Complete novice - 3 Port Valve problem

[trickytree]

Hi all

I have a problem with my 3 port valve in my airing cupboard.

My stepdad is a plumber but has gone away for 3 weeks, so I'm stuck with the problem myself, as the worst weather for 20 years hits!!

Anyway, I had until last week only been getting hot heating, no hot water, and my stepdad asked me to look at the valve and see what position the arm was in, and it was at the top, so he said slide it down halfway and lock it off to the side, and the switch on the top went to 'M' (in the middle) and got hot water!!

Unfortunately it only lasted 3 days, and when I went back to check the valve the arm is just loose at the bottom of the valve slot and cannot be moved higher than halfway up, and the switch on top is at theH position (I think thats right - I'm at work so cannot be 100 sure - sorry)

The arm not being able to move back up is my biggest concern ... does it sound broken??

ANY HELP would be greatly appreciated, as I have baby twins and bath time is a total nightmare, not to mention washing dishes and well, everything else you need hot water for!!

Thanks in advance

 

[D_Hailsham]

The valve may be sticking in heating only; this is why the lever feels loose.

When you get home, turn off the electricity to the system. Then check the valve. If the lever is still loose, the valve is definitely stuck; but if the lever is now stiff to move, the actuator - box on top of valve - is faulty.

Post what you find and the make/model of valve.

PS You can turn the electricity back on when you have checked the valve!

 

[trickytree]

Thanks very much!!

I will do as you suggested as SOON as I get home!!

I'm all excited now!! How sad ... !!

 

[trickytree]

Untitled

• trickytree
• 3 Feb 2009
• 1

Untitled

• trickytree
• 3 Feb 2009
• 1

Untitled

• trickytree
• 3 Feb 2009
• 1

 

[trickytree]

OK, I killed the power and the arm freed itself, so i put it in mid position, but when i turned the power back on, it went to the position as in the pics, and so i have no hot water!!

So it looks like the actuator is faulty - is that the white box in my pics??

 

[seco services]

OK, I killed the power and the arm freed itself, so i put it in mid position, but when i turned the power back on, it went to the position as in the pics, and so i have no hot water!!

why did you put it in mid position ?

turn power off then turn back on where does the indicator point to w m h ?

 

[trickytree]

ok, turning it off then back on makes the arm rise up and then the switch goes over to 'W'

 

[seco services]

ok, turning it off then back on makes the arm rise up and then the switch goes over to 'W'

now turn your hw on at programmer what happens ?

 

[trickytree]

Will try as soon as i get back ... thanks for your help and patience!!