I need Plumbing Help... Any plumbers out there?

[CountValentine]

I'm not sure where I was unclear in my explanation, but we're not on the same page here of how this setup works. I'll try to expand on this or find a good explainer video later when I have time.

I think we are on the same page.
Standard tank heats water to 120.
Instead, we are going to keep the tank at 140.
Mixing valve will give us the standard 120.
This increases the amount of 120 we can use each time.
Same page?
The question I have is it more energy efficient.

[notyettaken]

I think we are on the same page.
Standard tank heats water to 120.
Instead, we are going to keep the tank at 140.
Mixing valve will give us the standard 120.
This increases the amount of 120 we can use each time.
Same page?
The question I have is it more energy efficient.

more efficient then if the tank was set to standard? (which by the way is 140) No. As you pointed out the temperature deferential is bigger which equals more heat loss.
it may be more efficient then getting a bigger tank but I doubt it (square cube law)

[skyguy918]

I think we are on the same page.
Standard tank heats water to 120.
Instead, we are going to keep the tank at 140.
Mixing valve will give us the standard 120.
This increases the amount of 120 we can use each time.
The question I have is it more energy efficient.

Right, I was walking when I read it the first time and misunderstood a bit. What I said about efficiency just cancels out the additional energy to bring it up to the higher temp. There is no additional loss in the pipes because in both scenarios the water in the pipes is the same lower temp. The standby losses will be higher, but likely minimal additional cost. To your point, you definitely don't save money this way vs just leaving the same tank at the lower temp. But you save a lot vs having to upsize your tank to achieve the same effective capacity.

[ushdadude]

same story = cold from multiple faucets? Is there any faucet in the house that does give out hot water at the same time that the others do not?

I haven't tried at the same time. But sometimes my shower is hot, sometimes it's warm. Sometimes the kids bath is hot, sometimes it's warm. It never gets cold though.

[ushdadude]

If all outlets are cold then it sure sounds like the mixing valve.
Never heard of a mixing valve before and had to go to YouTube. What is the reason you have one?

the mixing valve gives you more hot water from the tank (how? you ask. magic.)

[CountValentine]

Right, I was walking when I read it the first time and misunderstood a bit. What I said about efficiency just cancels out the additional energy to bring it up to the higher temp. There is no additional loss in the pipes because in both scenarios the water in the pipes is the same lower temp. The standby losses will be higher, but likely minimal additional cost. To your point, you definitely don't save money this way vs just leaving the same tank at the lower temp. But you save a lot vs having to upsize your tank to achieve the same effective capacity.

We are on the same page. We just didn't know it. 

[yitzgar]

Moen kitchen faucet base keeps coming loose. I tightened it a couple of times, but it keeps happening. Is there something I could do to make it stay tight? Would caulking help? Or should I be using plumbers tape?

[Yehudaa]

Moen kitchen faucet base keeps coming loose. I tightened it a couple of times, but it keeps happening. Is there something I could do to make it stay tight? Would caulking help? Or should I be using plumbers tape?

I assume it's the nut under the counter that comes loose? If yes, maybe try threadlock?

Not a pro, but I'd try that.

[CountValentine]

Moen kitchen faucet base keeps coming loose. I tightened it a couple of times, but it keeps happening. Is there something I could do to make it stay tight? Would caulking help? Or should I be using plumbers tape?

Is there a gasket/seal between the faucet and top of the sink?

[yitzgar]

Is there a gasket/seal between the faucet and top of the sink?

Do you mean between the faucet and the top of the counter? No
It's got a pull down faucet if that makes any difference

[CountValentine]

Do you mean between the faucet and the top of the counter? No
It's got a pull down faucet if that makes any difference

Yes.
Do you still have the instructions, or can you look them up to see if there should be a gasket/seal? I am guessing there should be and that will help with it not coming loose.

[yitzgar]

Yes.
Do you still have the instructions, or can you look them up to see if there should be a gasket/seal? I am guessing there should be and that will help with it not coming loose.

I don't have the instructions but I think I have the model number so I should be able to check. Wouldn't surprise me if it wasn't installed properly, as the contractor I used when I replaced the counters also reinstalled the dishwasher incorrectly and I needed a plumber to fix it. Thanks

[yitzgar]

You are referring to the deck gasket, correct?

[CountValentine]

I can't zoom in on the picture but that seems correct. Is this a touchless? Looks like the one I have.

[Yo ssi]

I can't zoom in on the picture

https://assets.moen.com/shared/docs/exploded-parts-views/87014pt.pdf

[CountValentine]

https://assets.moen.com/shared/docs/exploded-parts-views/87014pt.pdf

Thats it. It is also stops leaks between the deck and faucet. Just about the same as mine.

[CountValentine]

FYI: A problem I ran into when I did my kitchen. Between the countertop and backsplash/tile I used grout like on the rest of the tile. This is a big mistake. The countertop will move over time and crack the grout. Water will get in there and create a mold problem. You need to use silicone caulk.   

[yitzgar]

https://assets.moen.com/shared/docs/exploded-parts-views/87014pt.pdf

That's it

[yitzgar]

Thats it. It is also stops leaks between the deck and faucet. Just about the same as mine.

Similar. I didn't get the touch less because of shabbos

[yitzgar]

FYI: A problem I ran into when I did my kitchen. Between the countertop and backsplash/tile I used grout like on the rest of the tile. This is a big mistake. The countertop will move over time and crack the grout. Water will get in there and create a mold problem. You need to use silicone caulk.   

I did the same thing. No mold, but the grout is starting to crumble