At Rapids Wholesale, we are committed to equipping our partners with essential knowledge and solutions that support efficient and compliant foodservice operations. Recently, Luke Green, Solutions Engineer, provided comprehensive training on the significance and functionality of Drain Water Tempering Kits. These kits play a crucial role in maintaining compliance with safety regulations, boosting system efficiency, and helping operators meet environmental standards. Here’s an overview of the training insights he shared:
What Are Drain Water Tempering Kits?
A Drain Water Tempering Kit is engineered to manage the temperature of wastewater before it enters the municipal sewage system, preventing potential damage to underground plumbing infrastructure. These kits include a mixing valve, temperature sensors, and a control system that work together to regulate and monitor water temperature, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
How Do Drain Water Tempering Kits Work?
The functionality of these kits revolves around three main processes:
- Heat Detection: Sensors detect the temperature of incoming wastewater from sources like dishwashers and ovens.
- Mixing: Cold water is mixed with the hot wastewater to lower its temperature to a safe level, generally below 140°F.
- Continuous Monitoring: The system ensures ongoing temperature regulation to comply with local codes and prevent damage.
Compliance with Regulations
Drain water tempering is often mandated by various codes and standards, emphasizing the need for commercial kitchen operators to be aware of local regulations. Notable codes include:
- Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC): Requires tempering of hot water discharges to protect plumbing systems.
- International Plumbing Code (IPC): Also outlines guidelines for safe wastewater discharge.
- Local Health Codes and NSF Standards: Local health departments and NSF standards may include specific tempering requirements.
- Environmental Regulations: Some jurisdictions enforce maximum temperatures for wastewater to protect local ecosystems.
Applications in Dish Machines and Energy Savings
Many dish machine models use external drain water tempering kits, requiring installation either by a technician or self-installed by the operator. However, models such as the AM16-ASR, CL-DWR, and CL-ADV come with factory-installed kits for ease and efficiency.
A notable development is the Drain Water Energy Recovery (DWeR) system, which captures and transfers heat from drain water to incoming cold water. This process can lead to energy savings of up to 20% and a 90% reduction in water use for tempering.
Innovative Solutions: Floor Troughs and Auxiliary Systems
The Eagle Cool Trough™ Water Tempering System offers a smart, water-conserving approach. It activates at 130°F to cool water entering the drain and shuts off at 120°F to optimize water usage. The system is mechanical, requiring no electrical connections, making it reliable and easy to install.
For applications where manufacturers do not provide built-in tempering solutions (e.g., for combi ovens, steamers, hot wells), auxiliary systems with third-party solutions are available. These systems use thermal actuators to regulate cold water flow, ensuring efficient temperature control.
Drain Water Tempering Kits are indispensable in modern commercial kitchens. They not only protect infrastructure and comply with regulations but also offer significant environmental and operational benefits. Understanding and utilizing these systems can help foodservice operators achieve greater efficiency and sustainability, ensuring both safety and regulatory compliance.
Luke Green’s training has provided invaluable insights into how these systems work and their importance in the industry. For those looking to enhance their kitchen’s operation and compliance, investing in high-quality tempering solutions is a step in the right direction.
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Rapids Contract serves the United States with locations in Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri!
Get in touch with one of our experts and let us know how we can help with any of your foodservice needs.
Talk to one of our experts right away and get immediate assistance. We are open Mon – Fri, 8am – 5pm CST.
Get in touch with one of our experts and let us know how we can help with any of your foodservice needs.
Talk to one of our experts right away and get immediate assistance. We are open Mon – Fri, 8am – 5pm CST.



