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What is a thermostatic mixing valve?

A thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) blends hot and cold water to deliver water at a controlled temperature. At home, fixture protection differs from temperature control at the water heater: an ASSE 1017 distribution valve alone does not provide adequate scald protection. Ask which application and flow requirements the proposed valve serves.

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What this means for your home project

  1. Find the proposed valve’s installation instructions and ask the installer to identify the procedure they will follow before work starts. Source: US EPA, read 2026-11-02.
  2. Ask the installer to state in writing whether the distribution valve will sit at or near the hot-water source; compare that proposed location with ASSE’s guidance. Source: ASSE International, read 2026-11-02.
  3. For a shower job, request the showerhead flow and the valve’s published minimum flow in the written scope; the showerhead value must meet that minimum. Source: ASSE International, read 2026-11-02.
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What is the difference between ASSE 1017 and ASSE 1070?

ASSE 1017 concerns temperature control at the hot-water source; ASSE 1070 concerns limiting water temperature at fixtures such as sinks and bathtubs. The ASSE guide distinguishes these applications: a distribution valve alone does not provide adequate scald protection. The 1070 section permits further mixing at the fixture. This is application guidance citing the 2009 and 2015 standards, rather than a statement of the code adopted at your home. “Further mixing downstream is allowed.” Source: ASSE International, read 2026-11-02.

What is the difference between a thermostatic valve and a pressure balance valve?

Pressure balancing responds to changes in supply pressure, such as when a toilet flushes. Thermostatic shower valves respond to changes in incoming water temperature. PMI says some thermostatic models also compensate for pressure changes; ask which behavior the proposed shower valve provides. “Thermostatic shower valves maintain comfortable outlet temperatures, even with changes to the inlet water temperature.” Source: Plumbing Manufacturers International, read 2026-11-02.

Why put a mixing valve on a water heater?

A mixing valve can separate hotter storage from cooler delivery. CDC says 130°F–140°F storage can kill germs such as Legionella while increasing burn risk. Its home guidance calls for mixing hot and cold at the tap above 120°F and discussing higher heater settings with a healthcare provider. “Keeping your home water heater between 130°F–140°F can kill germs like Legionella in water, but also increases your risk of burns.” Source: CDC, read 2026-11-02.

Why do TMVs need servicing?

Maintenance helps prevent a valve failure that could expose someone to scalding water. CDC states this explicitly in its healthcare guidance; that guidance does not establish a home servicing interval. For a home installation, EPA directs owners to the manufacturer’s instructions or professional installation. “Valve maintenance is especially important in preventing valve failure, which can result in scalding.” Source: CDC, read 2026-11-02.

What thermostatic valve should I use? I have installation size DN25.

Choose by application and required flow, rather than pipe size alone. ASSE says distribution valves must match system flow requirements. For a shower, compare the showerhead’s flow with the valve’s published minimum; ask for those two values in the written scope. “The showerhead flow rate must not be less than the manufacturer’s published minimum flow rate for the valve (device).” Source: ASSE International, read 2026-11-02.

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