Central Heating Issues 2

w00519772

I asked this question back in 2015: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5341103/central-heating-issues. In summary I have a Potterton combi boiler and about three years ago I noticed that the central heating was activated when the water only was activated i.e. the radiators would heat up. About 2.7 years ago the diverter valve was replaced in my Potterton Boiler by a local plumbing company (see linked question). I advised the company shortly after that there was an improvement i.e. the radiators were not pipeing hot - just slightly warm. At the time I was informed that it was normal for this to happen to prevent overheating when the water was on i.e. heat would escape through the central heating. However, this has got gradually worse.

I had the boiler serviced in July by the same comapny and again I was advised that it was normal for the radiators to warm up if the heat needed to escape i.e. to prevent overheating. However, today anther plumber from the same company (the owner in fact) arrived and negated this statement. He has advised me to replace the diverter valve again. He has said that a diverter valve could last six months or could last ten years. I have a few questions:

1) Should the boiler service at the end of July have identified this as an issue? I did mention is at the service, however the servicer said it was normal to prevent overheating.

2) Should the diverter valve last more than 2.7 years?

I am happy to pay for another diverter valve to be fitted if necessary. However, likewise I don't want to be taken advantage of. Hence the question. Should I take issue at any of this or just suck it up?

AndyPK

I wouldnt replace the valve so quicky.
They last longer than that

No a service wouldn’t detect it

w00519772

AndyPK wrote: »

I wouldnt replace the valve so quicky.
They last longer than that

No a service wouldn’t detect it

What would you do? The plumber is asking me to replace it. Thanks.

AndyPK

Well winter is coming, so you don't really care if the radiators get warm when you run the tap.


Make sure your heating works now.


Come May, when you turn the heating off, you could get them to take a look then and do an early service

macman

Sounds like you need a new RGI and a new diverter valve: they should last at least five years.

The_Big_Bamboo

w00519772 wrote: »

I asked this question back in 2015: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5341103/central-heating-issues. In summary I have a Potterton combi boiler and about three years ago I noticed that the central heating was activated when the water only was activated i.e. the radiators would heat up. About 2.7 years ago the diverter valve was replaced in my Potterton Boiler by a local plumbing company (see linked question). I advised the company shortly after that there was an improvement i.e. the radiators were not pipeing hot - just slightly warm. At the time I was informed that it was normal for this to happen to prevent overheating when the water was on i.e. heat would escape through the central heating. However, this has got gradually worse.

I had the boiler serviced in July by the same comapny and again I was advised that it was normal for the radiators to warm up if the heat needed to escape i.e. to prevent overheating. However, today anther plumber from the same company (the owner in fact) arrived and negated this statement. He has advised me to replace the diverter valve again. He has said that a diverter valve could last six months or could last ten years. I have a few questions:

1) Should the boiler service at the end of July have identified this as an issue? I did mention is at the service, however the servicer said it was normal to prevent overheating.

2) Should the diverter valve last more than 2.7 years?

I am happy to pay for another diverter valve to be fitted if necessary. However, likewise I don't want to be taken advantage of. Hence the question. Should I take issue at any of this or just suck it up?

With with due deference to the experts on here you could also cast your net a little further and post your question on a dedicated plumbing/CH forum.

https://www.diynot.com/diy/forums/plumbing/

You don’t need to be a ‘professional’ to post on DIYnot;... in all likelihood you’ll get a good response from DIY’ers and professional plumbers alike.

I’ve found it very useful over the years.

w00519772

The plumber has not said that he will fit the part at cost. I can get the part for £160. I have two options:

1) Buy the part and ask the original plumber to fit it. Cost=£160.
2) Potterton use Baxi for maintenance. I could get them to do this at a cost of £25.99 PCM for one year. There is extra cover during that period as well.

I am debating what to do.