Whether you realize it or not, the only reason you have hot and cold water in your home is because of mixing valves. However, there are several different types of mixing valves to choose from, and each one comes with its own set of pros and cons. Of these mixing valves, thermostatic mixing valves are among the most popular and effective.
A thermostatic mixing valve automatically mixes hot and cold water together until it's the perfect temperature. These types of valves perform this function quickly and effectively, ensuring you have perfectly tempered water in your shower, sink, bathroom vanity, and anywhere else with a faucet.
While thermostatic mixing valves are some of the best in the industry, they aren't the only way to mix cold and hot water. However, this article will explain why they're the best in the business and worth investing in for your home or business.
What Exactly is a Thermostatic Mixing Valve?
A thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) is a special type of tempering valve that mixes hot and cold water to achieve a specific temperature. It offers faster and more precise temperature control than other types of mixing valves and is extremely accurate. TMVs should be installed on any faucet that has running water, including sinks, showers, vanities, and more.
How are They Different From Other Mixing Valves?
The main way that TMVs are different from other mixing valves is in how they control water temperature. Rather than the user adjusting and messing with temperature control to get it just right, a TMV automatically controls water temperature. This ensures that the water is never too hot or cold because water from your water heater and cold water supply are pre-mixed mixed.
However, if you're not happy with the water temperature, you can easily adjust it using a small Allen Wrench. Just be wary that you don't make it too hot or cold and that you maintain optimal comfort and safety.
Safety Benefits of Thermostatic Mixing Valves
Here are some of the top safety reasons why so many people are opting for TMVs in their homes and businesses.
Prevent Scalding
The number one reason for TMVs is that they prevent scalding and burning from overheated water. Scalding is when hot tap water burns the skin, which can happen when the water is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prevents Bacterial Growth
Thermostatic mixing valves can also prevent dangerous bacterial growth in your sinks, showers, and other plumbing fixtures. Here's how TMVs protect you from harmful bacteria, including the all-too-common Legionella bacteria:
1. Bacteria typically develop and thrive when the water temperature is between 95 and 115.
2. To combat bacteria, it's important to set your water heater thermostats to 130 or higher.
3. Unfortunately, this is also the temperature where water can scald the skin.
4. To ensure scalding doesn't happen, it's important to have TMVs installed on your plumbing fixtures.
5. Without mixing valves, you would need to have your water heater set to a lower temperature, which could induce bacterial growth.
Slip and Fall Protection
Although you likely don't associate slipping and falling in the shower with a mixing valve, the two are actually connected. A number of slips and falls happen when someone suddenly reacts to an unexpected water temperature change.
For instance, if you're enjoying a nice, warm shower and the water suddenly changes to scalding hot or freezing cold, you may step back instinctively, only to lose your footing causing you to slip and fall.
Additional Benefits of Thermostatic Mixing Valves
In addition to the safety side of things, here are a few other benefits of TMVs:
Energy Efficiency
Because water comes out of your showers and spigots at the perfect temperature, you don't need to fiddle around with the faucet handle to find the perfect temperature. This can reduce wasted water by up to 50%, resulting in significant energy savings.
Cost Savings
Because you're using and wasting less water, you will also save big bucks on your water and electric bills! These savings are often enough to more than pay for the cost of TMVs.
Ensures Compliance With Building Codes
While they aren't required for residential applications, TMVs are required by building code in certain commercial settings. This typically includes hospitals, nursing homes, shopping centers, schools, and other places used by the public. Be sure to check your local building code before installing other types of mixing valves to ensure code compliance.
Very Durable
Thermostatic mixing valves are some of the most durable and long-lasting mixing valves in the industry. On average, TMVs last for anywhere from 15 to 20 years, or even longer! Additionally, you only need to professionally service TMVs every five years, which cuts down on maintenance costs.
Less Maintenance
Finally, thermostatic mixing valves are fairly easy to maintain. Additionally, unlike other types of mixing valves that are often unrepairable, you can fix a TMV if there's an issue, rather than replacing it.
Common Applications for Thermostatic Mixing Valves
Thermostatic mixing valves are used in a wide range of industries and locations. You can even have them installed on the hot water supply line in your home to ensure perfectly tempered water. However, they are used more often in commercial applications, including the following:
- Mall and shopping center bathrooms
- Nursing homes
- Hospitals and health clinics
- Child and day care centers
- Churches and schools
- Hotels and motels
Essentially, any building that is open to the public is perfect for thermostatic mixing valves because it could mean that people with sensitive skin will be using the water. A TMV will ensure that water is always at their desired temperature and doesn't change unexpectedly, potentially injuring the person.
How to Choose the Right Thermostatic Mixing Valve
As with other types of mixing valves, there are two different types of TMVs, including single-control and double-control mixing valves. Single-control mixing valves have a single handle for controlling hot and cold water, while double-control mixing valves have two handles so that you can separately control hot and cold water.
As a general rule, single-control mixing valves are typically used in residential applications. This is because they're easier to install on existing pipes and plumbing fixtures. Double-control mixing valves, on the other hand, are the better option for commercial applications, as they provide better temperature control.