Which type of mixing valve is sensitive to both temperature and pressure?

The correct answer is based on the principle of how a thermostatic mixing valve operates. A thermostatic mixing valve is specifically designed to mix hot and cold water to achieve a desired temperature. It is equipped with a sensing mechanism that responds actively to changes in both the temperature of the incoming water and the pressure of the water within the system.

When the temperature of either the hot or cold supply changes, the valve adjusts to maintain a consistent output temperature. Similarly, if there are fluctuations in water pressure, the valve compensates to stabilize the temperature, ensuring safety and comfort in water delivery. This sensitivity makes thermostatic mixing valves particularly useful in applications where precise temperature control is crucial, such as in residential or commercial plumbing systems.

The other types of mixing valves do not exhibit the same dual sensitivity to temperature and pressure. Pressure-controlled valves primarily rely on pressure differentials to maintain flow rates and are less focused on maintaining a specific output temperature. Double and triple-handled valves typically allow manual adjustment of flows from hot and cold sources without the automated sensitivity of a thermostatic valve, thus lacking the ability to automatically balance temperature and pressure changes.