Thermostatic mixing valves

[Mr. Limpet]

I believe that I remember a reference a long time ago about a thermostatic mixing valve. Basically it has a hot water and a cold water inlet, and the output is regulated to a setable temperature. Does any one use these or know of some references to them? Thanks, Paul.

[Greg Richardson]

Great idea! Looked around at about four Fish Supplies and came up empty.

Did a google search........

http://www.homecenter.com/searchProducts.asp?sFreeText=thermostatic+valve&newSrch=yes&sSortProperty=&fSortAscending=True&catalog_name=HomeCenter&category_name=NADA
http://www.lawlervalve.com/html/main.asp
http://www.enware.com.au/aquablend/aquablend.htm

[lauris]

i used to see some info on this subject on the old version of this board, not sure if those are still searchable or what. i do recall that there were reports that unless the valve was high-end, there was a wide (as in 15 degrees or so) variance in the output temp. it was not like you set it at 86 and let it go.

for whatever its worth, what i have done is experiment with refilling times and reheat times on my water heater. that is, i have 2 250 gallon storage tanks. when one is empty, i run the hot water into it for 15 minutes (of course, the water goes from hot to cold during this time), then i wait for the water heater to recover (20 minutes?) and then go again with the hot water until its full, using a water sensor alarm to tell me when to shut it off. the end result is water in the 84-88 range that i can immediately use for a water change (with a chlorine treater).

not sure what your application is, but have you thought about a tankless water heater?

[Brack1008]

different board and different fish but this might help you out.
http://www.fresh-fish.us/System_Stuff/Solutions/solutions.html
Dennis

[Dave C]

These mixing valves can be had for $100

http://www.houseneeds.com/shop/HeatingProducts/HydronicHeating/mixingvalves/honeywellmixingvalvesbuy.asp#buy

[limige]

i've found them for about $80 through www.grainger.com

[dwall174]

Great idea! Looked around at about four Fish Supplies and came up empty. Did a google search........ Thanks the second link had what I've been looking for! Their TMM-1000 (http://www.lawlervalve.com/assets/applets/TMM%201000Brochure.pdf)
is similar to units I use to install years ago when I lived in OH. Since I moved to MI. I haven't been able to find them. At least I have a model # & manufacture, so I can get my local plumbing supplier to get me several!

[Discusgeo2]

You can get the mechanical ones a little cheaper thru Lab Safety for $42.30
http://www.labsafety.com/store/product_group.asp?dept_id=8991&parent_id=385

Economical Mixing Valve mechanically blends hot and cold water to reduce point-of-use temperature and prevent scalding. Adjust temperature easily with a screwdriver. Brass construction with chrome-plated finish. Use with electric eye and metering faucets.
Water Supply: 3/8 inch connections.
Supplies tempered water to one faucet--single lever or two handle style
• Lockable dial adjustment with HOT-COLD lever
• Includes compression sleeves and nuts for easy installation
For personal assistance call SafetyTechline® at 1-800-356-2501 or email us now if you prefer.

[Mr. Limpet]

Thanks for all of the Replies people!
I have looked at a few, but not all.
The wife thinks remodeling the kitchen
is top priority, but I am trying to sneek
in a few little projects that will actually
save time and money.
I will let you know what I decide on.
Thanks again, Paul.

[Jason]

I use WATTS brand mixer valves, they do need to be rebuilt though every couple years or they lose accuracy, also I would'nt recomend them for low-flow applications like drip lines.

[Mr. Limpet]

Well, I had a chance to look further.
I am looking for a high flow model to refill storage tanks after water changes.
there are a number of different suppliers that list them under tempering valves. Used commercially in lavatories and showers. There are a few with a 80 -120 deg F. range, which would be perfect. I will see what I can find locally at the Home Depot or a plumbing supply, now that I know what I am looking for. The ones I am looking at have 1/2 inch inlets and outlet. Looks very promising. Thanks again, Paul.

