Showers are essential, as we've said before. It's really, really important. Our peers will accept us, and so does our confidence. Showers are more than just hygiene. They offer us luxury, peace, and respite. However, even the most perfect shower can be destroyed by silly things like someone doing laundry or flushing the toilet. These situations can be very annoying or dangerous. Extremely cold or hot water can cause us to jump, panic and scramble. It is possible to slip or fall into chaos. In seconds, severe scalding can be caused by hot water.
It is possible to get thermal shock or scalding. Protecting your family from them is one the most important things you can do, especially if there are young children and older people. Installing anti-scald devices in fixtures, particularly the shower, is the best way to do this. There are two main types: thermostatic and pressure-balance.
What is the main difference between them? The thermostatic valve controls water temperature while the pressure-balance valve controls the hot water to cold ratio. Which one is better? It all depends on your preference and budget.
How do these shower valves work?
Pressure Balance Valves
A pressure-balance valve has one handle that controls volume and temperature. There is also a set-screw or dial that adjusts the stop-point (the maximum amount of hot to cold), A sliding disc on a piston, or a spool balance pressure. They react to changes and maintain the pressure ratio. Coldwater is sent to that tank if someone flushes the toilet in the middle of your shower. The pressure-balance valve's mechanism will reduce or cut off the hot water. This maintains a balance between hot/cold flows. The temperature should not vary more than a few degrees. Remember that a pressure balance valve does not pay attention to temperature. If the valve is set to maximum temperature and the handle is turned to "hot," then the water from the shower will heat up to the water heater's temperature (which may be higher than the setting on your thermostat).
Thermostatic Valves
Two handles control the thermostatic valve: one controls the volume and the water temperature. The thermostatic valves respond to temperature and not pressure. This valve allows you to adjust the flow volume while shaving or shampooing. The wax element within the valve expands and contracts in response to heat. The feature expands when water exceeds its maximum temperature. This allows for more cold to be added and reduces hot water flow. The valve will shut off the flow to the other side if the hot or cold supply fails. The benefit of thermostatic valves is that you can control the output temperature. While your water heater can be set at 140°F to prevent bacterial contamination, your shower head water temperature can be set at 100°F (a maximum temperature is placed on your valve).
Note: Older anti-scald valves may be designed for higher-flow fixtures (e.g., a 2.5gpm showerhead); low-flow fixtures can still present a scald risk when used with these older, uncalibrated valves due to the relatively low flow through them (temperature/pressure changes are felt much more acutely). You should ensure that it is rated to the correct flow rate.
How do I choose the correct valve?
Both valves have clear benefits for caregivers of children, the elderly, and people with sensory impairments. Think about your "audience." If you, your partner, and a few housemates, then a pressure-balance device should not pose any problems. Users can adjust volume and temperature to their liking and understand how the one handle works. They are also typically cheaper than their thermostatic counterparts. A thermostatic valve is a better option for people who don't have the same awareness or precision. With the maximum temperature set, even though the handle is turned to 12 o'clock, the water temperature will not exceed that limit. A pressure-balance valve can cause scalding temperatures even though a maximum temperature has been set. However, if the heater is heated to a high temperature, the valves will only control the ratio of hot and cold. Consider the environment. A pressure-balance valve might not work well if there are frequent and wild water pressure fluctuations.
Do you need a thermostatic or pressure balance?
Customers often ask if they require a thermostatic valve or pressure balance. Why can't you turn down the water heater to prevent burns? This is a valid question. However, it is based on the flawed assumption that water heaters contain only pure water. You might think that you can keep your family safe and ahead of the game by turning down the thermostat on your water heater. Tank heaters can vary temperatures, so changing the thermostat will not affect the outlet temperature. This is known as the "stacking impact." Turning down the heat could put your home at risk from microbial infections.
Legionella bacteria, which is responsible for Legionnaire's Disease (a form of pneumonia), apparently loves water heaters and can thrive at temperatures as high as 120 degrees F. This is precisely where many energy-conscious people recommend setting the thermostat. These bacteria and others can thrive at temperatures around 140°F. At 140°F, it is highly unlikely.
It is best to set the thermostat at a higher temperature and to install anti-scald devices at fixtures. It is also worth installing a mixing valve to temper the hot water from the heater outlet. This is especially important if there are many fixtures. A mixing valve is only used for water heaters. This will not adjust temperature swings. If the toilet is flushed, it will likely cause cold water to leak into the shower. The hot water that hits your face will not cause severe burns if the temperature of the mixing valve is set to a safe level. However, it will not be enjoyable.
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