Mixer valves: maintenance to avoid surprises!

Entretien des mitigeurs - Darspec
The mixer valve is often a component that we tend to overlook. Indeed, when it is poorly chosen or poorly maintained, the temperature can quickly fluctuate, leading to several risks. The good news is that in most cases, these "surprises" can be avoided with two simple steps: choosing the right mixer valve from the start and maintaining it properly. This is exactly where maintenance becomes non-negotiable.

The basics: choosing the right mixer valve

Not all mixer valves are the same: depending on the manufacturer and model, they do not offer the same performance. Therefore, there is no one mixer valve that can suit every application. It is important to choose the right type according to the intended use to ensure that the temperature remains stable. To avoid mistakes, our article The right mixing valve in the right place explains what to check, and how to choose the most suitable model 1.

The benefits of a professional maintenance:

Maintenance should not be optional, on the contrary, it ensures the mixer valve remains reliable over time 2. Simply put, a maintained mixer valve guarantees peace of mind.

- Elimination of possible leaks,
- Stable outlet temperature,
- Reduction of noise (e.g. whistling, vibrations),
- Minimization of metallic odors,
- Elimination of water stagnation,
- Extended lifespan through regular maintenance.

Entretien mitigeurs - Darspec .

What maintenance does not offer:

Before scheduling maintenance, it is important to understand, maintenance improves the performance of a mixer valve, but it cannot correct everything. Its purpose is to keep the equipment stable and reliable, not to compensate for a poor choice or an external problem.

- Maintenance does not correct a wrong type of mixer valve,
- Maintenance does not resolve a network or installation problem,
- Maintenance is not a substitute for a repair or an end-of-life replacement.

Why would your mixer valve need maintenance?

Even if your mixer valve is of good quality, it is still a mechanical equipment. Therefore, time, wear and tear, pressure variations and use can reduce its performance and thus make the temperature less efficient 3. As these changes often occur gradually, maintenance is primarily used to preserve stability and prevent performance from deteriorating without warning.

When to call in a specialist?

Involve a specialist before your mixer valve becomes unpredictable. If the water changes from hot to cold, if you need to readjust the valve more often, or if the temperature changes from one water tap to another, it is a sign that a specialist’s intervention is required 4. A service call is also recommended after a water outage or after renovations, as these changes can affect the operation of the mixer valve.

In summary, a stable and reliable mixer valve relies on two things: a good initial choice and regular maintenance. Maintenance helps maintain a constant temperature thus reducing the need for adjustments and preventing unexpected problems. If any instability is detected, a specialist should be contacted before the problem worsens.

References :

(1) Sylvain Boudrias. (2021, December 27). Le bon mitigeur au bon endroit. Darspec. https://www.darspec.com/fr/blogue/2022/01/12/le-bon-mitigeur-au-bon-endroit/
(2) Destrade, Delphine. (2023, November 24). L’entretien Préventif Des Mitigeurs : Un Acte Capital.123bain.fr, www.123bain.fr/guides/limportance-de-lentretien-preventif-des-mitigeurs?srsltid=AfmBOorO_zz9jft-9MLtd_K-cwKXQFrK1lhHj95bg2V2JkbLdmkS-6Y5#pour-quelles-raiso.
(3) Br, N. (2025, September 29). Quels sont les signes qu’un mitigeur est défectueux ? Robineto. https://robineto.com/blogs/news/quels-sont-les-signes-quun-mitigeur-est-defectueux
(4) Londom, B. (2025, August 22). Astuces peu connues pour prolonger la vie d’un mitigeur. ADC. https://atelierlartdeschoix.fr/astuces-peu-connues-pour-prolonger-la-vie-dun-mitigeur/

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