Mixing valve - removing the screen

[Philip Jones]

Hi all,

After de-winterizing and testing the water system, I noted a decrease in hot water flow. This led me to the multiple AirForums threads on the mixing valve problems. So, into the trailer I went, and, with a lot of force, I was successful in removing the mixing valve proper.

But, I had read that what I needed to do was to further remove the brass bit that contains the screen that apparently gets blocked. Try I as could I could not remove it. I was using a pipe wrench.

So, I am just posting this to see if I am trying to remove the correct item. The photo indicates (brass bit) what I am trying to remove.

I would greatly appreciate confirmation that I am reaming on the correct piece, and, if so, if anyone had any suggestions as to how to remove this.

Thank you.

[SpinWhite]

I soaked the whole mixing valve in vinegar for a few days. Then rinsed soaked in very hot water. The white scale disappeared. It is now a backup as I purchased a new mixing valve assembly. The flow increased and the temperature of the water is now 120+ degrees.

[tbrowne]

Yes, that is the correct part to remove in order to clean the screen. I removed mine for cleaning with a large crescent wrench. It's very tight and takes a lot of force. Care must be taken not to damage the brass coupling. If the wrench slips and the flats on the coupling are rounded off, you will have a very hard time removing the piece. I don't think I'd remove the screen, it's there to protect the valve and could actually shorten its life.

[sb55]

I think that you split your valve.
I put a wrench on the brass hex part that is screwed into the water heater. The screen is in that part still attached to your heater.

[sheriff1]

Originally Posted by sb55

I think that you split your valve.
I put a wrench on the brass hex part that is screwed into the water heater. The screen is in that part still attached to your heater.

[emoji106]

[Philip Jones]

Thank you for the replies. I get that the screen is in there. I guess I just need to a little more persuasive with that part to get it off.

Regarding splitting it, I thought the valve was designed to split there? Perhaps I am misinterpreting splitting as “breaking”.

[tbrowne]

I don't think it's broken. As long as the threads aren't damaged, the valve should go back together and work normally.

[link2dks]

When you get it out soak the entire mixing valve in CLR, rinse well and reinstall.

Dave S

[SpinWhite]

Calcium Lime Rust, more commonly known as CLR, is a household cleaning product used for dissolving stains, such as calcium, lime, and iron oxide deposits. Its main ingredients include water, lactic acid and gluconic acid.
This is why I use vinegar to soak the valve. I’ve never seen a recipe that uses CLR as a ingredient.

[link2dks]

Originally Posted by SpinWhite

Calcium Lime Rust, more commonly known as CLR, is a household cleaning product used for dissolving stains, such as calcium, lime, and iron oxide deposits. Its main ingredients include water, lactic acid and gluconic acid.
This is why I use vinegar to soak the valve. I’ve never seen a recipe that uses CLR as a ingredient.

If you read the label on the CLR container it is recommended for cleaning coffee pots and tea kettles as well as a host of other items. There is no part of the mixing valve that is going to absorb any of the chemicals that can't be rinsed off.

Yes you can soak for days in vinegar but CLR will do the job in minutes. Just rise well when you are done!

Dave S

[GOUSC]

I’m not sure if you ever got this resolved but I just went thru this process for the first time today with assistance from a friend who had just done it as well. Mine separated at that point as well. All the previous replies say to use a pipe wrench. My friend suggested using a 1 1/16” socket. I sprayed PB Blaster on the ring to loosen it up and that socket wrench was able to get it off.

[DCPAS]

Originally Posted by GOUSC

I’m not sure if you ever got this resolved but I just went thru this process for the first time today with assistance from a friend who had just done it as well. Mine separated at that point as well. All the previous replies say to use a pipe wrench. My friend suggested using a 1 1/16” socket. I sprayed PB Blaster on the ring to loosen it up and that socket wrench was able to get it off.

I too did this, down to the PB Blaster, but I did not get mine loose. I was afraid of disforming it to the point it would not go back together. So I used compressed air blowing into the tank. That cleared the screen.

[Philip Jones]

Thank you for the replies. I will get the correctly-sized socket and have a go at it (although the last comment has me wondering if I'll be successful!).