What does a diverter valve look like on a combi boiler?

Here is what a diverter valve looks like (Worcester Bosch). The diverter valve on a combi boiler works much like a lock on a canal would. It opens and closes to allow heat up both hot water and the water in the heating system which provides heat to radiators and towel rails.

How does the diverter valve on a combi boiler work?

If a specific hot water tap is turned on, the combi boiler will heat water and the valve will direct the hot water to the tap rather than to the home’s radiators or other taps. If the heating is turned on, the combi boiler will do the same for the radiators.

What are the symptoms of a faulty diverter valve?

The most common symptoms for a faulty diverter valve are: A diverter valve may be faulty if the hot water taps still work while the radiators do not turn on. Another sign of a faulty diverter valve is if you only can only get lukewarm water from your taps.

How does a diverter valve work on a hot water heater?

In theory, the valve should always prioritise your hot water (water from taps and showers) over your heating system. So, when you switch on a tap, the diverter valve will close off the heating supply until you have turned the tap off.

What does it mean when your boiler diverter valve is jammed?

Another sure-fire sign is having to turn on the heating in order to get hot water to come through the tap. This means the valve is jammed open in the heating mode. If you are getting all the hot water you need, but no heating, first check all your time clocks and controls are working.

How much does a diverter valve on a combi boiler cost?

However, a combi boiler over eight years old may be harder to source parts for and this is also a sign that other parts of your boiler could be wearing out. How much will it cost? A combi boiler diverter valve should cost between £100 – £150, plus the cost for labour and time.

How can I tell if my diverter valve is working?

If you aren’t sure whether your diverter valve is working properly, it’s fairly easily to diagnose the problem. Tell-tale signs include having to turn on the heating to get hot water, or having plenty of hot water but no heating.

How long does it take to replace a gas diverter valve?

Now that you’ve diagnosed the problem, you should call out a gas safe registered engineer to come and replace the diverter valve or service the working parts of the valve. On a boiler under eight years old, this should be a routine fix and should not take any longer than an hour, as parts should be readily available.