Plumbing leak Question

[larryv]

I noticed a small leak under the bathtub and this 3 way valve has a small drip right behind the knob. Does the gray knob supposed to turn? I tried and it wont budge. I put a drip pan underneath until i replace it. Question... what is it called? Thanks

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Looks like some sort of a mixing valve, but I don't know why you would have one in residential plumbing. They're usually used for things like one knob sinks or for scald protection in commercial applications.

Tommy

 

[chrisa7164]

some kind of pressure balance valve?

 

[countryss]

mixing valve. If you remove the screw at the center of the cap you will be able to regulate the hot water. why the hell you have that there is way beyond my imagination. Mostly used near boiler piping.

 

[countryss]

also make sure that its not the union on top leaking and dripping down the cap. You shouldnt be getting water out of that mixing valve.

 

[CTyankee]

I was under the impression that mixing valves were required by code for showers and tubs..at least around our parts anyway.

 

[flat350]

Is this installed on a soaking/whirlpool tub with a hand shower?

 

[larryv]

Whirlpool tub only, Shower is on the side. By the way i have a tankless water heater if that helps. Thanks

 

[flat350]

Some area's require a tempering valve on certain tub installs to supply tempered water to the fixture to eliminate the chance of scalding.If it is a tempering valve it will have hot and cold feeding it and a single tempered line going to the hot side of the fixture,as someone else said if you loosen the set screw on the handle then pull it up it will rotate and allow you to adjust the max temp up or down,it may have a packing nut under the handle that could be tightened if it's leaking from there.Your shower would have a adjustable temp. limit built into the valve in some form or another.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Now that you say it's a hot tub I get the need for a mixing valve...

Tommy

 

[larryv]

Thanks guys for the help. Tempering valve it is. I will call the plumber on Mon.

 

[Zeke]

Thanks guys for the help. Tempering valve it is. I will call the plumber on Mon.

Or remove the plastic nut and check it out. Might be that you can tighten the gland nut on the shaft and save yourself 150 bucks.