Plumbing Q - buzzing 3 way valve
Plumbing Q - buzzing 3 way valve
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Discussion

Iain328

Original Poster:

14,982 posts

235 months

Thursday 22nd January 2009
quotequote all
Got a fairly standard hot water/heating system with a boiler & hot and cold tanks. Next to the hot tank in the airing cupboard is a three way motorised valve - again fairly standard thing as far as I know.

While it seems to work OK (i.e. I can have the system running hot water only, heating only or both) I've noticed of late that sometimes after the time clock has switched the system off this thing is occasionally left buzzing like a demented wasp. A quick trip downstairs to the master switch next to the timeclock & switch it off & back on again & it stops.

So is it on its way out & if so can you just replace the electric part of it or is it a system drain down & have to replace the whole unit kind of job?

pies

13,116 posts

285 months

Thursday 22nd January 2009
quotequote all
On some 3 way valves its possible to replace just the motor and switch gear,but it does depend on the make smile

Bowler

915 posts

240 months

Thursday 22nd January 2009
quotequote all

This happened to me on a similar valve.

Basically the mechanical part (vane thing in the 3-way valve) was in the process of seizing and the electrical part was struggling to turn the valve. So it eventually died...

Drain and replace is probably the best. About £50 for the part (try screwfix)

HTH

moles

1,858 posts

273 months

Thursday 22nd January 2009
quotequote all
What make/model is it or what colour is it?.

Hyperion

16,952 posts

229 months

Thursday 22nd January 2009
quotequote all
Mine did this for about three months, until the synchro motor stopped working.
Replacement motors are around £12 from Screwfix, or £19 from Wickes.
Replacement is pretty straight forward. 1 screw and two wires to join together. But turn off the mains first.

Iain328

Original Poster:

14,982 posts

235 months

Thursday 22nd January 2009
quotequote all
moles said:
What make/model is it or what colour is it?.
Its a Honeywell thing - the electric part is silver in colour & about 2" x 2" x 3-4"

pies

13,116 posts

285 months

Thursday 22nd January 2009
quotequote all
Iain328 said:
moles said:
What make/model is it or what colour is it?.
Its a Honeywell thing - the electric part is silver in colour & about 2" x 2" x 3-4"
http://www.honeywelluk.com/product.aspx?r=mo&p=2338 ? smile

Iain328

Original Poster:

14,982 posts

235 months

Thursday 22nd January 2009
quotequote all
pies said:
Iain328 said:
moles said:
What make/model is it or what colour is it?.
Its a Honeywell thing - the electric part is silver in colour & about 2" x 2" x 3-4"
http://www.honeywelluk.com/product.aspx?r=mo&p=2338 ? smile
That looks like the fellow more or less.