What causes a diverter valve to leak?
The diverter valve is an essential boiler part for systems that supply both hot water and central heating. When this valve develops a fault, it can result in leaks which can in turn cause further internal damage. Finding the cause of the leak is therefore of the utmost importance. In this post you’ll find information on the potential causes of diverter valve leaks so you can take preventative measures and address the issue more effectively.
What does the diverter valve do?
A diverter valve in a boiler system is responsible for redirecting hot water flow either to the heating system or to the domestic hot water supply, depending on what’s needed. For most combi boilers the diverter valve is located behind the taps of the bath or near the shower.
Potential causes of a boiler diverter valve leak?
Boilers can develop leaks for a wide range of reasons. Whatever is the case however, a leak is typically identified by condensation around the boiler and certain pipes. You may also notice that water in your taps is only lukewarm. Read ‘What causes hot water to stop working?’ for more information. The possible causes of diverter valve leaks are important to be aware of when it comes to ordering specific replacement parts for the boiler.
Over time, debris such as sediment or mineral deposits within and around the diverter valve can obstruct its movement and prevent proper sealing. This build-up may occur due to water impurities or inadequate system maintenance, although it can also happen naturally over time in areas with especially ‘hard’ water.
Over time, the internal components of the diverter valve can wear down due to constant use and exposure to hot water and pressure. This wear and tear can lead to deterioration of seals, gaskets, or moving valve parts, resulting in leaks.
Many components within the boiler can suffer from corrosion, resulting in cracks and other forms of degradation appearing. Weaknesses in integrity such as this can be opportunities for water to leak out. Corrosion can happen due to exposure to high temperatures, pressure fluctuations, oxygen, or due to chemical reactions with water additives.
In some cases, diverter valves may have manufacturing defects such as flaws in materials, inadequate sealing, or improper assembly. These defects can compromise the integrity of the valve and contribute to leaks occurring prematurely. This is just one reason why you should always source boiler parts and spares from reputable sources. National Boiler Spares conduct quality control checks on all refurbished boiler parts to ensure they are equivalent to manufacturer standards.
Improper installation of the diverter valve or incorrect alignment of its components can result in misalignment, uneven pressure distribution, or inadequate sealing. This can cause leaks to occur at the valve joints or connections.
Quality boiler diverter valve spares
If you have identified a leaking diverter valve, you’ll need to source a replacement boiler part and contact a gas safe engineer. When a part like the diverter valve becomes defective and starts to leak, you need replacement boiler parts delivered quickly to return effective heating to your home. Contact us for all your heating support needs.