A boiler comprises many parts. However, it can take some time to figure out what’s wrong when it breaks down. If you know what each part of your boiler does and how it can affect the whole system, it will be much easier to figure out what’s wrong and fix it quickly. If you want to know what a diverter valve is, that’s an excellent place to start. If this part breaks, you won’t have any hot water.
We put together this guide on diverter valves because our team has extensive experience installing boilers. It will help you determine the where is diverter valve on a boiler, and if it is faulty, it could be a problem with your boiler.
What Is A Diverter Valve In A Boiler?
When a combi boiler is about ten years old, the diverter valve can start to give you trouble. The diverter changes the water flow to your heaters, faucets, and showerheads.
Combi boilers send hot water to the right place at the right time. If you turn on the bathroom faucet, the boiler will take the hot water away from the faucet and stop sending heat to the radiators. A hybrid boiler doesn’t store water in a tank but heats water as needed. To do this, you will need a diversion valve.
The diverter valve is an integral part of the combi boiler; that’s why it will probably need to be fixed at some point.
Different Types of Diverter Valves
There are three different shower diverter valves: the tee diverter, the two-valve diverter, and the three-valve diverter.
- A tee diverter is a simple straight-pull handle that directs water to the showerhead. After you’ve used the shower, you can stop the water from running by pushing the tee back down.
- A two-valve diverter is fitted using two L-shaped valves in the centre of a standard faucet. It adjusts the water temperature with a dial between the two temperature taps.
- A three-valve diverter is installed on two-tap faucets. When the hot and cold water taps are turned on, and the water mixes to the desired temperature, the water flows out of the third faucet, a showerhead, for example, by turning the diverter. You can switch it off by turning it counterclockwise to return it to its original position.
How Does A Diverter Valve Work?
We’ve talked about ‘where is diverter valve on a boiler’ now that you know what it is. The idea is simple: the diverter valve can open and close to control how much hot water flows through your boilers and faucets. In this case, the diverter valve will switch the hot water flow from the radiators to the taps when the boiler needs to send hot water instead of the radiators. This moves the heat to a different area. Like a shower diverter valve, this lets you turn off the water flow from the showerhead and let it flow from the bath tap instead.
A standard or system boiler does not need a diversion valve like a combi boiler. The boiler will use the hot water from a cylinder tank. In other words, you can simultaneously give hot water to your tap and your boilers. Even though this is helpful, you must wait for the hot water to flow when the tank runs out. On the other hand, a combi boiler will always have hot water, however, you won’t have to worry about taking a cold shower!
How Much Is A Diverter Valve?
If your diverter valve is broken and you need a professional to fix it, it could cost between £ 80 and £200.
How To Test A Diverter Valve?
Everything you need to know about how a diverter valve works is true and well-known. But what are the signs that a diverter valve is broken? If you know the signs, you can find out if this needs to be corrected with your boiler. This is what goes wrong with a diverter valve most of the time:
- If the taps and heaters only give off cold water, you might not have hot water. This could mean that your diverters need to be fixed.
- Hot water but no heat—If you have hot water, the valve can’t send it where you need it.
- Lukewarm water—If the water is lukewarm, it could mean the valve shares the heat instead of removing it.
How To Fix A Diverter Valve?
It is strongly suggested that you only try to fix the diverter valve yourself if you can do it properly. There is a chance that you will hurt yourself by trying to change the valve. We suggest you contact our team to help with your boiler and central heating system. If the problem is with the valve, our skilled engineers can correctly identify it and fix or replace it.
One of the first things our engineers will do is check to see if the diverter valve is the problem. Usually, the valve just got stuck and needs to be cleaned and put back on.
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Should I Repair or Replace My Boiler?
If your boiler keeps breaking down, it may be cheaper to cut your losses and get a new one; just come to us at— and we’ll sort you out!
If your boiler is older than 8-10 years or installed before 2005, you’re better off getting a new one. Boiler prices are on the rise in the UK. If you are not well off, pay for a new boiler.
We advise using the government-free boiler grant scheme under the Energy Company Obligation ( ECO4) scheme. This incredible scheme financially supports low-income families in the UK by providing free replacement of new A-rated boilers. If you’re an eligible household with a noncondensing and an old faulty boiler, you can get a free boiler installed and enjoy a hassle-free home environment.
Conclusion
The diverter valve is an essential part of a combi boiler, generally found within the boiler’s main body near the main heat exchanger. Its primary function is to direct hot water to the radiators for heating or to the taps for domestic use. Knowing its location and function is vital for troubleshooting issues such as inconsistent heating or hot water supply. Proper maintenance and timely replacement of the diverter valve can enhance the efficiency and longevity of the boiler, ensuring a consistent and reliable heating system for your home. Regular professional check-ups are recommended to keep it in optimal condition.
We hope this guide has given you a good grasp of where is diverter valve on a boiler,
what a diverter valve does in a boiler and how to spot it if it’s not working correctly. If your diverter valve gets stuck or malfunctions, it’s essential to get a gas-safe expert to fix it.
Moreover, if your boiler has been around for more than 15 years and the diverter valve keeps causing trouble, consider getting a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Fix a Diverter Valve Myself?
If your boiler has a problem, don’t attempt to fix the diverter valve yourself. Always call a gas-safe heating engineer to inspect it.
Any work that is done on a gas device is dangerous. It could hazard your boiler even more and put you and your family in danger.
What Are the Signs of a Faulty Diverter Valve?
- Hot showers but cold radiators
- The water that comes out of your faucets is only too warm.
- When the heat is on, your hot water only comes on.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Diverter Valve On A Boiler?
All in all, it can cost anywhere from £180 to £350. (including parts and labour).
The timeframe can vary depending on the workload of your chosen installer and the availability of boilers. However, once your application is approved, you can expect the installation in a few days.
Anyone who has a boiler installed before 2005 or has an inefficient boiler can qualify for a boiler grant in the UK. To meet the requirements, you must be a homeowner or private tenant of the home in the UK.
The ECO4 Scheme is a government-funded program that provides grants and funding to homeowners in Scotland, who want to install energy-saving measures in their homes. The aim of the Eco4 scheme is to help people reduce their energy consumption and save money on their energy bills.
Yes, it’s quite easy. You should regularly check that the evaporator and air intake grill are clear of leaves and other particles.
To be eligible for a first time central heating grant, you must not have prior central heating installed in your homes. Also your home’s EPC rating should be lower than D.
