When you wake up in the morning or return home after a long day at work, a nice, relaxing shower can melt your worries away. However, for some people, having to fiddle with the water temperature constantly can make showering more of a headache than it should be. If this describes your showering routine, we have a great fix for you – a thermostatic water valve.
Thermostatic water valves can make your showering experience more comfortable and safer, especially if you or someone in your family experiences heightened risks when showering. On top of that, these valves can greatly improve the energy efficiency of your home. So, let’s dive into what thermostatic valves are and why you should consider installing one in your shower right away!
What Is a Thermostatic Valve?
A thermostatic valve is a valve that is installed directly behind the shower, though unlike normal valves, it can regulate the temperature of the water to ensure that there are no sudden changes. If the water temperature in your shower tends to sharply spike or drop when someone else uses a sink or toilet, you know how useful something like this can be.
Thermostatic valves are also unique as they have two handles, both with distinct functions. The first controls how much water comes out of the showerhead (the water pressure), while the other controls the temperature of the water. This can be great for families who have differing preferences as well as people who may need to be careful with the amount of pressure they put on their skin.
Why Should My Shower Have a Thermostatic Valve?
Now that you understand what a thermostatic water valve is and what it does, you might be asking yourself why your shower needs one. There are several benefits that you should consider when deciding if a thermostatic valve is right for you.
Consistent Water Temperature
As mentioned before, one of the main selling points of thermostatic shower valves is that they’re able to maintain a consistent water temperature in your shower and avoid any sudden increases or decreases. This means that whenever you hop in the shower, you’ll be in full control and enjoy it to your heart’s content.
That said, comfort isn’t the only reason that keeping the water temperature on an even keel is important. A steady water temperature makes your shower safer to use, as it eliminates the chance of scalding due to sudden temperature spikes. While the average adult has little to worry about, children, the elderly, and people with certain medical and skin conditions are at higher risk of being seriously harmed by scalding. This makes thermostatic water valves a must in homes where vulnerable people are present.
Water Efficiency
Thermostatic shower valves bring about benefits that you can’t necessarily feel, but that make a difference regardless. Due to their ability to regulate water pressure, they’re more energy efficient than other showers. Normal shower valves blast water at their full potential, but thermostatic valves release only as much water as you need.
Why does this matter? First, using less water means your monthly water bills will decrease, allowing you to save money for years and years with after relatively small investment. Secondly, you’ll reduce your environmental impact and can feel confident that you’re doing your part to make our planet a better place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are thermostatic water valves easy to install in a shower?
Compared to some other plumbing projects, installing a thermostatic shower valve isn’t necessarily difficult, though the project may not be one for beginners. It’s very important to follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully to ensure the valve is installed correctly. But as with any other plumbing project, we highly recommend that you consult a professional plumber to avoid any issues.
Are thermostatic shower valves worth the money?
Though thermostatic shower valves can cost hundreds of dollars, they have great benefits. The savings you’ll receive over the course of years are nothing to scoff at, and at the end of the day, you can’t put a price on the daily comfort and the safety of you and your loved ones.
How much does it cost to install a thermostatic water valve?
There are many different thermostatic shower valves on the market today, each with a different price point. Most of them cost anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars up to a thousand. Because of this, many people think that they should try to install the valve themselves to save money, but this isn’t a great idea. Professional plumbers work hard to keep their prices low for you and will ensure that no costly damage is done to your plumbing system because of mistakes. After all, if you’re spending up to one thousand dollars simply to buy the valve, it makes sense to spend a little extra to ensure it’s installed right and working correctly.
Joe the Plumber
Whether you want a thermostatic valve installed in your shower, need your thermostatic valve repaired or replaced, or have a completely unrelated plumbing issue, you can call Joe the Plumber for expert service and support! We’ve been serving the Houston, TX area since the 1970s and have a comprehensive line of services designed to keep your home safe, efficient, and comfortable. We also offer 24/7 emergency services for when a job just can’t wait!
Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to discuss how we can help you with your plumbing issues!
