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Exposed Thermo Valve Maintenance Guide – Keep Your Strom Living Shower Performing Like New

Maintaining your exposed thermo valve is essential for keeping your luxury shower system operating smoothly, safely, and efficiently. At Strom Living, we design premium bath fixtures that combine timeless design with precision engineering — and with proper maintenance, your thermostatic valve can deliver consistent performance for years.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to maintain an exposed thermo valve, how to safely clean internal components, and how the anti-scald safety feature works to protect you and your family. Regular maintenance helps prevent mineral buildup, improves water flow, and ensures accurate temperature control — especially in areas with hard water.

Why Exposed Thermo Valve Maintenance Matters

Over time, mineral deposits from water can accumulate inside a thermostatic valve. This buildup may cause:

  • Reduced water pressure
  • Difficulty adjusting temperature
  • Stiff or unresponsive handles
  • Inconsistent hot and cold water balance

Routine cleaning using a simple vinegar soak can help remove scale and keep your valve operating at peak performance. Following the correct maintenance steps also helps protect internal components and prolong the life of your shower system.

Exposed Thermo Valve Maintenance

  1. Turn the water off completely to the unit.
  2. Under handle, at the 6 o’clock position, is an allen screw. use a #3 allen wrench to completely remove the screw.
  3. Use the handle to remove the valve.
  4. Soak the valve in vinegar for around 30 to 60 minutes.
  5. While the valve is soaking, turn the water back on to the unit and flush the faucet body.
  6. Re-install the valve in the body with the handle, lining up the holes for the allen screw.
  7. Replace the allen screw.

If you have already removed the handle from the valve:

  1. The black plastic valve guard must be lined up at 6 and 12 o’clock position (1/2 of the plastic guard is raised, that raised part must be lined up correctly) before re-installing the handle on the valve.
  2. Replace the allen screw.

Function of the anti-scald button

  • Factory set temperature of the valve is 104 degrees Fahrenheit
  • To bypass the factory valve set water temperature for hotter water, press the button at the top of the valve and turn left until the water is the desired temperature.
  • To cool down the factory set temperature of 104 degrees the button does not need to be released. just turn the handle to the right to adjust (cool) the water temperature.
  • The handle must be returned to the original position and must “click” into position to go back to the factory set temperature of 104 degrees. If the handle is left in the newly adjusted position after use, the temperature will remain at the adjusted temperature for every use until returned to the “anti-scald” position.

Understanding the Anti-Scald Safety Feature

Thermostatic shower valves from Strom Living include an anti-scald safety button designed to help prevent accidental exposure to excessively hot water. The factory-set temperature provides a safe and comfortable experience while still allowing flexibility if hotter water is needed temporarily.

This feature is especially important for households with children, seniors, or anyone sensitive to sudden temperature changes.

Pro Tips for Long-Term Valve Performance

  • Perform a maintenance cleaning every 6–12 months depending on water hardness.
  • If you notice stiffness or reduced flow, a vinegar soak is often enough to restore performance.
  • Avoid using harsh chemicals that may damage internal seals or finishes.
  • Always ensure the handle clicks back into the anti-scald position after adjustments.

Need Help With Your Strom Living Valve?

Our team is committed to providing the best support experience possible. If you have questions about maintenance, replacement parts, or troubleshooting, contact the Strom Living support team — we’re always here to help you keep your shower system working beautifully.

Explore more maintenance tips and premium bath solutions at www.stromliving.com and enjoy the perfect balance of luxury, performance, and safety every day.