Does a hot water heater need a mixing valve?

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.

How much does it cost to install a thermostatic mixing valve?

A plumber may charge $100-$200 to install it. In Part Two of this post, we take a look at the benefits of using a thermostatic mixing valve, and why turning the water temperature down is not the solution. See you at Part Two!

Why do you need a mixing valve in a hot water heater?

Fitting a thermostatic mixing valve in the hot water line from your water heater will allow you to keep the water heater temperature up to 120 F or slightly above. By doing that, it will kill Legionella. You can then set the water temperature lower in the thermostatic valve to ensure everyone is safe from scalding.

How does the thermostat in a mixing valve work?

How Watts Mixing Valves Work • Once tempered water is in use, a thermostat in the mixing chamber of the valve senses the outlet temperature and automatically positions a seat assembly, which controls the flow of hot and cold water supplied to the mixing chamber.

What’s the mixing valve for solar hot water?

Mixing Valve for Hot Water Temperature Control at the Solar Hot Water Tank Outlet If water stored in the storage tank may be set above 140 °F a mixing valve is also used to temper the outgoing hot water with cold.

What should I install in my hot water heater?

Make sure you connect each to the correct side of the valve. Install shut-off valves (5) in both the hot water feed and the cold water feed to give you additional control. Close each valve off. Plan where to cut into each pipe and work out the new route for the piping through the shut-off valves to the thermostatic valve.

What should the water temp be when installing a mixing valve?

It is recommended that when a new mixing valve is set up to also install an anti-scalding mixer valve. This device would maintain the water temperature between 80 to 120 degrees.

Where can I get a mixing valve for my water heater?

Manual and electronic mixing valves are available at plumbing supply outlets and many home centers. For copper water pipes that require soldered connections, enlist a plumber to install the valve.

Why do you need a thermostatic mixing valve in your water heater?

A thermostatic valve will prevent burns due to unexpected changes in water temperature. They usually have a safety system built in that will shut the water off immediately in the event of an error or loss of cold water, leading to scalding. In the past, many people didn’t install a thermostatic mixing valve on their hot water systems.

Why do you need a heat trap for a mixing valve?

Heat traps help reduce convection loss also know as thermosiphoning, increasing system efficiency. All mixing valves should be installed with a means to isolate the valve for service and repair. Check valves assure flow of water in one direction. They prevent thermal siphoning of hot water to the cold water supply.