Frequently Asked Questions
Q. "What is the quality of Symmons products?"
A. Since the 1930's Symmons has provided superior engineering, and solid workmanship in every product. Product manufacturing, assembly, and handling are subject to strict quality control and only the highest quality materials are selected to ensure durability for years to come.
Q. "How do pressure balance valves prevent scalding?"
A. Pressure balance valves help prevent scalding by compensating for changes in pressure on the hot or cold supply lines. When water use elsewhere in the system causes the pressure of either the hot line or the cold line to fluctuate, like when a toilet flushes, the internal piston in the Symmons Temptrol pressure balance shower valve adjusts automatically to instantly and continually equalize or "balance" the hot and cold water pressure. This keeps the water temperature consistent, so you don't have to worry about shocks of ice cold or burning hot water.
Q. "How does a pressure balance valve work without a volume control?"
A. Pressure balance valves, are basically on/off devices - the water is all on or all off; there is no in-between. To turn the valve on, you shift the lever. The farther you turn the lever, the warmer the water gets, but it's always at full flow.
Q. "Why would you want to limit the handle turn on a pressure balance valve?"
A. A pressure balancing valve will prevent you from being scalded if someone flushes a toilet since it keeps the ratio of hot to cold consistent. However, if someone shoves the handle all the way to the "all hot" position, there's virtually no cold water tempering the hot water. If your water heater is set very high, or if members of your household have sensitive skin, this can be an accident waiting to happen. For this reason, these pressure balance mixing valves have a stop screw that will allow you to set the maximum hot to cold ratio, effectively setting the maximum temperature. To take advantage of this feature, simply rotate the knob to set the water to the hottest that you'd ever want out of the shower, then turn the set screw until it bottoms out. This prevents the temperature knob from turning past the position you selected, effectively limiting the maximum temperature allowed from that valve.
