If you are having problems with inefficient heating that leaves you with lukewarm water, then your boiler’s diverter valve might be to blame. This essential device is tasked with managing the heating and hot water in your home, yet few homeowners are aware of how important it is until it malfunctions.
At ECO Boiler Grants, we understand how frustrating heating issues can be, especially during winter. That is why we have compiled this blog to cover everything you need to know about diverter valves, including what they do and when you should act, as well as available funding for free system upgrades.
What Is a Diverter Valve?
A diverter valve is a vital component that is found only in combi boilers and acts much like the traffic controller of your heating system. Think of it as an intelligent switch that determines whether to direct hot water to your radiators for central heating or to your taps and showers for hot water use. Unlike traditional and system boilers that store hot water in separate external cylinders, combi boilers supply water on demand. The central heating diverter valve does this by intelligently diverting the flow of water based on your immediate needs.
If you turn on a hot water tap while your heating is working, the diverter valve combi boiler system prioritizes hot water to taps by reducing the flow to radiators temporarily. Once you turn off the tap, the valve switches back automatically, resuming heating to your radiators.
How Does a Diverter Valve Work?
The working of a central heating diverter valve is simple yet can be complicated to those who are not familiar with the system. The valve is operated by a motorised actuator which opens and shuts ports in the valve body to regulate the direction of flow of water. In heating mode, the valve distributes hot water from your boiler’s heat exchanger through your central heating. When there is a demand for hot water at taps or showers, the boiler diverter valve automatically switches position, redirecting flow to the domestic hot water circuit through a plate heat exchanger.
New boiler diverter valve systems can perform this switching in a matter of seconds, so you are never left waiting for hot water while your home continues to benefit from highly efficient heating performance.
Is your heating system in need of an upgrade? Fill in our simple 1-minute eligibility form and get the latest A-rated combi boiler for free! ECO Boiler Grants only installs the best quality material and systems from premium brands like Worcester Bosch.
Common Diverter Valve Problems UK Homeowners Face
Being aware of the symptoms of a malfunctioning diverter valve can save you costly repairs and uncomfortable living conditions. The most common issues experienced by UK homeowners are:
1. Lukewarm Water Issues
One of the most characteristic symptoms of diverter valve problems is continually warm water from taps and showers. This occurs when the valve becomes stuck in a mid-position, and part of the heat intended for domestic hot water is permitted to find a path back to the heating system.
2. Hot Water Only When Heating Is On
If hot water is only available when your central heating is running, your central heating diverter valve may be stuck in the heating position. This forces the system to warm radiators before any hot water is available at taps.
3. Heating Working Without Hot Water
Conversely, if your radiators heat up normally but taps are cold, the valve could be stuck in preferencing the heating circuit. This will prevent hot water from reaching your domestic hot water system entirely.
4. Inconsistent Performance
Intermittent hot water supply with fluctuating temperatures during the day is what most homeowners notice. This typically indicates a diverter valve that is beginning to fail but has not yet completely failed.
The Cost of Diverter Valve Repairs and Replacements
Being aware of the repair cost allows you to make sound decisions about the future of your heating system, whether it’s better to go for a new system or stick with your current one. Based on current UK market rates, this is what you can expect to pay:
Diverter Valve Repair Costs:
- Professional diagnosis: £150-£250
- Cleaning and servicing: £150-£300
- Diaphragm replacement: £100-£200
Diverter Valve Replacement Costs:
- Valve component: £100-£200
- Labour: £150-£300
- Total replacement cost: £250-£500
These costs can quickly add up, especially if your boiler experiences multiple component failures. For older boilers that require frequent repair, replacement can be the more economical option.
Act Now
Don’t let a malfunctioning diverter valve compromise home comfort or put a strain on your finances with inefficient operation. Whether you need emergency repairs or system replacement, an understanding of your options makes for informed decision-making.
Complete our eligibility checker to see if you qualify for government-funded boiler replacement. Our friendly and experienced team is always available to help you achieve reliable, efficient heating that will keep your home warm, comfortable and healthy all year round. ECO4 upgrades can bring energy bills down by as much as £600 when installed right!
Your home deserves an efficient, dependable, and inexpensive heating system. Let ECO Boiler Grants do it for you through our comprehensive support services and government grant expertise. Contact us for any enquiries!
