A mixing valve is a device used to avoid scalding yourself on a pipe attached to a boiler. It functions by mixing hot water with cold water so the external pipes are a safe temperature.
Automatic
Automatic mixing valves come with a temperature sensing mechanism that detects when it is necessary to add cold water to the mix. They can be adjusted so the target temperature is as desired by the user.
Manual
Unlike automatic mixing valves, manual mixing valves do not come with a temperature sensing mechanism. Instead they come with gate valves that must be manually adjusted by the user. Typically, the valve is adjusted a few times a year as the seasons change. These are mostly found on older boilers.
Operation
On manual valves, twisting the mixing valve clockwise admits less cold water to the system, making the pipe hotter. Twisting the valve counterclockwise makes the temperature of the pipe colder.
References
About the Author
Mike Evans has written policies and press releases since 2008. He is particularly interested in writing on politics, law, ethics, church-state separation and science. Evans holds a Master of Arts in philosophy from York University and an Honors Bachelor of Arts with a double-major in philosophy and law and society.