Eurotherm 3/4" Thermostatic Shower Valve and Parts (No Shut-Offs)
The shower valve consists of the solid brass Valve Body, Thermostatic Cartridge, and Brass Cover. The parts within the valve have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Over time, wear and tear, plus the accumulation of limescale from precipitated hard water minerals in the water, cause parts to break, leak, or fail. To ensure continued safe and enjoyable use of your shower system, the manufacturer recommends servicing it about every 15+ years by replacing the Thermostatic Cartridge.
The Eurotherm thermostatic cartridge uses the principle of double control through indirect action of a bimetallic strip. This receives temperature information corresponding to the set point and will react instantaneously (+/- 1 sec.).
The double control will take place as follows: the bimetallic strip acts on a pre-mixing valve with a very small flowrate, also called the distributor, this will regulate the flow of water in two slave valves with membranes, causing an amplification of the signal, but ensuring the same mixture proportion and thus the same temperature.
Water mixing is obtained by two independent valves, one for hot water, one for cold water β which operate like two hydraulic relays.
These two valves are controlled by a bimetallic strip that records output water temperature. Its position can also be adjusted by means of the thermostatic mixing valve's control knob.
The water runs at exactly the desired temperature. If it goes off by just one degree, the bimetallic strip instantly adjusts water mixing.
This operational principle provides many advantages:
- No load from water pressure is exerted on the bimetallic strip. Due to the bimetallic strip's high sensitivity and nearly non-existent inertia, it is not subject to any load and the mixing valve reacts instantly.
- Nearly non-existent hysteresis and improved durability over time with the bimetallic strip.
- No friction from moving metal parts means excellent resistance to scale and remarkable longevity.
- Thanks to the relay operational principle, low and high flow rates receive the same adjustment quality (which is not true of all solutions available on the market).
- Anti-scalding feature: The hot water shuts off automatically if there is not enough cold water. (β Hot water/Mixed water > 10Β°C), avoiding the scalding.
| Bimetallic Strip Technology | |
| Fastest Response Time | The Bi-Metallic cartridge has the fastest response time: Β± 1 second and 1Β° F when fluctuation in supply pressure occurs. |
| Integrated Check Valves | Built-in check valves prevent cross connection |
| World Class | Used in the finest homes, hotels, and yachts |
| High Flow |
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| Anti-Scalding Feature | The hot water shuts off automatically if there is insufficient cold water. |
| Solid Brass | Made from premium quality solid-brass components |
| Lifespan | 10 to 20 years, depending on water quality and other factors. Typically up to about 15 years. Regular cleaning each year will extend the life of the cartridge.More β© |
| Warranty | Two years |
| Pioneering | Made by Eurotherm, a pioneer of thermostatic valves since 1947 |
| π«π· | Made in France |
Valve Instructions
Maintenance
The world-class thermostatic cartridge is imported from France and has a warranty of 2 years.
The lifespan of the thermostatic cartridge can be 10 to 20 years, depending on water quality and other factors. It typically lasts up to about 15 years.
The manufacturer recommends regular cleaning of the thermostatic cartridge each year. The frequency depends on the using conditions and the water quality (pH, limescale, water treatment, etc.).
Lack of maintenance can significantly reduce the lifespan of a thermostatic cartridge. Regular cleaning to remove sediment, scale, or debris can extend its life.
π‘TIP The thermostatic cartridge should be removed and cleaned annually for optimum useful life of the system.
Maintenance Checks
- To clean and descale the thermostatic cartridge, soak it in a solution of half water and half white distilled vinegar for 1 to 3 hours. Brush the filters.
- If the flow rate drops or the temperature becomes unstable, check the condition of the thermostatic cartridge.
- Clean the strainers and membrane jets of the thermostatic cartridge.
- If this is not sufficient, replace the thermostatic cartridge.
Troubleshooting
In the event of an operating problem with the thermostatic shower valve, check the following.
- Make sure hot and cold inlets are correctly connected to the marked hot and cold side of the thermostatic valve.
- If the shower valve has local shut-offs, make sure that they are fully open.
- Be sure there is sufficient water pressure; check the water pressure at the main valve in the residence.
- Check whether the screens within the thermostatic cartridge are clear of debris.
- Make sure that you have correctly calibrated the thermostatic cartridge.
| Symptom | Remedy |
|---|---|
| The water does not run with the desired temperature. |
If the thermostatic cartridge is less than 10 years old, clean and test it:
If the water temperature does not adjust properly, and especially if the thermostatic cartridge is over 10 years old, replace the thermostatic cartridge. |
| The mixed water runs, but at insufficient volume. |
|
| By installation of a new thermostatic mixing valve: only hot or cold water runs. | The hot and cold water inlets are reversed. InstallΒ reverse (inverse) model of thermostatic cartridge. |
| The mixed water temperature follows the position of the knob but with some discrepancy. |
Re-calibrate the thermostatic cartridge. |
| The mixed water does not come out of the thermostatic mixing valve or only in an extreme knob position. | The water supply is insufficient. |
| The mixed water runs by jerks and the flow is low, except for extreme temperatures. |
|
Lifespan of Thermostatic Cartridge
The lifespan of the thermostatic cartridge can be 10 to 20 years, depending on water quality and other factors. It typically lasts up to about 15 years.
The longevity of a thermostatic cartridge can be influenced by several factors:
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Water Quality
- Hard Water: High levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium can lead to scale buildup inside the cartridge, which can impair its function over time.
- Chlorine and Other Chemicals: These can corrode the materials of the cartridge, especially if they are not resistant to such chemicals.
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Frequency of Use
Cartridges in frequently used showers or faucets will wear out faster due to the continuous mechanical action of temperature changes and water flow.
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Temperature Fluctuations
Extreme hot to cold water changes can stress the internal components, particularly if the cartridge is not designed for such wide temperature swings.
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Installation Quality
If the cartridge is not installed correctly, it might not function optimally, leading to premature wear. This includes ensuring the right size and type of cartridge is used for the specific fixture.
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Maintenance
Lack of maintenance can significantly reduce the lifespan of a thermostatic cartridge. Regular cleaning to remove sediment, scale, or debris can extend its life.
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Material Quality
Higher quality materials can last longer than less durable alternatives. The quality of the rubber seals and O-rings also plays a role in longevity.
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Sediment and Debris
Particles in the water supply can cause wear on moving parts or block passageways, leading to malfunction or reduced performance.
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Environmental Factors
Exposure to harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, or even the climate in which the plumbing system operates can influence how long a thermostatic cartridge lasts.
To maximize the lifespan of a thermostatic cartridge, one should consider installing a water softener if hard water is an issue, regularly check and clean the cartridge or at least the screen filters, and ensure that the water temperature does not exceed the manufacturerΚΌs recommendations. If performance starts to degrade, it might be time to either clean or replace the cartridge, depending on its condition.