Stepwise Procedure To Reinstate Tempering Valve For Electric Heater
On a sunny day, the water in your collectors can reach scalding temperatures. A tempering valve can save you from a 160F (70C) shower. The tempering valve goes at the very end of the chain, right after the backup water and before the faucet. If the water coming out of the backup heater is too hot, the tempering valve opens to mix cold water back in and prevent scalding. The temperature of the hot water can be set by the user on most valves.
The tempering valve isn’t that difficult to install, especially if it will be connected to your existing electric heater, but call a professional if you’re not sure. All plumbing as well as electrical installation work should be carried out by a competent person in that case.
Gather some essentials items like tempering valve, 2 pipe wrenches, pipe cutter (for new installation), Teflon tape, section of water pipe (for new installation) and 2 T’s (for new installation).
First of all, locate the main water supply valve and turn it to the off position. Next, flush the water lines by opening both valves at the kitchen sink. Turn off the hot-water supply valve located near the water heater in the hot-water supply line.
Take out the old and damaged valve using the pipe wrenches. For a newer installation, cut out a short section on the cold water supply line and the hot water supply line to allow for the T’s.
Install the T’s on both the supply lines. Make sure you follow the instructions as indicated by the manufacturer on the user manual. Cut cold-water pipe leading to heater using a tubing cutter; repeat for hot-water pipe. Leave space for the tempering valve.
Affix the tempering valve to the section of pipe cut previously. Join this portion of pipe to both the cold and hot water supply lines. Use the same procedure to install the T’s as you have installed the T’s. Secure the pipe joints with Teflon tape. This will prevent the water leakage. Make use of the pipe wrench to tight the pipe joints. However, over tightening them, can damage the joints.
Ensure you have closed the sink valve. Thereafter, put on the water supply line. Test your installation for leaks. Having, installed the tempering valve set the temperature knob of the valve.
Scott Rodgers is an author with ample plumbing experience all over the country. His exemplary guidance has created business for a lot of Armona Plumbers (Need one?click here!) and Avenal Plumbers (Need one?click here!). You are welcome to reprint this article – but get your own unique content version here.