Knowledge Builders

what is a diverter valve on a boiler

by Jimmy Mante Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
image

The diverter valve is a mechanism found in the combi boiler system that is meant to control the flow of water through your home’s radiators. You might be wondering where the diverter valve on a combi boiler is. The diverter is the part of the tub spout.

A diverter valve is a mechanism in a combi boiler that opens or closes to direct hot water either to radiators or taps and showers. A diverter valve may be faulty if your water is lukewarm, if your hot water taps work but your central heating does not or if your hot water taps only work when the central heating is on.

Full Answer

How to set the boiler safety valve?

  • Use gagging tool to prevent simultaneous lifting of valves at set pressure
  • Remove the caps and keep the valve spindle on valve gagged, set the other valve first.
  • Keep the compression nut screwed down,on the valve to be set, till the previous marks.
  • Raise steam slowly and bring to set pressure

More items...

Does a boiler have a heat exchanger?

The heat exchanger is the component within your boiler that converts the energy the boiler creates from its gas supply into hot water. Water passes through your boiler’s heat exchanger and when it does so it heats up, rather like it does in a kettle. This water is then fed into the central heating system through your boiler’s flow pipe.

Do boilers for home heating actually boil water?

Some boilers do boil water and make steam. Most don’t. If you live in a home built since the middle of the 20th century, any boiler you find therein almost certainly does not boil the water. Instead of steam, it makes hot water.

What is a diverter valve?

What is a faucet diverter valve? The diverter inside your kitchen faucet redirects the water from the faucet spout to your faucet sprayer when you press the sprayer trigger. When you squeeze the trigger, the water pressure drops to engage the diverter. This stops the water flow at the spout and moves it to the sprayer. Click to see full answer.

What is a diverter valve?

How does a diverter valve work?

What does it mean when a diverter valve is stuck?

What is a combi boiler?

Why is a diverter valve important?

Do you need a diverter valve for a combi boiler?

Can a mid position diverter valve be used for hot water?

See 2 more

image

How does a diverter valve work in a boiler?

Diverter valves work by opening or closing to direct hot water to the radiators or taps and showers. If you have your central heating on, try turning on the tap. When this happens, the diverter valve will closes off the central heating supply and divert it to the taps instead.

How do you check a diverter valve on a boiler?

After you remove the lid of the boiler, you have to locate the diverter valve mechanism. Run tap water on hot and observe the diverter valve. If you run hot water, the valve is supposed to close in order to divert it to the tap, meaning it should move. If you see no movement, then it's stuck.

How do I know if my diverter valve is broken?

If you find yourself with no hot water when you first turn on your tap, turn on the heating and wait a few minutes before trying your hot tap again. If hot water starts to come out, this suggests that it is likely your diverter valve is faulty.

Where is the diverter valve located?

It's usually a lever that's situated behind the bath taps that you can pull up or push down. System and conventional boilers don't require a diverter valve. This is because the hot water they produce is stored in a hot water cylinder.

What happens when a diverter valve fails?

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 much does it cost to fix a diverter valve?

Cost to replace shower diverter valve Replacing a shower diverter valve costs $225 to $575, including materials and labor. A shower diverter valve switches the flow of water between the bathtub spout or shower head and is typically controlled by a small handle located on the center trim plate or near the tub spout.

How long does it take to change a diverter valve on a boiler?

You should call a gas safe registered engineer if you need to replace the diverter valve or service the working parts of the valve after you've diagnosed the problem. It shouldn't take more than an hour for this to be done on a boiler under eight years old, as parts should be readily available.

How do you fix a faulty diverter valve?

How to Repair a Shower DiverterTurn off the water supply to your shower.Seal off your drain with tape so that small screws or other important parts are not lost down the drainpipe.Tighten the screws behind the faceplate of the diverter valve. ... Disassemble the shower diverter. ... Replace the diverter.More items...•

Why is my boiler giving me hot water but no heating?

If you've got hot water, but no central heating then there are more issues it could be if it's not the thermostat or the boiler pressure. Common reasons for this particular fault are broken diaphragms and airlocks, or a motorised valve failing.

What does a diverter look like?

The diverter looks like a pin pulled upward from the bathtub faucet spout. It's possible that it may come in the form of a third handle or a button that needs to be pushed or pulled. Either way, when the valve is activated, it engages a rubber stopper, which causes the water to flow in a different direction.

What is the purpose of a diverter valve?

Diverter valves switch the flow of water between the tub faucet and the showerhead. Water flows directly through the faucet and into the bathtub when the valve is open. When the valve is closed, water pressure forces the water to run upward to the showerhead.

How do you clean a diverter valve?