[David_Hui]

Paul,

Here is another link.

http://www.steamshop.com/conbraco%20mixing%20valves.htm

Make sure you get the low temparature setting ones, I bought one and did not have time to put it in use yet :(

David

[Mr. Limpet]

Thanks David,
That is exactly what I am looking for, and they sell retail. I'm still going to try and find one locally first to see if I can save a few bucks, but $75 is no too bad. The ones in Grainger and McMaster-CArr, which also sell retail, were over $100.

Paul.

[dwall174]

I use WATTS brand mixer valves, which model are you using? I'm looking for the Watts USG-P (http://www.wattsreg.com/products/images/hi-res/USG-P.jpg) If anyone knows where to get one online?

[Jason]

which model are you using? I'm looking for the Watts USG-P (http://www.wattsreg.com/products/images/hi-res/USG-P.jpg) If anyone knows where to get one online?

I use the mmx series, the last 2 I bought were off of e-bay, try doing a search.

sorry I can't be of more help, havent purchased one in a long time, the rebuild kits I get from a local hvac wholesale supply.

If any one is using these thingy's deffinately put a sediment filter before the valve, hot and cold side, it will extend the useable life tenfold.

[dwall174]

If any one is using these thingy's deffinately put a sediment filter before the valve, hot and cold side, it will extend the useable life tenfold. Good point! Just be sure to use a Hot Water Filter (http://www.filters4h2o.com/High%20Temperature%20Water%20Fillter%20Systems.htm l) on the hot water line!

sorry I can't be of more help, havent purchased one in a long time, the rebuild kits I get from a local hvac wholesale supply.
Thanks I have checked some of the local plumbing stores! But I didn't try the hvac stores?

[Jason]

damn wish I knew they made those! spend double that on a amiad wye type filter with stainless steele mesh.

hvac- heating, ventilation, air condition.
one that has supplies for radiant heating systems will have them or at least be able to order one.

[dwall174]

Well after contacting Watts by e-mail I have managed to find a local plumbing supplier that can order me the USG-P http://www.wattsreg.com/products/images/hi-res/USG-P.jpg for me! It's only $43 but I'm going to have to wait until the plumbing supply store places an order with Watts, probably in a couple of weeks or so. Other wise it would cost me extra for a special order & shipping. Anyway the Watts ordering information for this valve is (EDP#0204070) if anyone is interested in it.

[kateruhe]

Thermostatic mixing valves can control temperature and help protect to people keep healthy

[ericatdallas]

Wow, that was an old thread you resurrected! But cool! I was looking for something like this a while back. I found a crude (also cheap) fix though. I have hot and cold water go into a Y-splitter. The splitter has valves and I adjust the flow of each one until I get the temperature I want. I only have to adjust it once, because then, the output (which is normally the input) is connected to yet another valve.

The only issue I have with this is the multiple points of failure.

[DiscusOnly]

Wow, that was an old thread you resurrected! But cool! I was looking for something like this a while back. I found a crude (also cheap) fix though. I have hot and cold water go into a Y-splitter. The splitter has valves and I adjust the flow of each one until I get the temperature I want. I only have to adjust it once, because then, the output (which is normally the input) is connected to yet another valve.

The only issue I have with this is the multiple points of failure.

Using a simple y-splitter with valves only work if there is no change in water pressure. If someone flush a toilet, take a show, start a washing machine, etc.. while you are filling the tank = not good.

I use the WATTS brand and they are only about 1/3 of what they used to cost (time of this original thread).

[ericatdallas]

Yeah, bad idea to use the washer while changing the water for me, because I tapped into the washer for my WC-system. As for showers, not really ever an issue, even when my wife is showering the setting doesn't seem to budge. I think in the basement, I'm closer to the source, and it impacts her more than me. Even if it did, it's not too hard to adjust.

I agree though, I would prefer a more elegant and reliable method. This way will just have to do for now though :/

[Moon]

I use a shower mixing valve for my drip system. Works great.