water temperature and limits the flow duration. The advantage is twofold: maximum safety by preventing scalding and optimized consumption by reducing waste.”
“One of the main advantages of this compact solution is the ease of installation: having a single integrated component instead of two separate ones reduces installation time and cost. Additionally, the design is cleaner and more minimal, making it easier to integrate into modern architectural contexts. Operationally, maintenance is simpler and potentially cheaper, since the system is less complex and more robust.”
“On average, significant water and energy savings can be achieved. According to studies conducted by Idral on the use of timed taps, savings can reach up to 70% compared to traditional mixers, thanks to precise flow control and reduced waste. When the timed function is combined with the thermostatic one, efficiency increases even more in energy terms: less water used means less energy needed to heat it. In projects with dozens or hundreds of taps, like sports centres, the impact on consumption becomes economically significant.”
“The fact that they’re safe and minimal in design makes them perfect for contemporary projects. They also meet accessibility, hygiene, and safety standards. Idral also provides technical support and personalized consultancy to help designers choose the best solution based on the specific use context.”
“Yes, but nothing complicated — our devices are designed to be intuitive to install. The most common mistakes involve failure to regulate system pressure, lack of inlet filters, and using unfiltered water to feed the mixer. Just a few simple precautions, such as proper pressure balancing and protecting the system from impurities, ensure optimal performance and long-lasting durability.”
“For regular maintenance of the cartridge, we recommend simple operations that can be done quickly: rinsing under running water, removing any debris from the filters, and lubricating the outer seals. It’s essential to use only silicone oil to ensure maximum compatibility with materials and preserve the product’s lifespan over time.”
A significant example is Elamus Spa in Estonia, where Idral thermostatic timed mixers were installed in the showers. In this project, the goal was to offer a safe and comfortable user experience in a high-flow environment while maintaining a refined aesthetic.
Another interesting case is the L’Angioletto nursery school in Turin, where progressive thermostatic mixers were chosen for the washbasins. In this educational context, the solution proved highly effective in combining child safety with ease of use, further confirming the great versatility of the technology even in environments with specific requirements.”
“We will continue to invest in research and development. Our goal is to extend this technology to other product lines and make it increasingly accessible. We want to be a trusted partner for those designing and building efficient, safe, sustainable, and pleasant public environments.”
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Idral S.p.a. a socio unico – Via Isei 8/10 – 28010 Gargallo (NO) Italia
Cap. Soc. € 660.000 i.v. | C.F. e Iscr. reg. imp. NO 00124610031 | REA n° 104665 | C.C.I.A.A. Novara | P.IVA 00124610031
