non electrical (ie manual hand turn) 3 way 3 port valve for central heating hot water

[cjayd34]

Hi I have an old central heating system (I guess at least 20 years). The selection of Hot Water (only), Central Heating (only) or Hot Water plus Central heating is manually controlled by (hand) via a circular shaped brass value

The valve 'control' is fronted by a blue plastic dial that rotates

360 degrees, and has the above selection written in white lettering upon it.

The valve is/was made by Switchmaster. (I have a picture if anyones interested)

The valve may have developed an internal leak or broken it's seal - When Hot Water only is selected, some water is diverted to Central Heating - meaning the rads are warming up unnecessarily.

can anyone advise either where

• could I get a replacement for the Switchmaster

• Is there another form of 3 way valve I could use - it doesnt have to be elegant - as this is all locked away in a cupboard - I've done the usual google searches but had no luck so far

Kind regards Carl

[Ed Sirett]

Replace the valve with a standard (mid position Honeywell or Horstmann unit) Rewire controls as per Main FAQ

[Owain]

Why not replace it with the more usual electrically operated valve, then you can use a programmer?

Sell the old one on Ebay.

Owain

[meow2222]

The other option i to use a standard 3 port valve & remove the electrical actuator. Stick on a bit of handle if needed.

NT

[Andy Hall]

This seems a bit like the farmer in Co. Kerry who used to take his wife to church on the horse and cart every Sunday. As she grew older, she found this less appealing and wanted him to get a car. However, being a traditionalist, he wasn't having any of it. In the end, he caved in and compromised. A car was purchased. However, the engine was taken out and suitable fittings attached to the front so that he could hitch it up to the horse and continue to ride that while towing the car with his wife inside.

[meow2222]

A witty comparison, if not really comparable. Its the OP's decision which he wants.

NT