Pressure Balanced Shower Valves and Tub Valves for Safety

We have all taken showers, gotten the shower to the perfect temperature, only to have someone somewhere else in the house turn on a faucet or flush a toilet and then be hit with either a massive increase in temperature or a massive decrease in temperature? This is exactly what pressure balanced tub and shower valves are designed to stop. A pressure balance valve is a sophisticated plumbing valve that reacts to changes in the pressure, not the temperature, of the water. Hot and cold water are both flowing through the faucet or valve when taking a shower. Once the temperature is set the valve "balances" the incoming pressure on both the hot and cold side. If either side drops in pressure a corresponding drop occurs on the other side. this means that the pressure of the water leaving the shower drops, but the temperature largely stays the same. this helps to eliminate the hot flash when someone flushed a toilet and the cold flash when the laundry decides to fill. This is very important to keep the temperature of your shower constant even when the supply is not because of slip and fall accidents.

Dramatic and sudden changes in water temperature in the shower can be very dangerous. At 140 degrees fahrenheit it only takes 3 seconds to get a third degree burn. A sudden deluge of cold water during an otherwise comfortable shower can result in a sudden movement to get out of the way causing slip and fall accidents. A cast iron tub or a tiled surface will not give and the results could be a broken arm, leg or hip. These water temperature problems are more serve for the very young and the very old.

Anti-scald valves have been required for use in construction since 1994. Beware of low price copper re pipe outfits that advertise ridiculously low pipe prices and leave these out. there will most likely be an exclusion on the contract stating the "extras" from code requirements will be extra. the cost of the copper re pipe could double after the city inspector finds out that they failed to re pipe the home correctly up too code. In older home the use of the pressure valve can be hampered by low flow through corroded and rusted pipes and the sediment in the line can cause the actions of the valve to fail. Having your old galvanized steel piping removed and re piped is a plus for you, a plus for your family and a plus for the resale value of your home.

For the ultimate in shower comfort, you may also consider electing to upgrade from a pressure balanced shower valve to a thermostatically controlled valve. These cost considerably more than a pressure balance valve costs, but they provide much better temperature control. A big disadvantage of the pressure balance valve is that it can provide limited flow rate control. A thermostatic valve can provide a full range of flow rate control, while still providing water at a constant temperature. All you have to do is set the temperature and then adjust the volume.

We here at the Empire Family of Services offer first rate on time plumbing and drain repairs. With our highly trained plumbers and our friendly office staff we strive to ensure that your plumbing and drain experience is a fast and painless one.

Our primary focus is your convenience and safety. With two hour service windows 6 days a week, no overtime ever, we can meet you at your home at the appointed time for your home plumbing repair. We will meet your time table for your plumbing service, guaranteed.