Does a hot water heater need a mixing valve?

Conclusion. Thermostatic mixing valves on your water heater are essential to prevent scalding and control water temperature at the delivery point. It allows you to increase the heater temperature, killing off harmful bacteria.

Where should a mixing valve be installed?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: When you're installing these please make sure that the valve is the correct way around meaning your hot is coming into the hot and your cold is obviously coming into the cold.

What does a hot water heater mixing valve do?

A mixing valve is a mechanical device that mixes cold water with hot water to deliver mixed, or tempered, water downstream (think of your shower valve). These devices can be put directly onto the water heater outlet so that the tempered water gets delivered everywhere.

Does a mixing valve give you more hot water?

A Honeywell mixing valve allows you to set your water heater to a higher temperature to reduce the threat of bacteria growth, yet the mixing action helps prevent scalding. Plus, you’ll increase your available hot water supply by mixing hot water with cold.

Are mixing valves worth it?

1) Protection against scalding. Hot water tanks can fluctuate in temperature, they can go up and down no matter what they are set at. A Thermostatic Mixing Valve is one of the best ways to control your water temperature.

How much hot water does a mixing valve add?

By installing a mixing valve and slightly increasing the target temperature on the hot water heater, you can increase the capacity of a tank – in some cases by up to 50%.

What temperature should a mixing valve be set at?

These valves should never be set to exceed a maximum temperature of 49C (120F). (Watts recommends the maximum temperature of 43C (110F) for shower and bathing fixtures.)

What is the difference between a mixing valve and a thermostatic mixing valve?

A tempering valve is accurate to around 3℃ +/-, while a thermostatic mixing valve can keep the water to 1℃ +/- and responds faster than a tempering valve to changes in incoming water temperature.

How do you install a mixing valve on a hot water heater?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Here's a typical mixing valve that will work for this application. When it gets installed on the heater.

How do you increase hot water capacity?

Tempering Valve: If your current water heater is fairly new, well insulated, and in good condition, adding a tempering valve (aka. mixing valve) to your water heater can soup up your hot water capacity. After the device is installed, the water temperature in the tank can be increased well above the normal setting.

What happens when a mixing valve fails?

Sometimes, a failing TMV makes the water too cold. Or, water may not run at the right temperature consistently. It may fluctuate between being hot and cold. In some cases, a faulty TMV can also affect your cold tap.

What is purpose of mixing valve?

The term “mixing valve” has the general application of meaning any device in plumbing that controls the mix of hot and cold water to provide a comfortable temperature.

How do you adjust a water mixing valve?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You want to turn that towards the plus symbol. That's going to allow more hot water to come into the mixing valve. And then to all your faucets your shower.

What are three benefits that a mixing valve offers?

The benefits of a thermostatic mixing valve are discussed below:

  • Prevention of Scalding. …
  • Prevention of Thermal Shock. …
  • Inhibiting Legionella. …
  • Eradication of Inconsistent Water Temperature. …
  • Effective Safety Feature. …
  • Requires No Major Changes. …
  • Enhances Home Resale Value.


How does a hot water system tempering valve work?

For something that can control hot water temperature, tempering valves are quite simple in how they work. They are a three-way mixing valve. One allows hot water in, a second pulls cold water in from the water supply, and the third is the exit for the 50°C water.

Is a tempering valve the same as a mixing valve?

A tempering valve, which is also known as a hot water mixing valve or a hot water tempering valve, is either a 2-inlet or 3-inlet mixing valve which is adjustable and activated by temperature.

Why are tempering valves installed?

Installing a tempering valve reduces the risk of burning. It is an anti scalding valve that mixes the hot water with cold water, so when you turn on the hot tap, the temperature is less than 50 degrees will not scald the user. Babies, young children & the elderly are more prone to serious scalding by hot water.

How do you test a mixing valve?

After the shower head is installed (and the tub spout, if using a combination shower and tub valve), turn on the cold water and let it run for 10 to 15 seconds. Then do the same for the hot side. If testing is being done with air, the procedure is the same.

How do you fix a worn out mixing valve?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Now we can start to rebuild. Now with this pressure balanced unit removed it's a really good chance for me to flush out the piping that is behind this valve to be sure there's no debris.

Should I replace my mixing valve?

If there are drips, that’s a good indication that you should think about replacing the valve. Because, not only are you wasting water, but water that leaks behind the wall can cause rot as well as mold and mildew growth.