A storage hot water changeover is mostly the same handful of valves every time: isolation and non-return on the cold inlet, a tempering valve on the outlet, sometimes pressure control, and enough fittings to tie it all in. Buying them as a kit saves a trip and a missing part. We sell two families of kit for this job, and the main question is whether the job needs inlet pressure control. This guide compares them using each listing's own contents.
The kits side by side
| Kit | Price | Size | Inlet side | Outlet side | Insulation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HotKit-1 (HWKIT-01) | $99 | 15mm | Dual isolation non-return ball valve with check valve | 15mm tempering valve (AS 4032.2) | PU cover for the isolation/non-return assembly |
| HotKit-2 (HWKIT-02) | $129 | 15mm | As HotKit-1, plus a 500 kPa pressure limiting valve | 15mm tempering valve (AS 4032.2) | PU covers for the isolation assembly and the PLV |
| AVG Quickie QIK15RCV-LF | $209.83 | 15mm | Combined non-return isolation / pressure reducing valve (NRI-PRV) | Tempering valve | Not listed |
| AVG Quickie QIK15R-LF (raised) | $190.93 | 15mm | Safety valves for a storage changeover, configured for a unit on a raised base | Not listed | |
| AVG Quickie QIK20R-LF (raised) | $331.23 | 20mm | As above, in 20mm | Not listed | |
Prices as listed at the time of writing. All are lead free. The HotKits list WaterMark-approved components certified to AS 4032.2, AS 1357, AS 3688 and WMTS 012; the AVG kits list WaterMark-certified components to AS 1357.1/1357.2 (Lic 2639). Copper tube isn't included with any of them.
HotKit-1 vs HotKit-2: the only difference is pressure control
The two HotKits share the same core: a swivel tee, two compression unions, two reducing extended elbows (20MI x 15C), a 15mm hex plug, the 15mm tempering valve, and the dual isolation non-return valve with its PU cover. HotKit-2 adds a 15mm 500 kPa pressure limiting valve (C x C) and a second PU cover to suit it, for $30 more. Both list a 1400 kPa maximum operating pressure; HotKit-1 lists a 1–90°C temperature range and HotKit-2 1–80°C.
So the decision is simply: does this site need the inlet pressure limited?
How to tell if you need the 500 kPa valve
- Measure static pressure at the meter with no water running. Don't guess from the street; pressure varies a lot between suburbs and between ends of the same street.
- Compare it with the 500 kPa outlet limit. AS/NZS 3500.1 limits the static pressure at outlets inside a building to 500 kPa. If the property has no pressure reducing valve at the meter and the supply is above that, the hot side needs controlling, and HotKit-2's 500 kPa valve does that at the heater inlet.
- Check the heater's installation manual. Storage heaters list a maximum inlet pressure, and supply pressure too close to the relief valve setting makes the relief valve discharge. The manufacturer's figure decides whether the inlet needs limiting, even where the mains is under 500 kPa.
- If there's already a PRV at the meter controlling the whole house, HotKit-1 is usually enough. If you're fitting a whole-house PRV instead, see our RBM Rinox PRV comparison.
Where the AVG Quickie kits fit
AVG's Quickie range bundles the same job into Australian Valve Group (Watts) valves. The standard QIK15RCV-LF pairs a tempering valve with a combined non-return isolation/pressure reducing valve, so pressure control is built into the inlet valve rather than added as a separate PLV. Check the PRV setting on AVG's data sheet against the heater's requirements. The raised versions (QIK15R-LF, QIK20R-LF) are configured for heaters sitting on a plinth or raised base, where the pipework runs up and over rather than straight through the wall, and the 20mm raised kit is the option when the heater's connections are 20mm. Use the Quickie kits when the job or the builder specifies AVG valves; otherwise the HotKits cover the common 15mm changeover for less.
For continuous flow gas units and heat pumps the kits are different again. See our guide to continuous flow gas hot water install kits.
Setting the tempering valve
Every kit here includes a tempering valve, which limits the delivered temperature to personal hygiene areas while the heater stores water hot enough to control bacteria. AS/NZS 3500.4 sets the delivery limit, generally 50°C in homes and lower in healthcare, aged care and early childhood settings. Set and check it at commissioning with a thermometer at the nearest outlet. Our 15mm tempering valve guide covers setting it, and TMV vs tempering valve explains when a tempering valve isn't enough.
Install notes from the listings
- Both HotKits suit horizontal or vertical installation.
- Fit the non-return/isolation assembly and the PLV the right way round; both are directional.
- Pressurise and leak-check before closing up the PU insulation covers, which are supplied to meet AS/NZS 3500.4.
- Leave safe access to every valve for servicing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between HotKit-1 and HotKit-2?
HotKit-2 adds a 15mm 500 kPa pressure limiting valve and a matching PU cover to everything in HotKit-1. It costs $129 against HotKit-1's $99.
Do I need a pressure limiting valve on a storage hot water system?
Measure static mains pressure at the meter. If it exceeds 500 kPa with no PRV at the meter, or exceeds the heater manufacturer's maximum inlet pressure, limit the inlet pressure. HotKit-2 includes a 500 kPa valve for that.
When should I use a raised Quickie kit?
When the storage heater sits on a plinth or raised base and the pipework has to run up and over to it. The QIK15R-LF and QIK20R-LF are configured for that layout, in 15mm and 20mm.
What temperature should the tempering valve be set to?
Set it to the AS/NZS 3500.4 delivery limit for the building type, generally 50°C to personal hygiene areas in homes and lower in healthcare, aged care and early childhood settings, and check it at the nearest outlet.