0:142:25“cleaning” a bath tub DIVERTER VALVE so it works again - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPosition where it diverts the water up to the shower to remove this diverter you want to spin. OffMorePosition where it diverts the water up to the shower to remove this diverter you want to spin. Off the little knob.

How do you service a diverter valve?

0:154:18How to service a Baxi diverter valve - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut back the true the front will pop off so wheel service this first. You can buy your service kitMoreBut back the true the front will pop off so wheel service this first. You can buy your service kit from plumbing supplier for the supply it comes with everything.

How do you clean a diverter valve?

0:142:25“cleaning” a bath tub DIVERTER VALVE so it works again - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPosition where it diverts the water up to the shower to remove this diverter you want to spin. OffMorePosition where it diverts the water up to the shower to remove this diverter you want to spin. Off the little knob.

How do you fix a faulty diverter valve?

How to Repair a Shower DiverterTurn off the water supply to your shower.Seal off your drain with tape so that small screws or other important parts are not lost down the drainpipe.Tighten the screws behind the faceplate of the diverter valve. ... Disassemble the shower diverter. ... Replace the diverter.More items...•

Why is my boiler giving me hot water but no heating?

If you've got hot water, but no central heating then there are more issues it could be if it's not the thermostat or the boiler pressure. Common reasons for this particular fault are broken diaphragms and airlocks, or a motorised valve failing.

What is a diverter valve?

Diverter valves are part of heating systems that include a combi boiler. They direct water that is heated by the boiler, to either the taps or radiators, depending on what your requirement is at the time.

What to do if you find a problem with your boiler diverter valve?

If you find a problem with your boiler’s diverter valve, then you should contact a Gas Safe Registered engineer immediately .

Do combi boilers have diverter valves?

Unlike, combi boilers, diverter valves are not found within system and regular boilers. The reason being is that these systems store hot water in a cylinder, instead of sending it straight to the taps.

Can diverter valves get stuck?

As diverter valves are moving parts, they can get stuck. Although, this is a problem that is generally only associated with older boilers.

How do boiler diverter valves work?

The purpose of the diverter valve is to correctly direct hot water from your boiler to your taps, showers, or to your home’s radiators.

Why do boiler engineers check diverter valves?

That’s because the same issues could be caused by other problems within the boiler system.

Is it time for a new boiler?

It might seem a little drastic to decide to go for a new boiler just because of a faulty diverter valve; after all, the diverter valve cost is going to be much less than that for a boiler replacement for your home.

How do you know if you have a faulty diverter valve?

So, first off, you’ve checked that you do have a combi boiler. But, before you call out a gas safe registered engineer, there are some checks that you can carry out. These will help to establish if it’s likely that it is diverter valve problems that are causing the issue.

How much does it cost to replace a diverter valve?

When we have boiler issues, this is one of the first things that comes to mind, just how much is this going to cost to repair!

What does it mean when hot water flows from boiler to shower?

If the hot water works fine and it’s flowing from the boiler to the taps and showers but not to the heating, then this can again be the sign of a faulty diverter valve.

How much does a diverter valve cost?

In terms of the price range, you’ll be looking at between £80 and £200.

What is a Diverter Valve?

A diverter valve is a component inside a combi boiler which controls the flow of water through the radiators, taps and showers in your home. As a combi boiler works to provide instant hot water on demand, it doesn’t have a hot water storage tank, so it must prioritise whichever appliance is being used.

How old is a boiler diverter valve?

A fault diverter valve is most common in older boilers over 10 years old, however, they can become stuck on any boiler so it’s good to know some of the signs so you can spot it and get it fixed sooner.

Why does my diverter valve keep getting stuck?

This can mean you either get no hot water because the valve is stuck open on the heating or it could give you the opposite problem, where you have hot water but cold radiators.

Why does a combi boiler diverter valve close?

The diverter valve opens and closes to allow or prevent the hot water from travelling to your taps or radiators, so when the combi boiler needs to send hot water to your taps , it will close the relevant radiator valve and vice versa.

How to ensure boiler is under warranty?

One way to ensure your boiler remains under warranty is by getting it serviced annually by a Gas Safe engineer. Not only does this maintain your warranty, it also helps to keep your boiler running smoothly, safely and efficiently and can even prevent issues such as a stuck diverter valve in the future as the engineer can spot the early signs before it becomes a much bigger problem.

Is it worth replacing a boiler?

However, if your boiler is over 10 years old and is no longer under warranty, it may be worth replacing it as you may notice more and more issues arising that can become incredibly expensive to fix over time, not to mention, new boiler models are significantly more efficient, helping you to save up to £380 each year on your boiler bills.

Can a diverter valve be replaced?

The engineer will do a few tests to check whether the diverter valve is responsible for your heating and hot water issues and not another faulty component. However, generally, it will be down to the valve that has become stuck and the engineer will either clean and refit it or replace the whole diverter unit to prevent it from sticking in future.

