Radiators warm when hot water switched on after boiler service

spangles56

I'd be very grateful for some advice, please. My upstairs radiators get hot when my hot water is on and my central heating off. I had the same issue about eight years ago which was caused by the diverter valve(I think!), some part of which I had replaced, so I realise it may well be that again. But as this time it only started happening after I had my condensing boiler serviced a few days ago, I'm wondering if it may in some way be linked to the service.

I'm almost certainly clutching at straws here, but is there any chance that the plumber adjusted something that could have caused this and which could simply be adjusted back?

My second question–assuming it's not a simple fix–would it do any harm to simply turn the temperature controls on the radiators right down and let things continue as they are, or is this a problem that may develop into something more? I can't afford a plumber right now, but if it saves money/grief in the long run, I will try to find a way.

Thanks so much to anyone who is able to help.

Zola.

I have the same problem in my house and need answers also!

brightontraveller

Depends on system but normally sticking valve (zone three-port) somewhere. If its new boiler old installation could be bad pipe layout heat transference from pipe work (feeds running alongside central heating pipe work unusual but does happen ?)
Could service cause it ? Depends what they did but if it a build up of sludge etc or simple break down of component has one has a habit of moving around the other can go at any time so unlikely there to blame ?

spangles56

Thanks for this. The boiler was installed four years ago (by the same plumber who did the service) so presumably any bad pipe layout would have caused this issue before now. As for sludge, at the time of installation they flushed the system, so hopefully it isn't that. Which leaves it sounding as if the component may simply have met its maker and the timing re the service is one of those weird coincidences.

Thanks very much for your help.

lstar337

Why not just call the guy who did the service and ask?

It's obviously not normal behaviour, so it needs to be put right either way.

spangles56

Because that makes far too much sense! I guess I was hoping to get some idea of whether there might be a causal link before calling him, just in case he says he'll come and have a look and I get stuck with a call-out charge, but I think yours is the obvious and right solution. Thank you!

spangles56

Thanks to lstar337's very sensible suggestion, I just had a chat with the plumber. He reckons it's the actuator that's gone, that the timing is entirely coincidental, and I've simply been unlucky with the fact the part hasn't lasted terribly long. He's happy to replace it, but also suggested I could just turn off the heat to the radiators to save money, which is what I'm going to do for now. It'll be a bit of a pain having to run up and down stairs every time I want to put the heating on or off, but much better than having to spend money if I don't have to (and also all that running around will keep me warm!).