A shower with a thermostatic mixer provides a stream of hot and cold water that mixes at a specific temperature and is delivered at the desired pressure. The mixing process can be done automatically or manually, but the temperature that is fed into the shower is constantly maintained with the help of thermostats.
The thermostat control is a very useful safety feature that regulates the temperature of the water, with continuous monitoring and cutting off the cold water supply when the water gets too cold, and the hot water supply is cut off when the water gets more than the desired. The process is an automated way of maintaining a constant temperature in the thermostatic mixer shower, even though imbalances in the water supply can be created, when changes in supplied water volumes or pressures are detected. A constant water temperature ensures a more pleasant shower experience, as there are no unexpected surprises due to sudden changes in temperature.
The most recent reports indicate that there were almost 22 million cases of non-fatal accidental injuries in the bathroom caused by falls, and many of these falls were in part attributable to burns from sudden changes in water temperature. The temperature can be easily controlled with thermostatic valves and there are limits imposed on the maximum temperature that can be obtained. In many models, there may be functions that prevent temperatures from exceeding 100 ° C and, to override the anti-scald function, some manual input is required.
Perhaps the most important component in any shower is the mixer valve, and controlling the water temperature is just as important. The thermostatic mixing valve can easily handle both safety and control requirements. Mixing the water in the thermostatic shower is easily managed with a valve and, depending on the construction and arrangement of the valve, it can be a simple manual process of regulating the flow and temperature of the water by turning a valve or lever. Full control of water shape, size, temperature, and pressure can be handled efficiently and easily with minimal effort or input.
Due to the precision involved in monitoring, the water temperature can be constantly kept within half a degree of the required temperature. Sensors in the valve’s mixing chamber monitor the water temperature, and when changes are detected, the valves are positioned to adjust the water flow so that the correct equilibrium relationships are restored to maintain the desired temperature. The mechanism ensures that the water temperature is always within the desired range.
Thermostatic valves are available from shower outlets, hardware stores, or even some of the DIY home remodeling stores. Although the installation can be a DIY project, it is always advisable to consult with professionals for advice.
