A mixing valve is one of these, working seamlessly in the background to ensure your water is the right pressure and the right temperature until it isn’t.
RANK | IMAGE | PRODUCT NAME | RATING | |
1 |  | Atmama Three Way Thermostatic Mixing Valve | ||
2 |  | Pulse Shower Spa Tru-Temp Mixing Valve | ||
3 |  | SharkBite SB-24548 Thermostatic Mixing Valve | ||
4 |  | Watts LF70A Mixing Valve | ||
5 |  | Watts Under Sink Guardian Mixing Valve |
When your water mixing valve breaks, you’ll know about it, but in most cases, it’s an easy fix.
The home handyman or plumber will love the satisfaction of replacing it themselves and identifying the common mixing valve problems that lead to a new one. If this sounds like you, you’ll want to be equipped with the best of the best, to ensure the best results.
So, what are the best mixing valve options out there?
To choose the right thermostatic mixing valve, you need to know what size, material, and nipple you’ll need, as well as the sensitivity of temperature. Determine these first with your home’s plumbing setup and then choose from a brand that’s reputable and highly regarded when it comes to plumbing accessories.
If the thought of scouring the internet to find a top performing thermostatic or boiler mixing valve sounds like a nightmare to you, we’re here to make your search a little easier.
We’ve assembled a list of a few of the best valves that’ll deliver the water you need, and all of them basic enough to install on your own.
Our Top Picks for the Best Mixing Valve
A hot water mixing valve is an integral piece of plumbing, but it’s not the simplest part to source when you’ve never done the job before.
To make matters easier, we’ve hand-picked the mixing valves that meet the mark and in various sizes and materials to suit whatever it is you’re working on.
Best Overall: Atmama Three Way Thermostatic Mixing Valve
Specification
- Size: 4 ¾ inch x 3 inch
- Material: Brass
- Nipple size: ½ NPT
- Warranty: N/A
The Atmama Three Way Thermostatic Mixing Valve is our top pick for the home handyman looking to replace their existing valve.
As a three-way valve, it features three G1/2 British straight thread to ½ NPT adapters which makes it suitable for most home plumbing setups in the US, and the overall measurements of the accessory are 4 ¾ inches x 3 inches.
This size valve is good for most plumbing needs at home, including faucets and showers.
Pros
- Made with a solid piece of brass so there’s less chance of leaks
- A durable piece of material that will last for years to come
- Doesn’t feature any lead content for your peace of mind about your home’s water supply
- Comes with everything included for installation and setup
- Ensures a consistent stream of water at the right temperature for safety and comfort
Cons
- Although the valve comes with measurement listings, you should avoid using these to measure temperatures as they’ll be incorrect
- There are no included instructions so it’s best to have some plumbing knowledge before tackling the job.
- Better suited for smaller fixtures like the kitchen sink and not heavy shower usage
Extra Features
The Atmama Thermostatic Mixing Valve is constructed with a solid piece of brass and a shape memory alloy cartridge inside. Overall, it’s a hefty gadget weighing around 1.5lbs which is impressive for something so small, and a true testament to its quality.
Atmama has included everything you need for installation, without instructions, but you’ll find a sealing tape and rubber rings alongside your valve.
As a smaller capacity valve, this is a good fit for kitchen sinks, laundry tubs, and bidets, but if you have larger needs you’ll want to upgrade to something that can handle the gallon rate.
To set it up, you’ll need an inlet cold water temperature of between 34 to 84 degrees, and an inlet hot water temperature of between 113 and 210 degrees.
This valve comes with temperature settings that let you adjust it yourself just by pushing in the red knob, but to get them calibrated correctly, a professional may be required.
Where to Buy
If you want a fuss-free way to get consistently hot water and prefer the thermostatic setup, you’ll love the Atmama option. This three-part valve costs around $40 on Amazon, so not only is it well made, it’s affordable, and it has everything you need to set it up.
Although there’s no word on a warranty from Atmama, you’ll get a 30 day free returns guarantee from Amazon, as well as free shipping to your door, so you can put your trust in this valve to deliver.
Runner Up: Pulse Shower Spa Tru-Temp Mixing Valve
Specification
- Size: 8.00 x 6.00 x 14.00 inches
- Material: Brass and ceramic
- Nipple size: ½ NPT
- Warranty: Lifetime
The shower is one of the most important places where temperature regulation is needed, and if you’re looking to replace the valve in your bathroom, our favorite comes from Pulse.
Their Shower Spa Tru-Temp Mixing Valve is made with a 1/2 inch NPT brass nipple to suit most US homes and is made of high quality brass and a ceramic plate so it’s been built to last.
