Mixing Valve

travelover · 11-09-2009, 04:38 PM

It is easy to eliminate it. Just cap off that cold water inlet and bypass the valve with a piece of pipe. Make sure that you turn down the heater to 120 degree F or less, so you don't scald anyone.

Redwood · 11-09-2009, 04:49 PM

Just replace the valve.

Also you may want to find a new plumber that actually wants to fix something rather than fiddle around with it charge you and leave.

Also, Air in the pipes is not something that we have a problem with on the typical plumbing systems used in North America.

Refuse · 11-10-2009, 06:11 AM

Thanks guys.

I was debating about eliminating it or replacing it.
Is there any disadvantage eliminating it completely?
Can I do this myself?
And I was not planning to use that plumber again.

travelover · 11-10-2009, 07:01 AM

The disadvantage to eliminating it is a potential for burns if the water is too hot. That said, most homes do not have one.

If you can do basic plumbing, you can replace it. There are lots of good books on plumbing free at the library or information on line. Sometimes you can even get advice at the big box stores.

Refuse · 11-10-2009, 07:27 AM

It is $150 for the Mixing Valve + installation. It is going to be gone.

Redwood · 11-10-2009, 11:36 AM

The disadvantage of eliminating the mixing valve is your water heater may have been sized smaller with an increase in storage temperature covering the undersizing. So if you eliminate the mixer you may discover that you don't have enough hot water.

Nestor_Kelebay · 11-10-2009, 05:22 PM

If it was me, I would just eliminate the darn thing. It's just one more source of potential problems as you have discovered.

If you start to run out of hot water, then if there's no infants, children or incompetent seniors in the house, then I'd just turn your thermostat up. There's a risk of being scalded if the water temperature is set too high, but as long as you use common sense, there is little danger of that happening. For example, if you decide you're gonna have a hot bath and fill your tub with hot water and then jump into it, you could be jumping into scalding water. However, if you check the water temperature before getting in, and realize it's way too hot, and add some cold water, then you won't get scalded.