To Next PageTo Next PageWhat to do if Symmons Control Unit valve leaks when shut off?
If the Symmons Control Unit valve leaks when shut off, it's likely due to worn hot and cold washers or foreign matter (like dirt or chips) lodged between the washers and seat surfaces. Replace the washers using the TA-9 washer repair kit and replace the hot and cold seats using the TA-4 hot/cold seat repair kit.
Why does Symmons Temptrol S261BODY Control Unit deliver hot water when initially opened, turning colder when rotating the handle?
This issue occurs because the valve is piped incorrectly. The hot supply is connected to the valve’s cold inlet, and the cold supply is connected to the hot inlet. If the piping is accessible, correct the connections to the valve. If not, order a T-108 reverse seat and tool kit. Older installations may also require replacing the TA-4 hot/cold seat repair kit.
What to do if the Symmons Temptrol S261BODY temperature handle affects water volume?
If the temperature control handle affects water volume, the pressure-balancing piston in the spindle assembly is likely restricted by foreign matter. Open the valve halfway, remove the handle, and tap the spindle with a plastic hammer. Check the water pressure balancing piston in the control spindle (refer to the service instructions). Consider replacing the TA-10 flow control spindle.
Why does Symmons Temptrol S261BODY temperature reduce gradually during use?
The gradual reduction in temperature during use indicates an overdraw on the hot water supply (i.e., running out of hot water). Reduce the maximum flow by using the volume control adjustment on the valve or showerhead. This will allow a longer period of use before overdrawing the hot water supply.
What causes Symmons Temptrol S261BODY Control Unit to deliver little hot water, but sufficient cold, or the reverse?
This issue is caused by an overdraw on the hot water supply (i.e., running out of hot water). Reduce the maximum flow by using the volume control adjustment on the valve or showerhead. This will allow a longer period of use before overdrawing the hot water supply.
Why does Symmons Temptrol S261BODY temperature vary without moving the handle?
The temperature variation without moving the handle indicates an overdraw on the hot water supply (i.e., running out of hot water). Reduce the maximum flow by using the volume control adjustment on the valve or showerhead. This will allow a longer period of use before overdrawing the hot water supply.
How to fix Symmons Temptrol S261BODY that will not pass water?
The valve will not pass water if both the hot and cold water supplies are not turned on. Turn on both supplies, as the valve requires both hot and cold water pressure to operate.
Secures valve between wall studs using metal straps.
Locates valve body in wall cavity at appropriate depth using mounting bracket.
Specifies valve and shower arm height above the tub basin floor.
Attaching a protective shield for drywall, plaster, or other wall types.
Using a valve mounting plate for fiberglass or acrylic walls.
Installing valve on drywall or other wall types with specific thickness.
Installing valve on thin walls with a valve mounting plate.
Using specific rough-in dimensions for various trim series.
Securing valve body to wood blocking without Rapid Install Bracket.
Connecting hot and cold water supply to valve inlets and plugging ports.
Tightening packing nut for frictional resistance of the handle.
Running water through the valve to flush debris and check for leaks.
Limiting valve handle rotation to prevent excessive hot water temperatures.
Using standard and reverse seat valves for back-to-back installations.
Locating the 'R' stamp to identify the SureGrip reverse seat valve.
Plumbing inlets between standard and reverse seat valves for installation.
Installing the test cap to allow system pressurization during construction.
Steps to prepare the valve body after pressure testing and before trim installation.
Adjusting valve stem for cold, warm, or hot water positions.
Turning volume control cartridge to increase or decrease water volume.
Procedure for removing the flow control spindle and related parts.
Instructions for replacing hot and cold seats using a repair kit.
Instructions for replacing washers in the flow control spindle.
Diagnosing and freeing a restricted pressure-balancing piston.
Procedure for reassembling the valve after service.
Steps to remove the volume control cartridge using a special tool.
Procedure for inserting and securing the volume control cartridge.
Exploded view of the common plane valve body and its components.
Illustrations of various valve body fitting modifications and mounting bracket components.
Description and usage of the T35C repair tool assembly for various components.
The Symmons Temptrol Pressure Balancing Valve, models S261BODY and S261XBODY, is a plumbing fixture designed to regulate water temperature and volume in shower and tub/shower systems. It adheres to ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1 and ASSE 1016 compliance standards, and is Buy American Act Compliant. The S261XBODY model features EasyService™ stops for simplified maintenance.