Pros
- Has a safety stop that reduces the risk of burns and scalding if you’re concerned about kids in the shower
- Adjusts water temperatures for pressure changes in the household, including when someone flushes the toilet, so you can’t feel it
- Offers a cheaper way to install a shower with the mixing valve and the shower fixture included as one
- Lots of styles and colors to choose from so it can be matched to your existing bathroom décor
Cons
- Only made for a shower and not suitable for other fixtures in the home that need a mixing valve
- Includes the fixture which might be an unnecessary purchase for some that increase the price
Extra Features
Pulse has included a handy feature on this valve that means you’ll maintain consistent pressure as well as temperature.
If someone flushes a toilet or turns on another tap in the house, the ceramic valve cartridge gets to work and prevents you from feeling this change while you’re showering. The body of the valve is made of brass and the entire gadget is lead-free, for your family’s health and safety.
Another noteworthy feature of the Pulse Spa Shower Tru-Temp Mixing Valve is the Hot Limit Safety Stop that they’ve developed, meaning no more accidental high temperatures that lead to scalding.
The brass valve features a plaster guard that helps you mount it to the wall, and you’ll get a quality mixing fixture as well, available in a range of finishes including brushed gold and nickel.
Where to Buy
This valve comes with a limited lifetime guarantee from the manufacturer, but according to some of the reviews, there is a lot of fine print to consider that might not make it so, so make sure to read through it when it arrives.
This aside, the Pulse Spa Shower Tru-Temp Mixing Valve is one of a kind, and available for an affordable price of around $80 on Amazon.
This valve will be shipped free of charge and eligible for free returns, thanks to Amazon, and it comes with everything you need to get an entirely new shower setup without heading to the hardware store.
Alternative: SharkBite SB-24548 Thermostatic Mixing Valve
Specification
- Size: 5.95 x 1.61 x 5.28 inches
- Material: Brass and ABS
- Nipple size: ½ inch NPT
- Warranty: N/A
SharkBite has delivered a mixing valve as durable as its name, and the SB-24548 is the ideal choice for fixtures in the house that need a heavier flow of water.
This mixing valve is a premium quality, and with a price tag to match, but capable of so much more. The hefty weight of 1.8lbs lends to its durability, and this is thanks to the construction of materials made out of a solid brass body with an ABS lid on top.
Pros
- Push to connect design lets anyone install in minutes without using complicated tools or following confusing instructions
- Heavy duty and durable mixing valve made for those with higher gallons per minute
- Works with your existing hot water system, water heaters, and other NAECA compliant devices
Cons
- This premium mixing valve might not be required in some households and could be considered overkill as there are cheaper options available
- One of the most expensive options on the market and not required if you’re only installing it on sinks and smaller fixtures
Extra Features
The SharkBite SB-24548 Thermostatic Mixing Valve can be used at your water heater system or as a point of use accessory, with most favoring the bathroom. It comes with an outlet temperature range between 85 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit and is factory set at 120 degrees.
However, you may need to spend some time adjusting and calibrating to suit your home’s hot water setup. The device measures 5.95 x 1.61 x 5.28 inches and is compatible with most types of pipe including copper, CPCV, PEX, and HDPE, just to name a few.
SharkBite has an entire range of plumbing accessories and they’re a trusted name in the business. You can purchase other parts including ball valves and water heater connectors to finish the job, and they’re all made with the same high level of quality.
Just like this mixing valve (see also ‘Hot Water Mixing Valve Buying & Installation Tips‘) which allows you to push to connect, their parts are easy to install, and a good fit for the home handyman or plumber.
Where to Buy
The SharkBite Mixing Valve is a high quality option and perfect for jobs that require higher rates of water flow.
It’s priced at around $100 on Amazon, which includes free shipping and free returns, and it comes with a massive 25-year limited warranty. This is a professional grade mixing valve that’s worth every penny if you need it and is easy enough for your everyday home plumber to install.
Alternative: Watts LF70A Mixing Valve
Specification
- Size: 2.6 x 1.7 x 4.1 inches
- Material: Brass
- Nipple size: ½ inch NPT
- Warranty: n/a
Watts is one of the most trusted names in plumbing accessories and the LF70A is easily the most famous of all. This hot water extender mixing valve is designed for water heaters, tankless heaters, and solar applications, and is a ½ inch nipple size that gives it greater suitability.
With a lead free brass body and stainless steel springs, there’s no fear that it’ll break down, and it guarantees to keep your water at a safe and consistent temperature.
Pros
- A trusted brand with a well-made product that will stand the test of time and is considered the industry standard among plumbers
- Includes a hydraulically operated thermostat that allows you to control the temperature as needed
- Good for higher rates of water pressure where other mixing valves simply can’t match up
Cons
- Only attaches to water heater systems and is not ideal for point of use fixtures so make sure you check your existing setup
- The temperature range is limited compared to others and it might not be ideal for your existing setup
- Comes with just a one year limited warranty which isn’t that reassuring for a plumbing accessory
Extra Features
The Watts Mixing Valve is made of a lead free brass body that poses no health risks, and comes with a range of other parts including a dial adjustment cap, solder connections, and built in thermostat.