What is a diverter valve?

A diverter valve is a valve that opens and closes to allow the hot water to travel either to the radiators or to the domestic hot water systems. A diverter is required in order to direct the water flow out of either the taps or the showerheads. The diverter valve is a mechanism found in the combi boiler system that is meant to control the flow of water through your home’s radiators.

Where is the diverter valve on a combi boiler?

You might be wondering where the diverter valve on a combi boiler is. The diverter is the part of the tub spout. The diverter handle simply pulls straight up to send all the water from the tub spout to the radiators or the shower heads.

How does a combi boiler work?

The combi boilers operates by using the water from the main supply that results in stronger water pressure and ensures that you would never be lacking on hot water again. The modern highly efficient units come, being a stainless steel condensing boiler with an inbuilt heat exchanger that operates in order to serve the customers with hot water immediately.

What is a combi boiler?

Combination boiler or combi boilers come being one of the most common types of boilers used in UK for a reason. Unlike the system and conventional units, the combination boilers are designed to be an all in one unit which produces hot water for taps and central heating in order to cut down the use of storage tanks or cylinders, thus occupying the least space required to house the boiler. Additionally on a comparison, the installations are much easier and faster than any other boiler unit.

What is a diverter valve?

Boiler diverter valves send hot water to either the radiators or the domestic hot water system (taps and showers).

How does a diverter valve work?

The diverter valve will give priority to the hot water for your taps over the heating, so if you've got the heating on and fancy a warm shower, you'll be given priority over the radiators. As a moving part, the diverter valve can be susceptible to sticking.

What does it mean when a diverter valve is stuck?

A stuck diverter valve can also mean that you end up with lukewarm water from your taps. This happens when the diverter valve is slightly stuck open on the heating side. Some of the heat that should be going to the hot water for the taps will be lost.

What is a combi boiler?

Combi boilers provide your home with heating and hot water from a single compact unit, meaning that they need to switch between the two, this is where the diverter valve comes in .

Why is a diverter valve important?

Diverter valves are an important component of boilers and so an issue could affect the heating and hot water all around your home. As a moving part, the most common faults are caused by it getting stuck.

Do you need a diverter valve for a combi boiler?

When having a new Combi boiler installed, it will have a diverter valve fitted as standard. However, should it need replacing you'll need to buy a new one.

Can a mid position diverter valve be used for hot water?

You'll come across various models, many of which will provide either heating or hot water, however, a mid-position diverter valve allows you to have heating, hot water and both. They tend to be more expensive but being able to use hot water and keep your radiators warming up is well worth the extra investment.

image

1.Videos of What Is A diverter Valve On A boiler

Url:/videos/search?q=what+is+a+diverter+valve+on+a+boiler&qpvt=what+is+a+diverter+valve+on+a+boiler&FORM=VDRE

15 hours ago  · A Diverter Valve opens or closes to provide hot water to your taps, or central heating depending on your preference at the time. A combi boiler can only do one at a time …

2.What is a Diverter Valve? | Boiler Guide

Url:https://www.boilerguide.co.uk/articles/what-is-a-diverter-valve

16 hours ago  · A diverter valve boiler issue is a widespread issue with combi boilers that are older. Over time, the diverter valve wears out or breaks, causing havoc on your central heating …

3.What is a diverter valve? - Warma UK

Url:https://warmauk.com/blog/what-is-a-diverter-valve/

28 hours ago Diverter valves are part of heating systems that include a combi boiler. They direct water that is heated by the boiler, to either the taps or radiators, depending on what your requirement is …

4.Faulty Diverter Valve - How To Fix A Boiler Diverter Valve

Url:https://www.compareboilerquotes.co.uk/guides-and-advice/diverter-valve-boiler/

11 hours ago A boiler diverter valve is an essential part of a combi boiler heating system, determining where hot water is sent throughout the home. Over time a diverter valve can become faulty and …

5.A detailed look at diverter valves in a boiler - Part 1

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAAYZ3XNZgE

23 hours ago  · Baxi trainer Richard shows you the 'ins and outs' of a boiler diverter valve - a detailed look at how a diverter valve works in a boiler.Please note: This v...

6.Fix a Faulty Diverter Valve - Diagnosing Guide - iHeat

Url:https://iheat.co.uk/boiler-help/diverter-valves-explained

17 hours ago A diverter valve is a component inside a combi boiler which controls the flow of water through the radiators, taps and showers in your home. As a combi boiler works to provide …

7.Where is the diverter valve on a combi boiler? - Boiler Work

Url:https://boilerwork.co.uk/where-is-the-diverter-valve-on-a-combi-boiler

8 hours ago

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9