Is it a no-no to use a mixer with a combi boiler? (i.e. the old too hot/too cold thing)

I’d assumed a thermostatic mixer would be better, but a mixer would solve a few issues in my new ensuite.

Put ‘mixer shower for combi boiler’ into google; looks like your problem isn’t a new one.

We had one in our old place, an ancient non-thermostatic thing, nothing fancy. Worked fine. About the only thing that did in that heap…

We have one, fairly basic Gainsborough jobbie I think but works a treat with our combi. Think it has to have a modulating burner though.

Ours works fine – just a straight-forward mixer. Only problem is water pressure dropping if another tap/appliance is switched on. Or if a neighbour switches a tap on – but that is due to our specific shonky shared supply.

Should be fine, never had a problem yet fitting a mixer with a combi.

most of the better ones will be fine but needs to be thermostatic and ideally suitable for a combi.

unless you have low water mains pressure it will be fine..

Bought one and fitted a year ago, warning on the box saying its not thermostatic, made **** all difference to be fair over the 100 quid more expensive one that it replaced! Basic triton one from b and q.

Really don’t agree that they have to be thermostatic sorry.

Nope they dont mf. i have fitted hundreds over the years that were just mixers. no probs.

Cheers all, decent water pressure so that opens up a few options.

Cheaper ones as well al!

the water pressure is not the issue what delivers a decent shower is water flow and the hot water flow is dictated by the combi it has a fixed unvariable out put so a big shower head small combi will produce a cold dripping shower whereas a large boiler large showere head will take your skin off and really wake you up.. the combi is the key
really you need 11.5 litres per min for a half decent std shower head something 6 – 8 inches across and you ll need 15 lts per minute to get that real wow factor

Sorry but have to disagree, you shouldn’t be trying to use that much water, there are options that will deliver a good shower at lower flow rates. Yes nice to have these powerful showers etc but some of them use more water than baths.

I never fit anything other than a thermostatic shower unless directed by customer. Why would you risk scalding someone?

Have to agree with Bear

Al, what’s the advantage to you of a mixer rather than a thermostat controlled unit?

I’m with Bear on this one. I had the same thoughts as you and in the end decided it wasnt worth scalding anyone by accident so I fitted a thermostatic setup. I would rather have piece of mind than save a few quid.

I have had a combi boiler and a cheapo mixer shower for 10 years and have so far managed to not scald myself.

I can see the advantages of a thermostatic mixer but as said above – I don’t agree that it *needs* to fitted. If the water gets too hot I use that tap called ‘Cold’ and more cold water is mixed in. It’s really very clever.

😉

No children then?

MF – clue is you never scalded yourself. sounds like you may live on your own, other users in property will affect a shower, and if in an area of poor water supply even other properties can affect you. We are also coming at it from a professional point of view. Mixers are compulsory for all new baths etc.

Bear.STS.PS agree with you 100% was replying to the post above mine that felt all that was needed was water pressure, of course a thermostatic shower is the only appropriate fitting

Wife, two children and often have guests. None of us have ever burned ourselves to be honest.

And I did say in my first post that it is a faff if another tap or appliance is switched on but still manage not to burn ourselves.

The current boiler is a Worcester Bosch, can’t remember name of last one but never had scalding issues with either.

Ta again…benefits are cost and cleaner/cheaper install really…I have ordered a couple of bath valves and a waste-type filler, not sure whether to keep it and what type of shower to go for.

I have a lodger, soon to be 2, so maybe a thermostatic is better.

as prior post standard mixer shower with decent mains pressure is fine, adjust boiler water temp such that the hot taps get hotter than you would like to use to wash pots in sink. thus youve got plenty of hot going into mixer and you can choose not set temp down by mixing in some cold when in shower.
if you still are worried before you buy an expensive thermo mixer goto the pound shop (other junk shops also suitable) and buy an old school rubber push on shower head like your nan used in the bath fit to the taps and see what happens.. think youll find a normal mixer will work fine..

benefits are cost

Al, not sure of the quality, Bear will tell you better, but this is £40!

http://www.bathempire.com/economy-thermostatic-bar-mixer-valve–shower_p4030314.htm

I thought water regs said something about a maximum hot water output temp of 60 deg C?

Cheers Paul