Have you ever wondered how you can change water temperatures in your kitchen sink or shower simply by twisting a knob? Or how about when you're washing your hands at your bathroom vanity, and you want the water to be slightly warmer or cooler? The ability to do these things is possible because of the mixing valves located underneath each of your plumbing appliances and fixtures.
There are two basic types of mixing valves: thermostatic and tempering. While thermostatic and tempering mixing valves perform the same function, they have very different mechanisms. It's important to understand how these mixing valves differ so that you can choose the right ones for your home.
This article will delve into thermostatic and tempering valves, how they work, and how they differ to make your decision easier. That way, you'll have a better understanding of which type of valves is a better fit for you and your home. Let's get started!
What are Thermostatic Mixing Valves?
Thermostatic mixing valves, better known as TMVs, are special valves that mix hot and cold water together. They are typically located in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms near sinks and showers to control the water temperatures of these plumbing fixtures. Depending on the type of TMV, you may have a single valve for each room or one for each appliance.
TMVs are necessary because the water in your home or business doesn't regulate itself. Water coming into your home is cold, whereas the water in your water heater is typically around 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Therefore, unless you always want water that's scalding hot or freezing cold, you need a mixing valve, such as a TMV. TMVs use an internal thermostatic device, allowing it to be extremely accurate and responsive to your water demands.
Where is the Best Place to Use Thermostatic Mixing Valves?
Thermostatic mixing valves are sort of like the Cadillacs of the mixing valve industry. Because of their internal thermostatic device, they are very accurate and can quickly mix large amounts of water. As such, they're often installed in areas where accuracy and speed are essential, including:
- Homes for people with highly sensitive skin
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Shopping centers
- Businesses
- Malls
- Churches
- Schools
- Hotels
- Other commercial or industrial settings
Benefits of Thermostatic Mixing Valves
In addition to providing perfectly tempered water at a moment's notice, TMVs also help protect people from harmful bacteria and diseases. Sitting water is a hotbed for bacteria growth, and TMVs actively mixing it together and heating it to the proper temperature kills these bacteria. Here are a few other benefits of thermostatic mixing valves:
- Mix water quickly
- Highly accurate
- Very durable
- Easy to repair
- Require little maintenance
What are Tempering Valves?
As with thermostatic mixing valves, tempering valves mix water of different temperatures together to deliver water at your desired temperature. They are typically installed on each plumbing fixture and appliance, including sinks, showers, dishwashers, washing machines, and more.
The main difference between TMVs and tempering valves is that tempering valves aren't as accurate or fast as TMVs. The internal thermostatic device installed in TMV makes them more precise, and they can deliver perfectly tempered water faster than tempering valves.
However, this doesn't make tempering valves any less important. They still heat and cool water to your specifications and help prevent harmful bacteria from growing in your water. As such, they perform the same duties as a TMV, just with slightly less speed and precision.
Where is the Best Place to Use Tempering Valves?
Because they're more affordable than TMVs, tempering valves are typically used in residential buildings, such as houses, condos, duplexes, and apartments. Tempering valves do everything you need them to do, including mixing water and protecting you and your family. However, they aren't quite as accurate or fast as TMVs.
However, because of the price differential between TMVs and tempering valves, most people don't consider upgrading worth the cost unless their budget allows them to.
Benefits of Tempering Valves
While tempering valves aren't quite as fast or precise as TMVs, they do have a few advantages over them, including:
- They are fairly affordable
- Any plumber can work with tempering valves
- They require no ongoing maintenance
- They are fairly affordable to replace
Main Differences Between Thermostatic Mixing Valves and Tempering Valves
Now that you know more about TMVs and tempering valves, let's dig deeper into how they're different.
Accuracy
Precision is crucial when it comes to water temperature, and TMVs are far more precise than tempering valves. Thermostatic mixing valves are accurate to within 33 degrees Fahrenheit (+/-), whereas tempering valves are only accurate to within 38 degrees Fahrenheit (+-).
Cost
Generally speaking, thermostatic mixing valves tend to be more expensive than tempering valves. While the exact cost will vary depending on the location and type of each valve, TMVs cost quite a bit more than tempering valves. This is largely because they're a more specialized version of a tempering valve, which means more internal components and a higher price.
Response Time
Another difference between TMVs and tempering valves is their response time. When you adjust the water temperature in a sink or shower, TMVs change temperatures more quickly than tempering valves. The same goes for water pressure variations, as TMVs are more responsive than tempering valves.
Durability
Because of their construction and how they operate, TMVs typically last longer than tempering valves. This is another reason why TMVs are more expensive than their tempering counterparts.
Maintenance
While their construction and internal workings help TMVs last longer than tempering valves, they also result in more maintenance requirements. However, when there's a problem with a thermostatic mixing valve, a licensed plumber can typically repair it. When there are issues with tempering valves, on the other hand, a plumber typically replaces them.
Licensing Requirements
Finally, plumbers require special licenses to install, repair, and maintain TMVs, but there are no special licensing requirements for working with tempering valves.
When to Choose a Thermostatic Mixing Valve Vs. a Tempering Valve
Tempering valves are a good option in homes and other residential dwellings. TMVs, on the other hand, are better for commercial and industrial settings. If you have very sensitive skin or a skin condition, however, it may be worth upgrading to a TMV for your home. Otherwise, a tempering valve will get the job done.