Almost every building nowadays can provide its dwellers with a constant supply of energizing warm shower water. Most people thank their water reservoir for that. After all, isn´t it where it is kept warm before use?
Well, yes. This is true. However, domestic water reservoirs do not work in isolation. Many components allow us to enjoy their benefits. One of these is the Lawler thermostatic mixing valve.
This vital component not only allows the free passage of water from your hot water supply. It also solves a problem that many users aren’t even aware of.
Keeping Your Water At The Right Temperature
One of the main problems engineers had to deal with when creating the Lawler thermostatic mixing valve was understanding the term “right”. For most users, the “right temperature” means to be able to open their faucets and immediately receive an abundant stream of warm water that invites them to jump in the shower.
This could have been solved by storing water inside a reservoir equipped with a thermostat and a heater able to keep the vital liquid at the desired temperature. That sounds simple enough, and we know that contemporary technology is capable of delivering such a system without a problem.
However, storing water comes with certain inconveniences. Bacteria, fungus, and algae love to colonize dark and moist enclosed areas, especially if they are warm and cozy. Unfortunately, these problematic, and usually harmful, living forms share our definition of “right temperature”.
That’s why most hot water reservoirs must keep temperatures above 140°F. Hot water kills bacteria and prevents the growth of microorganisms, making it the “right” temperature for most heating systems. However, 140°F is far too hot for human comfort. In fact, it can be dangerous and cause severe harm.
So, engineers must deal with two kinds of “right” temperatures. That’s why thermostatic mixing valves were invented. These small devices are connected both to your hot water reservoir and your cold water line. They are graduated to create the right combination of cold/hot water and send safe and comfortably warm water to the rest of the house. They do not use a thermostat to regulate the water temperature.
Instead, plumbers must set how much pressure is allowed to come out from each pipe. Thermostatic mixing valves have important regulatory functions as they react to changes in pressure. For example, when the toilet is flushed, it causes a change in the water pressure that comes from the cold pipe. To compensate, a small diaphragm inside the thermostatic mixing valve adjusts itself to balance the pressure that comes from the hot pipe, preventing accidental burns.
These valves are extremely reliable and have a long lifespan. However, if you feel your TMV is not doing its job, make sure you get the best Lawler thermostatic repair parts from approved distributors like Quality Plumbing Supply. Visit their website to find out more about their products or contact them if you have any questions regarding plumbing repair parts and replacements.
