F.A.Q.


Q: Who is Schmiedl?

A: Schmiedl is one of the oldest manufacturers of faucets in Europe. It was Mr. Gustav Schmiedl who invented the world's first single hole faucet in 1937 in Innsbruck, Austria. Yes- he even patented it back then. Basically about 90% of faucets sold in Europe are single hole faucets. In recent years the single hole faucet has gained popularity in North America due to its simplicity and design.


Q: How many years have Schmiedl faucets been sold in Canada and the USA?

A: Schmiedl faucets have been sold in Canada and USA for almost 25 years.


Q: What are they made of ?

A: All Schmiedl faucets are made from solid brass to ensure the highest level of quality and durability.


Q: What is a Thermostatic Mixing Valve ?

A: A Thermostatic Mixing Valve maintains a consistent water-temperature output. A Thermostatic Mixing Valve is a valve that blends hot water with cold water to ensure constant, safe outlet temperatures preventing scalding. This is a great safety feature for small children and the elderly as our thermostatic mixing valves have a safety stop at 38 °C (100 °F) on the setting knob. If you require a hot water temperature above 38 °C (100 °F) the override safety knob must be pressed. Naturally, if someone flushes the toilet while you take a shower, the thermostatic valve will compensate for the pressure fluctuation (no “thermal” shock – either cold or hot).


Q: What is the difference between a pressure balance valve and a Thermostatic Mixing Valve?

A: A pressure balance valve opens the cold and hot water supply lines as soon as you turn it on. The cold water line is opened immediately allowing it to mix with the hot water until the wished-for temperature is reached - consuming more water and time. Pressure balance valves do not offer you the option to pre-set the hot water temperature,therefore you'll get the same max. temperature as set on your hot water tank. Another potential problem with this type of valve is the time it takes to react to pressure changes when there is less than 10 litres/min(2.6 gal / min) flow . Schmiedl Thermostatic Mixing Valves react quickly even if the flow is as low as 4 litres/min (1.06 gal / min).


Q: Why not lower the temperature on my hot water tank to avoid the risk of scalding?

A: You may want to have very hot water for your kitchen, dishwasher or for your laundry. It is very important to keep your hot water tank at a temperature of around 60 °C (140 °F). Temperatures below 60 °C (140 °F) puts you at risk for bacteria growth, such as Legionella, in your hot water distribution system.


Q: Can I achieve water savings with your faucets ?

A: Yes - Most of our faucets lines incorporate a ceramic disc cartridge with adjustable temperature and flow rate that meet or even exceed various governmental recommendations for high efficiency faucets (1.5 gal/min / 5.7 l/min). Substantial water savings can be achieved with the addition of our thermostatic mixing valve.


Q: How long will a ceramic cartridge last ?

A: For testing purposes a Schmiedl faucet was installed in Vienna's Airport over a five year period. On average the faucet was used by about 800-1000 persons per day, resulting in approximate usage of 1.6 million times.A regular households usage is about 30,000 on /off cycles per year, which would mean this faucet would have been in operation for 55 years. The cartridge showed only marginal wear, servicing was not required. It is still in use to this day.