The thermostat is operated with hydraulics that is connected to the cold water inlet, and it allows the water to flow in and mix to your desired temperature.
This mixing valve reaches between 120 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, which is slightly less than others but should be adequate for most households.
If you ever need to fix this accessory from Watts, there are replacements available, and you can keep the thermostat and other parts in place and simply swap out the interior for an easy fix. Watts offers a lot of assistance for installation and as a US-owned business, they have great customer support.
Where to Buy
Watts is a well-known plumbing brand and it’s easy to find most of their range online at Amazon for a competitive price. The Watts LF70A Thermostatic Mixing Valve costs around $60 thanks to a current promotion and it comes with a one year warranty, which could be better.
Overall, this is a brand trusted by the professionals with some limitations for the home user, but still, a worthy choice if you’ve looking for a water heater mixing valve that can deliver.
Alternative: Watts Under Sink Guardian Mixing Valve
Specification
- Size: 4 x 2 5 inches
- Material: Brass
- Nipple size: 3/8 inches
- Warranty: One year
Our second entry from Watts comes as no surprise, and this time it’s their Under Sink Guardian Mixing Valve. This thermostatic valve is designed for smaller applications like underneath a bathroom and kitchen sink and is made with the high quality the brand is known for.
With a 3/8 inch size nipple, it’s smaller than the standard as a compression fitting, but a good size if faucets are where you plan on installing them.
Pros
- Fast response time in terms of water heating and cooling
- Takes about 10 minutes to install to an existing water setup underneath a sink
Cons
- Only designed for use on faucets and can’t be used in things like bathroom showers or on heater systems
- Some customers reported issues with cold water flow and a replacement valve was issued by Watts
Extra Features
The Watts Under Sink Guardian Thermostatic Mixing Valve is crafted with solid brass, and it weighs around 12 ounces as one of the lighter options we’ve found.
The overall measurements are 4 x 2 x 5 inches, and it’s a good compact fit for underneath sinks where faucet connects are usually located.
The Under Sink Guardian is a compression fitting designed for faucets and it helps facilities quick and consistent temperatures. This fitting works on all types of setups including portable sinks, and standard bathroom and kitchen fixtures.
The valve is made of brass and features no lead content, so you don’t have to second guess your family’s health and safety when it comes to tap water.
Where to Buy
Watts only offers a one year limited warranty on their parts which isn’t that great, but if the reputation of the brand is anything to go by, they’ll last a lot longer than this.
To get your hands on the Under Sink Guardian by Watts, head to Amazon for the lowest price online, and pay around $60 for the set. Amazon will ship to your door for free and cover you for 30 day free returns, so it’s worth buying online for your plumbing parts.
Mixing Valves FAQ
When it comes to integral plumbing parts, the mixing valve is an important one, and you’ll surely notice its absence when it starts to fail.
This little gadget might seem small but it plays a major role in your hot water, and if you’re still asking what is a mixing valve, check out these commonly asked questions to find out more.
What Is The Purpose Of A Mixing Valve?
A mixing valve is installed on any system that delivers water to the home, and it blends the hot and cold water together to the right temperature whenever you turn on a tap.
These valves are required to ensure safe and constant temperatures of water so that people using the taps or showers aren’t burned.
Is A Mixing Valve Necessary?
A mixing valve is required to facilitate consistent and safe temperatures by blending hot and cold water, and if you use any type of heated water system at home, it should be installed.
The two main options are a tempering valve and a thermostatic mixing valve, and depending on your needs, one might be more suitable than the other.
What Happens When A Mixing Valve Fails?
A failed mixing valve is easy to notice as you’ll feel the temperatures of your water change. The most common sign is that hot water has become hotter than usual and it can no longer be regulated safely.
If this occurs, the best fix is either replacing or repairing the mixing valve, which can be done at home or by a professional plumber.
What Is The Difference Between A Mixing Valve And A Thermostatic Mixing Valve?
A thermostatic mixing valve is a gadget that adds cold water and hot water together to achieve the right temperature and is usually correct within one degree.
A tempering mixing valve is a two or three inlet device that takes hot water from your storage system and mixes it with cold water to deliver a consistent temperature to a faucet but within three degrees of the desired heat.
The thermostatic mixing valve is the preferred modern option however it might not always be ideal.
The Key to Ideal Water Temperatures
A mixing valve is one of the simplest gadgets at work in your plumbing system but one that can have the biggest effect when it stops working.
Depending on the style of valve you have and how badly it’s been damaged, repairing or replacing it is a simple fix that can bring back the safe and consistent water temperatures that your home needs.
Our top finds for the best mixing valves cover all specs and features, so you’re bound to find one that’s a perfect match to help you replace your old one.
No matter your skills or experience, you should be able to install a valve in less than an hour and get back the comfort of hot water you deserve. With this simple device, you’ll have warm and safe water delivered to your home again, and never take a hot shower for granted.
