How to Install a Mixing Valve

 Contents

 Step 1: Assemble the mixing valve components

 Step 2: Install the mixing valve in its location

 Step 3: Attach the mixing valve

 Step 4: Connect the mixing valve to the water supply

 Case 1: Connection with American joint or Gripp fitting

 Case 2: Connection with nut or olive fitting

 Step 5: Connect the mixer to the drain

 Step 6: Check that the installation is working properly

 The mixing valve consists of a spout and a single control that adjusts the water flow and temperature.

 Installing a mixing valve involves attaching it to the sink and connecting it to the water supply system.

Your sink must be drilled beforehand to install a mixing valve.

 Important: to avoid the risk of leaks, turn off the water with the stopcock if you have one. Otherwise, at the water inlet of the house. Open a faucet to relieve the pressure in your pipes, then close it again when the water stops flowing. Then close your sink.

 How do I choose a mixing valve?

 There are several models of mixing faucets on the market:

 Classic mixer, which comes in several forms:

 Mixer tap with anti-scald ring: the opening of hot water is limited by a ring, thus preventing scalds.

 Single-lever mixers equipped with a lock: the lock blocks the opening of the mixer handle halfway, thus limiting the water flow. However, pulling the handle harder can reach the maximum flow rate.

 Sensor-equipped faucet: the sensor allows the water to be turned on and off automatically without touching the faucet by presenting your hands under the faucet spout.

 Waterfall faucet: with a flattened spout, it dispenses water in a “waterfall” fashion. A little cumbersome, it can also be thermostatic.

 The thermostatic mixer allows you to choose the water temperature and keep it constant, independently of the water flow. It is mainly installed in the bathtub and shower because it is cumbersome.

1. Assemble the elements of the mixing valve

 Match the different elements that make up the mixing valve. These elements are:

 the tubes, or flexible connections, for the water supply ;

 the threaded rod to hold the mixing valve.

 Screw the supply tubes or hoses onto the threads at the base of the mixing valve.

 Fix the threaded rod next to the hoses in the remaining thread, first manually and then with a suitable screwdriver. This is what will give stability to the mixing valve.

2. Install the mixing valve in its place

 The O-ring (in the shape of a buoy), usually supplied with the faucet, ensures that the faucet is watertight at the junction of the faucet and its support.

 Place the O-ring between the base of the faucet and the sink surface:

 Place the gasket between the sink and the faucet.

 Then, insert the faucet into its designated location.

3. Attach the mixing valve

 Thread a gasket over the hoses and slide it until it contacts the underside of the faucet support.

 Place the protective shim, which will prevent damage to the sink.

 Position the bracket on the shim. Then, insert the fixing nut by hand into the shim and tighten it moderately.

 Check that the faucet is positioned correctly, and then tighten the entire assembly with a pair of pliers or a wrench.

4. Connect the mixing valve to the water supply

 The connection is simple and quick if it is done with flexible screw-in fittings. This type of material is easily available in the market.

 Observe the supply pipes. If they do not have a connection system, you will need to install a two-way (also called instantaneous) connection at the end. This fitting should be chosen to match the diameter of the copper supply pipe on one side and the screw-in hose on the other.

 To install this part, you can choose a connection with a joint called American (also called Gripp) or a connection with a nut (also called olive).

 Note: by convention, hot water pipes are on the left, and cold water pipes are on the right.

Case 1: Connection with American joint or Gripp fitting

 The American joint fitting offers optimal sealing and is removable. It consists of a toothed metal ring that holds the seal between the nut and the two-connector.

 On the supply tube, thread the nut, the ring (which you will have greased with silicone grease) with its teeth facing the end of the tube, and then the gasket then thread the fitting onto the end of the tube.

 Tighten the nut on the two-cone fitting to crush the ring and ensure a tight seal.

 Do the same on the hose side to ensure a good connection with the supply tube.

 Necessary: Follow the order of assembly described above. Also, ensure that the teeth of the metal washer face the end of the tube. Indeed, these teeth will ensure the water-tightness of the assembly.

 Case 2: Connection with nut or olive fitting

 The olive is a brass ring that seals the nut and the bicone fitting.

 To connect the hoses to the water supply lines:

 Thread the nut and then the olive onto the supply pipe.

 Thread the fitting onto the end of the tube.

 Tighten the nut, so the olive presses against the fitting to ensure a tight seal.

 Make the connection to the supply tube in the same manner on the hose side.

5. Connect the mixer to the drain

 The last step in installing the mixing valve is to connect it to the drain with a control rod.

 Insert the control rod of the bung into the mixing valve and screw the lower rod in place.

 Then insert the lower end of the stem into the ball joint.

 Adjust the plug valve’s range to close the hole in the lower position and allow enough water to pass through in the upper position.

 Tighten the screw.

6. Check that the assembly is working properly

 It is best to check that you have installed your mixing valve correctly.

 Turn on the water and run your hand over the installation. This will help you detect any signs of moisture.

 If there are any leaks, check the fittings and tighten them again.

 Note: if the leaks persist at the fittings, use silicone grease to improve the sealing of the joints and screw threads.

 Equipment for installing a mixing valve

 Adjustable wrench

 Mixing valve kit

 Two-cone fitting

 Threaded rod (plumbing)

 Supply pipe