Boiler/hot water issue

monaymadlol

Hi how's it going?

I have a very old Worcester Bosch Combi.

The last few weeks, I've had cold water despite the water setting being on at all times 

The only way I've got heated water is by having to turn the boiler on so that the radiators are on/hot. Even then, the water isn't super hot as I'd like but enough to shower. And it takes a while to heat up.

What is the issue/fix likely to be without having to fork out for a new one?

Heat exchanger or diverter valve I thought?

I'll get someone to take a look but thought I'd get an idea here.

Tia

kobe84

Sounds like the diverter valve to me.

bris

Probably a good 90% sure a Diaphragm repair kit is needed for the diverter valve, very common issue.

The pin doesn't move to hit the switch and change to hot water because the diaphragm is worn out, 

monaymadlol

Will it be hard to get for a 20 years old boiler

Bendy_House

Exact model?

Try ebay for 'diverter valve', and good chance you'll find refurbished items (which are nigh-on as good as new) or even NOS.

kobe84

monaymadlol said:

Will it be hard to get for a 20 years old boiler

Probably be fairly easy for a WB. What model is it?

another_casualty

Only imho but the cost of getting the boiler sorted at the age it is at, I'd say get a new boiler . Although the more expensive option , once paid for you'd get guarantee for a few years on new boiler and only have the expense of the annual service . 

Plus say that this present problem is fixed , there could be another fault which could be another cost In the not  too distant future ..

SaintJudy

I had this exact same problem with my old Baxi boiler. Three boiler engineers said it's not worth repairing, and wouldn't touch it. The only way I could get it fixed was a one off repair from Baxi for a quote of £480. I put the money towards a new WB boiler instead with a 10 year warranty 

Bendy_House

It's Monaymand's call. This is likely a pre condensing-era boiler, so a solid bag of nails with relatively little to go wrong. A friendly local GasSafe may be happy to take on this job if a NOS or refurb'ed part can be found (and assuming it is the diverter.)

I did my GlowWorm a year ago - picked up a new OE diverter (complete Hydroblock) in an auction on eBay for, I think, £20-odd, and added new motor for £17.