You have read the facts and understand the importance of a scald guard for controlling the temperature of water from the water heater and the ease of doing that at the faucet, but what does it take to get one in your home?
Adjusting a Scald Guard
A scald guard, or scald valve looks similar to ordinary shower and tub valves. To adjust the scald guard on a faucet, you must first know the model of your faucet. Although the process is similar with any faucet, there are differences. Here are a couple examples of the Delta 13, 14, and 17 models. Your friends at Fite Plumbing can help you determine how to adjust the guard on your particular faucet.
Delta 13 or 14 Series
- Look for a set screw opening along the side of the faucet handle. You will need a hex key to rotate the screw counterclockwise.
- You will be able to pull the handle from the faucet.
- There will be a sleeve around the faucet cartridge that you will need to pull off in order to access the cartridge body.
- You will see a small disc on the faucet stem. Remove this disk to expose the scald guard.
- The scald guard will be labeled with which direction to move the guard to adjust the temperature. Turn the guard in the appropriate direction to adjust the temperature. Usually clockwise will reduce the temperature and counterclockwise will increase the temperature.
- Replace the plastic disk and the sleeve, and then replace the faucet handle.
Delta 17 Series
- Find the temperature knob on the side of the top of the faucet handle.
- Pull the temperature knob cover off the faucet with both hands. If it appears stuck, wiggle it up and down.
- Remove the temperature knob screw to release the temperature knob from the faucet handle assembly. Remove the knob to expose the black plastic scald guard.
- Pull the scald guard with your fingertips away from the handle.
- Turn the guard clockwise to reduce the temperature and counterclockwise to increase the temperature.
- Each notch on the guard will change the water temperature 4 to 6 degrees.
- Insert the plastic guard back into the faucet handle, replace the temperature know, the knob screw, and the knob cover. Only tighten the knob screw enough to keep the temperature knob from wobbling; overtightening can damage the knob and faucet.
Installation
Anti-Scald devices have been required in some current housing codes, but in an older home, you may not have one. To put one into an existing bathroom may mean tearing open a wall to access your plumbing.
An easier fix, however, is to just replace your showerhead and your tub spout with fixtures that have a scald guard. This is a procedure you can do yourself. You can find these fixtures, starting at $25 in home improvement stores. We also supply top-of-the-line products that can fit your budget.
- Unscrew the existing showerhead or tub spout.
- Cover the exposed threads with pipe tape.
- Caulk around the opening.
- Allow caulk to dry and then remove the pipe tape.
- Screw the new fixture onto the threads.
Keep in mind that building codes may require anti-scald devices, not just an anti-scald fixture. You will need to check with your building inspector – in particular if you have any plan to sell your home. If you need to install anti scald devices within the pipes in your walls, or if you just want a professional to take care of it for you, we can help! Contact us at Fite Plumbing to choose the best option for your home! Just give us at a call at 317-271-5400.
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