Watts hot water mixing valve

[chief02]

So I have been reading about the Watts hot water mixing valve issue for a couple years now. Well after de-winterizing mine went ka-put. Only luke warm water at any faucet. So, knowing what I have leraned from this forum I knew what to check and attempt. First I dug out the tamper proof glue on the locking set screw on the mixing valve adjustment knob. Then I worked the adjustment valve full motion back and forth with water running. Then increased one full turn to the warmer side and Wa-La, hot water. So my question is: what should I expect now? Continued issues? Should I order a spare valve now? Will exerciseing the valve regulary help control the deposits that I suspect are cuasing the issue? I already use 2 incoming water filters. I have also read that mixing valve failures are common after winterizing with antifreeze. What say you?

[lyncjim]

I have same value and had the same problem. I took valve out and took it apart. Then I put limeaway in small container and put the different part in limeaway. It cleaned valve it a few minutes. I also I put a ball value in line that feeds cold water into mixing value. I used this before I cleaned value. It lets you restrict amount of cold water that can be mixed with hot. It worked well and you would not need mixing value.

[rockintom]

I know some folks that bought a new valve and installed then took the old one, took apart and soak in hot water and clear vinegar solution. When the new one get hocked up with barnacles they just switch it out. Those valves used to be big bucks but now they are cheaper. Just FYI.....some of the Excel floor plans requires you remove the WH to service the mixing valve. I know cause I watched Vaughn (Pete) switch one out on his demo one winter in the RGV of TX. I loaned him some tools to do it. Thankfully most can be done without R&Ring the WH.

We've been lucky and on our 3 Excels that had this system, we've never had a lick of trouble. I believe flushing the HW tank regularly and only using soft water helps.

I know Watts has an adjustable valve that's real cheap.......but I personally don't know anyone that's used it. This subject has been discussed here in the past. There's two different temperature levels. Personally I think I'd use the higher temp one. rockin'