Alde Mixing Valve

Sydmargo

Has anyone replaced their Alde mixing valve?
After getting a service appointment 3 weeks away and being told that would just get me in line for diagnosis.
I have been in touch with the NuCamp techs, and it appears to be t
consensus the mixing valve is not working.
I ordered the valve thru my dealer and should have it next week. I am a former A/C and Heating mechanic and feel I can do the replacement myself.

MuttonChops

Short answer is Yes, several folks have replaced their system Mixing Valve.  Others have done full disassemble/repair.

Longer answer.  I do not recall any mixing valve specific DIY Install/Repair discussions.  From time to time there is a brief comment within a longer hot water discussion as to an owner doing the work.

Also note, there are two types/brands of the mixing valve.  The one you receive from nüCamp might not be identical to the one installed . . . . which shouldn't change the installation but might add some complications.

With your former life technical background the change out should be well within your skill set . . .
provided you have the tools and your new life body can access the valve location . . .

pthomas745

Tell us what year your trailer is, and there will be plenty of info on the two different valves.

This thread, for example, shows how easy it is to replace the "thermostatic" mixing valve in the trailer.(The one with the red top).

Not sure what your issue is with hot water, but there have been instances where the mixing valve is perfectly fine, but the valve has been installed facing the wrong way. In the pictures of the "thermostatic" valve replacement, you can see the "C" and "H" markings on the brass.

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/13395/hot-water-problems-thermostatic-mixing-valve-2021-tab-400

manyman297

The valve appears to be fairly easy to replace. At first glance it appears to be mounted in place by a clamp and screws but it actually pops right out of its holder for easy manipulation. The push connections are easy to use as well. A pretty straightforward job.

rfuss928

As I de-winterized this spring I discovered the hot water flow was severely limited.  It was always a bit less than the cold side when wide open but very usable with no noticeable compromises.  Now, that was no longer the case.
I immediately suspected the Alde TMV.
Upon removal from the system (quite easy) I could see the filter screen on the inlet side was nearly completely clogged.  I tried cleaning without removal but the material covering the screen did not seem to move.  I removed the screen from the valve and found I needed to use LimeAway to dissolve the deposits.  This is a very fine screen.  Much finer than the typical aerator screens.
When reassembled and reinstalled the hot water flow was as new.
If I have to do this again, I will probably just remove the screen.  There are no critical sealing surfaces in the valve and it doesn't appear to need this protection in a relatively clean system.  I'm sure this screen is the cause of the reduced flow on the hot water side even when in perfect condition.

pthomas745

This "crud" has happened before, reducing the hot water pressure.

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/13243/low-hot-water-pressure-with-new-speedfit-thermostatic-mixing-valve#latest

rfuss928

pthomas745 said:

This "crud" has happened before, reducing the hot water pressure.

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/13243/low-hot-water-pressure-with-new-speedfit-thermostatic-mixing-valve#latest

I searched and didn't find this.  Thanks,  Probably a better location for my post...
The screen was not that difficult to remove if your familiar with snap clips in a groove.  The deposits on mine would not move even with brushing and scraping.  Like rhyno they were only present on the HOT inlet side of the valve.  The LimeAway or vinegar type cleaning was necessary. You could see the foaming reaction.   We live on a hard water well and I have seen this before many times.   

manyman297

@rfuss928 I had to remove our mixing valve to replace a hose clamp and I tried to remove the push-fit connection to access the screen. I was afraid of breaking the tabs that lock into the grooves in the opening. What method did you use to remove this? Also, I see a metal piece in front of the screen as well. Does that pop out easily?

rfuss928

manyman297 said:

@rfuss928 I had to remove our mixing valve to replace a hose clamp and I tried to remove the push-fit connection to access the screen. I was afraid of breaking the tabs that lock into the grooves in the opening. What method did you use to remove this? Also, I see a metal piece in front of the screen as well. Does that pop out easily?

The plastic "push fit" retainer and the o-ring come out with gentle prying.  The triangular spring clip in front of the screen needs to be pinched together to free it from a groove around the perimeter.  The screen is a loose fit and just falls out after the clip removal.

manyman297

Perfect! Thanks for the guidance.

dsfdogs

When removing the hoses from the mixing valve, ensure all water is drained from the system! Yeah...wasn't fun to clean up...

I too had the low hot water output last year. My dealer cleaned the gunk from the screen in the mixing valve this spring and all is well, at least for now. 

Sharon_is_SAM

Does anyone know if the older style mixing valves have filter screens?  

MuttonChops

Sharon_is_SAM said:
Does anyone know if the older style mixing valves have filter screens?

Parts List would say No Filter Screen in the older style . . .

YanniLazarus

So... when was the model year change from no filter screen to filter screen? Don't make me guess!   Okay ... 2021?

Sharon_is_SAM

With the new style thermostatic valve in the 2021 models.