Do I need a special valve in order to use the EcoDrain?
If the EcoDrain is used to preheat water to the water heater, then it makes no difference what valve is used. If the EcoDrain is used to preheat cold water directly feeding the shower mixing valve, then although it can work with any type of valve, the valve that is used will make a difference. The best option is to use a thermostatic shower valve. This is a valve that maintains a constant temperature output regardless of the temperature of cold and hot water feeding the valve. Since the EcoDrain will be heating up cold water leading to the mixing valve, a thermostatic valve will automatically maintain a constant temperature by restricting the flow from the hot water side. The result is a shower of the same temperature and flow but using less of the water from the heating system and more of the preheated water. If the EcoDrain is connected to a shower with individual cold and hot water valves, then the shower user will need to manually adjust the valves once the shower is running. This