The primary function of the Temptrol valve is to provide a consistent and safe water temperature by balancing hot and cold water pressures. This pressure-balancing mechanism prevents sudden temperature changes, such as scalding from a drop in cold water pressure or a sudden blast of cold water from a drop in hot water pressure. The valve also includes a volume control feature, allowing users to adjust the water flow rate. A crucial safety feature is the temperature limit stop screw, which prevents the handle from being turned to a position that would result in excessively hot water discharge, thereby mitigating the risk of scalding. The valve is designed to operate only when both hot and cold water supplies are on and at sufficient pressure. It is important not to install positive shut-off devices on the outlet of this valve, or devices that restrict flow to less than 1.5 GPM at 45 psi inlet pressure, unless the valve's supplies are equipped with checks to prevent hot-to-cold bypass.
The valve is installed within the wall cavity, with specific rough-in dimensions depending on the wall type and trim series. For standard drywall or other wall types with a thickness of 1/2 inch (13 mm) or greater, a protective shield is required to snap over the valve spindle, ensuring the finished wall is flush with its back side. For thin wall installations (1/16 inch to 1/2 inch thick), a valve mounting plate is required. Alternative rough-in dimensions are provided for specific trim series like Oxford, Canterbury, and Carrington, which may require different pipe centerline measurements to the finished wall.
The Rapid Install™ Bracket (P/N: S261BRBODY, S261XBRBODY) facilitates securing the valve between wall studs up to 24 inches apart, center to center. This bracket fits in a minimum 2x3 wall cavity and sets the valve's rough-in depth at 2-7/8 inches from the centerline of the valve ports to the front of the finished wall. Installation involves placing metal straps over preassembled screws on the bracket, pulling them tight, and driving screws into the bracket to secure the straps. For wood stud installations, wood screws are driven through the metal straps into the studs, with additional screws driven at an inward angle to pull the straps tight. If not using the mounting bracket, stringer mounts can be used to secure the valve body to wood blocking.
Piping connections are clearly marked: "S" for showerhead outlet, "H" for hot water inlet, "C" for cold water inlet, and "T" for the tub port plug. A 1/2"-14 NPT plug is threaded into the tub port using a 3/8" square socket wrench.
Operating the valve involves two main controls: temperature and volume. To adjust temperature, the valve stem is rotated counter-clockwise: approximately 1/4 turn for cold, 1/2 turn for warm, and 3/4 turn for hot. The volume control cartridge is rotated counter-clockwise to increase volume and clockwise to decrease it.
For back-to-back installations, where two valves are installed on opposite sides of a wall, a minimum wall thickness of 5-1/2 inches (140 mm) is required. To simplify piping, one standard valve (hot on left, cold on right) and one SureGrip™ reverse seat valve (hot on right, cold on left) are used. The reverse seat valve is identified by an "R" stamp on the shower port side of the valve body, while a standard valve has an "S" stamp. In this setup, the hot inlet of the standard valve is plumbed to the cold inlet of the reverse seat valve, and the cold inlet of the standard valve is plumbed to the hot inlet of the reverse seat valve.
The ProSafe™ Test Cap (P/N: S161BODY, S161XBODY) comes pre-installed to allow system pressurization up to 200 psi maximum during wall construction. It is crucial not to remove this cap during construction or expose it to heat for more than 2 minutes when soldering copper tubing, as this can damage internal components and void the warranty. After soldering, the test cap must be re-torqued to 30 lb-ft.
Regular maintenance involves flushing the system. After installation, the valve should be turned to the warm position and run for a few minutes. If the system is dirty, the TA-10 flow control spindle can be removed for proper flushing. It is important to check for leaks around the valve assembly and all pipe fittings.
The valve packing nut can be adjusted to provide positive frictional resistance when rotating the handle. This is done by placing the handle over the flow control spindle and tightening the packing nut.
The temperature limit stop screw is a critical safety adjustment. After installation, with the handle on the flow control spindle, the valve is opened to the maximum desired temperature. The limit stop screw is then turned clockwise until it seats, preventing the handle from exceeding this temperature.
Service instructions cover various repair kits and procedures:
A troubleshooting chart is provided to diagnose common issues such as the valve not passing water, leaks, inconsistent temperature control, insufficient hot or cold water, temperature variations, gradual temperature reduction, and initial hot water delivery that turns colder. Solutions range from turning on water supplies and replacing worn parts (washers, seats, spindles) to correcting piping errors or reducing maximum flow.
The manual also includes a warning about lead exposure, advising users to visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov for more information.
General| Category | Control Unit |
|---|---|
| Type | Thermostatic Mixing Valve |
| Material | Brass |
| Connection Size | 1/2 inch |
| Flow Rate | 5.0 GPM |
| Temperature Control | Thermostatic |
| Finish | Chrome |
| Application | Residential and Commercial |
| Model | S261BODY |
| Inlet Connection Type | NPT |
| Outlet Connection Type | NPT |
| Connection Type | Threaded |
