Diverter Valve: Simple Guide to Problems and Fixes

What Is a Diverter Valve? And How They Work

A diverter valve is an important part of a combi boiler. It helps send hot water to the taps or the radiators. When you open a hot tap, the valve sends hot water to the tap. It helps move the water flow from one pipe to another. This helps control the flow quickly and smoothly without needing extra tools. In this guide, you will learn what it is and how it works.

What is a Diverter Valve?

It is a small part that controls the flow of water. It is used inside the combi boilers and showers. Its job is to control where the hot water goes. When you turn on a hot water tap, It sends hot water to the tap. When you turn on the heating, it sends hot water to the radiators.

It works like a switch. It chooses one path for the hot water. Can’t send water to the radiator and boiler at the sme time. So, it chooses one part at a time based on what you need. If the valve stops working, you may not get hot water from the tap, or the heating may not work properly.

Without it, the system would not know where to send the hot water. That’s why almost every combi boiler or modern shower uses it.

How Does a Diverter Valve Work?

It works by changing the path of hot water inside a system. It helps send the hot water to the right place, like your taps or your radiators. Inside the valve, there is a small part that moves. This moving part can open or close the paths so the water can go in the right direction.

When you turn on a hot tap, the valve moves to let the hot water flow to that tap. You don’t have to move or control the valve yourself. It works on its own, using signals from the boiler. It moves fast and helps give you hot water where it’s needed without delay.

<p><p><p><p><p><p><p><p><p><p><p>&lt;p>It does an important job of keeping your boiler and radiator working properly. If the valve stops working, it can send water to the wrong place or not move at all. That’s why it’s important to keep it working well.

How do you Know If The diverter Is Faulty?

You may know your diverter is faulty if your hot water or heating is not working properly. For example, if you turn on the hot tap but the water only gets warm or stays cold, the valve might not be working. If your radiators stay cold even when the heating is on, this is also a sign of a faulty diverter.

Sometimes, the hot water works, but the heating does not, and sometimes, the heating works, but there is no hot water. This means the valve may not be sending water to the right place.

You might also hear strange noises from the boiler. Sometimes, you may see warning lights or error signs on the boiler screen. If you see any of these problems, it may be broken and might need to be changed.

Diverter Valve: Simple Guide to Problems and Fixes

What Are the Common Symptoms of a Faulty Diverter?

Here are the common symptoms of a faulty diverter:

No Hot Water

When you turn on the hot tap, the water stays cold or just a little warm. This can mean that it is not sending hot water to the taps. It may be stuck or broken. 

Heating Works, Taps Don’t

Your radiators get warm like normal, but the hot taps don’t work. This shows that the valve is only sending hot water to the heating system, not the taps. Even if your boiler is on, the water from the tap may still feel cold. This is a common sign that the valve is stuck.

Taps Work, Heating Doesn’t

Your taps give hot water, but your radiators stay cold. The valve might be stuck on the hot water side and not passing any hot water to the radiators. You may only notice this when the weather is cold and your home doesn’t warm up.

Water Gets Hot and Cold

While you are using hot water, the temperature keeps changing. It gets hot, then cold, then hot again. This can mean the valve is moving the wrong way or not staying in the right place. 

Boiler Always On

Even when you are not using hot water or heating, the boiler stays on and runs in the background. This might be because the valve is open, so the boiler thinks it needs to keep heating. This can waste energy and increase your gas bill.

How to Fix a Stuck Diverter

Here are the steps that explain how to fix it when it is stuck:

Turn Off the Boiler and Let It Cool

First, make sure the boiler is turned off. Switch it off from the main power button or unplug it from the socket. Then, wait for 20–30 minutes so the boiler cools down. This step is very important to keep you safe from burns or any electric shocks. 

Open the Boiler Cover

Now take a screwdriver and slowly remove the screws from the boiler’s front panel. Then, carefully take off the boiler cover. Keep the screws in a safe place so you don’t lose them. Now you can see all the parts inside the boiler.

Find the Diverter 

Look closely inside the boiler. It is usually a round or block-shaped part. You will find it near the pipes inside the boiler. It may have small wires or a little motor on it. This valve is very important. It helps control where the hot water goes.

Check If the Valve Is Moving Properly

Turn on a hot water tap, like in your bathroom or kitchen. Look at the diverter inside the boiler. Watch closely to see the valve move properly. The valve should move when the hot water is on. If it moves, that means it is working and sending hot water to the tap. But if it stays still and does nothing, the valve may be stuck or not working at all.

Clean the Valve Carefully

Clean the boiler area with soft cloths after fixing the diverter. Sometimes, the valve gets stuck because it is dirty. Cleaning it can help the valve move again and work better. Make sure the valve is dry and clean after fixing it inside the boiler.

Put the Cover Back and Test

After you finish cleaning, carefully put the boiler cover back on. Make sure the cover is tight and safe. Now, turn the boiler back on. Wait for it to start fully. Then, test the hot water by turning on a tap. If both the hot water and heating are working well, the problem is fixed.

If not, the valve may still be stuck or broken, and you may need to call a heating expert.

Can a Faulty Diverter Cause Your Heating System to Fail?

A faulty diverter can cause your heating system to stop working. In a diverter valve boiler, this part helps send hot water to your radiators. If the valve is stuck or broken, it might not let the hot water go to the heating pipes.

This means your radiators will stay cold, even when the boiler is on. The problem can make your home feel cold and uncomfortable. If this happens, the diverter may need to be fixed or replaced by a heating expert.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Diverter?

Replacing a diverter can cost different amounts. The total price depends on a few things, like the cost of the valve and the fee for the person who fixes it.

Here is a short that shows the cost:

Can You Repair a Diverter Yourself?

Repairing a diverter is not simple. This part is inside the combi boilers. It helps send hot water to your taps or your radiators. If it stops working, you may not get hot water, or your heating might not work.

It has wires and gas parts inside. If you don’t know how to work with them, it can break the boiler. Sometimes, it is not safe to fix this part by yourself.

Only trained boiler workers should do this job. They know how to check the problem and fix it the right way. If you try to fix it without training, you do not replace it properly.  So, only call a gas-safe engineer to replace it. They follow safety rules and make sure your home stays safe.

Read More: Thermostatic Radiator Valves

Conclusion

It is important to keep your boiler working well. If your water is not hot or your home feels cold, the diverter might not be working well. Knowing the signs of a faulty diverter early can help fix the problem faster. You can fix and check small faults at home, but big problems should be fixed by a boiler expert. When the valve is working well, your home stays warm, and you get hot water when you need it.

FAQs:

What are diverter valves

It is a small part inside a boiler. It helps hot water go to the taps or to the radiators. If you turn on a hot tap, it sends water to the tap. If you turn on the heating, it sends water to the radiators.

How to free a stuck diverter 

To fix a stuck diverter, first turn off the boiler and let it cool down. Open the boiler cover slowly. Look for the valve inside. Clean it with a soft cloth. Try to move it slowly. If it still does not move, you should call a boiler expert to fix it.

Is a faulty diverter dangerous?

A broken diverter is usually not dangerous, but it can be a problem if it stops hot water or heating from working. This means your home may feel cold, or you may not get hot water.

Can a faulty diverter waste energy?

Yes, if the valve is stuck, your boiler may keep running when it’s not needed. This can waste gas and raise your bills.

Can a dirty diverter cause problems?

Yes, dust or dirt can make the valve stuck. You can try cleaning it gently to help it move again. If it still does not work, it may need to be changed.

Read more: Broken Boiler