Method and system for controlled release of hot water from a fixture

A valve assembly for a water circulation system, the valve assembly comprising:

• a housing configured to be located proximate a fixture of the water circulation system;
• a bypass valve received within the housing, the bypass valve having a bypass passage and a flow control unit movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the flow control unit is configured to restrict water flow through the bypass passage in the closed position based on a bypass condition;
• and
• a shut-off valve received within the housing, the shut-off valve having a hot water inlet and a hot water outlet configured to supply water to the fixture, the shut-off valve operating in an open position allowing water to flow to the hot water outlet and a closed position restricting water from flowing to the hot water outlet, the shut-off valve being configured to move from the open position to the closed position in a controlled manner to limit discharge, from the hot water outlet, of water having a temperature below a desired level.

A water control fixture, comprising:

• a housing having a plurality of ports defining a hot water inlet port, and a fixture outlet port, wherein water is dispensed via the fixture outlet port;
• at least one handle attached to the housing for controlling the flow of water from the hot water inlet port to the fixture outlet port;
• and
• a valve assembly disposed in the housing, the valve assembly having a shut-off valve received within the housing, the shut-off valve having a hot water inlet in flow communication with the hot water inlet port and a hot water outlet in flow communication with the fixture outlet port, the shut-off valve operating in an open position allowing water to flow to the hot water outlet and a closed position restricting water from flowing to the hot water outlet, the shut-off valve being configured to move from the open position to the closed position in a controlled manner to limit discharge, from the hot water outlet, of water having a temperature below a desired level.