Do you know the mechanics within your plumbing system that ensures you don’t scald yourself every time you turn on the hot water faucet? What we are speaking of it a device called a “mixing valve”, and it’s exactly what it sounds like: a plumbing device that controls the mix of cold and hot water to provide comfortable temperatures.
Here at John THE Plumber we believe in safety first so we’ve decided to teach you a little bit about the plumbing valves that control this situation so you understand they weren’t designed primarily for your comfort and pleasure- it’s a matter of safety.
Interestingly, two concerns we rhythmically receive during cold weather is that the water temperature or the water pressure of ones shower(s) has become inconsistent or unreliable. These are items that are noticed more when taking a hot shower simply feels more important, but in fact isn’t occurring because of cold weather; it’s happening because your hot water mixing valve has stopped working properly.
During the winter season we often hear the same complaints over and over, two of them being is that either the water temperature or the water pressure of ones shower has become inconsistent or unreliable. Inclement weather is often blamed for this and we’re here to tell you it has nothing to do with the cold, and everything to do with your hot water mixing valve not working properly.
As we open this winter season, we have encountered many a homeowner that feels they keep running out of hot water quickly, but aren’t able to invest in a bigger water tank. This lead us to write this blog and explain you may well not require a bigger tank to receive the amount of hot water you want daily; all you have to do is install what is called a “Thermostatic Mixing Valve”.
So what is the lifespan of a residential hot water tank? Well this depends on many things. The first one are the properties at the hot water tank itself; is electric or gas? Tankless or tank? What is the size? How many people live in the house and what kind of use does it get (this is a big one!)
Our team is family oriented and safety minded, so we though it might be a great idea to talk about some specific needs your family may have and how the plumbing in your home relates to it. Our team of licensed and professional plumbers have families of our own, and we are here to share what we think is important.
Any new home built in the Mississauga area will have a thermostatic mixing valve above the water heater, regardless if your hot water tank is gas or electric. Mixing valves became code years ago for 2 main reasons; to prevent scalding and to prevent disease.
