munchkin/superstor thermal trap below mix valve

leo davinci

hi,
the inspector came today and didn't know what a thermal trap was. (i was told by a plumber who looked at our recent, but still not fully functional munchkin install) that we needed that. we get about a minute of scalding water to the shower first thing every morning. the installing company doesn't seem like they have ever installed a munchkin superstor combo.

we have posted pics in the past of the piping and gotten comments like , "huh, i guess that would work but its an awful lot of fittings, that must be hell on your flow rate..."

anyway, i need some documentation to go to the original installer with to back up the claim of the second plumber (unknown to us the local munchkin expert). nothing in the superstor install manual.

is it a mixing valve specific requirement or a superstor requirement?

any help appreciated.

thanks.

Tombig_2

Thermal Trap

I think it's right next to kanooter valve.



Sorry, I couldn't resist

Ray Landry

OUCH! that's hot water

A thermal trap can be a few things 1) a peice of piping which rises 18", the falls back down to prevent hot water from migrating out of the tank to the system piping. 2) a swing, spring, or flow-check which are mechanical devices. Sounds like you need a pressure balancing mixing valve (examples are a honeywell sparco, or a taco mixing valve) A watts 53L (often seen on tanklesses) will not take into consideration balances in pressure,and is not an ANTI SCALD mix device.

Justin Gavin

What is your Aquastat Set At

What is your aquastat set at? Maybe instead of having it set at 130 or 140 you might consider adjusting the stat to 115 if that is acceptable for your comfort needs.

The mixing valves (anti scalding valves) are just that. A safety precaution for people that don't check the hot water before they jump in (children).

Good Luck
Justin