How to unlock a thermostatic mixer?

Do you want to know how to unlock a thermostatic mixer tap? Your thermostatic tap is blocked and you don't know how to solve it? 

This article is for you!

Today, limescale and other dirt accumulate more and more in our pipes and sometimes block them, and it is sometimes very difficult to remove them.

There are certain things to respect to unblock a thermostatic mixer tap.

So we will see:   

• How a thermostatic mixer tap works 
• The origins of the blockage of the thermostatic tap
• 5 steps to unblock the mixer tap 
• Use a degreaser to unblock the tap 

Let's go, here we go! 

How a thermostatic mixer tap works

The thermostatic mixer tap, also called a thermostatic valve, is composed of 2 elements:  

• Thermostatic head, which allows to regulate the emitted temperature of the radiator. It is a graduated handle generally from 0 to 5. Depending on the room temperature, the head contracts or expands the system.
  
  
• Body, which is often made of chrome-plated brass, which connects the radiator to the thermostatic head. It is mainly used to regulate the passage and circulation of water in the radiator. 

The thermostatic mixer tap can be placed on any heating system (fuel, wood, gas, heat pump…), whether on radiators or towel warmers. With precise control, it allows to be a complement of heat to a central heating system, like a thermostat.

It allows to achieve significant energy savings. 

There are, on the market, 2 types of thermostatic valves:  

1. Mechanical thermostatic valves: the most common ones 
2. Electronic thermostatic valves: better and programmable, for some, via their smartphone. 

Today, more and more brands are turning to electronic thermostatic valves because they offer better possibilities and allow to program the radiator remotely. 

Why does the thermostatic mixer tap get blocked? 

The main reason for the blockage of the thermostatic tap is a long period of disusewithout having completely opened the valve. 

A deposit of limescale/mud forms at the level of the valve because the water no longer circulates. The piston will therefore remain depressed, and this will block the hot water supply. 

In some cases, when the piston remains in the open position in the bourger, it oxidizes and seizes, causing overheating.

→ It is therefore necessary to find solutions to unblock the thermostatic tap. 

Unblocking the thermostatic mixer tap

There are different steps to follow to unblock a thermostatic mixer tap. 

1/ Prepare for unblocking 

First of all, you must prepare for unblocking your thermostatic mixer tap. For this, you must avoid possible flooding. 

It is therefore necessary to cut off the hot and cold water supplies. Then you will need to open the handles, to drain the remaining water from the mixer. 

2/ Locate the temperature adjustment lever 

You must locate where the temperature adjustment lever is, unscrew it with a screwdriver to be able to remove the temperature setting. 

3/ Dismantle the thermostatic head 

You will then need to dismantle the thermostatic head. For this, you will need to unscrew, with a hex key, the screw that serves as a lock. 

4/ Clean all the parts

You must now clean all the parts. 

For half a day, you will have to let the mixer head soak in white vinegar, in order to remove the scale. 

As for the gaskets and the O-rings, they should be greased with silicone grease. 

5/ Reassemble all the parts of your thermostatic mixer tap 

 You must now reassemble all the parts of the thermostatic tap. 

For this, fix the mixer head with its screw and the help of the hex key. Then, also put back the temperature handle, then the cover and the screw cap. 

You can then adjust the temperature of your radiator (respecting a maximum of 38°C) and open the water.

→ There you go, your mixer is now unblocked! 

Unblocking the mixer tap with a degreaser 

You can also unblock the mixer tap with a professional degreaser. It is also an easier and quicker solution to implement. 

For this, you need to get a professional degreaser, whether it's a WD-40 or another brand. 

You must then follow these simple steps:  

1. With its extension nozzle, apply the degreaser to the seized area
2. To avoid making stains, clean the excess dripping degreaser
3. After a few minutes to let it act, turn the handle of the mixer tap. 

 And there you go, the mixer should work perfectly.  

Here's how to unblock a thermostatic mixer tap

That's it, we've reached the end of this article!

You now know the best techniques to unblock your thermostatic mixer tap.

You have learned that there are two main methods to unblock a thermostatic mixer tap, by dismantling it and cleaning everything, or by using degreasing products.

→ But you still need to have chosen the right mixer at home for that!

At Le Mitigeur.com, we are mixer experts and we guide you in choosing your taps, whether for your kitchen, bathroom, shower or bathtub.