Hot radiators despite heating being turned off

JH0pkins · Jul 25, 2011

I rent out my flat and 2 weeks ago had the boiler serviced and a gas safe certificate issued.
Last week the tenant contacted me to say the radiators were hot despite the heating being turned off and the thermostat being turned to minimum.

This sounded improbable, but I did actually check and all necessary dials for heating were turned off; timer off; thermostat down, etc.
I contacted the plumber who did the service to ask if he would have adjusted anything that would cause this. He said no, and also said it was impossible for the heating to come on when everything was turned off.

Having googled the problem I am wondering whether the problem is caused by a faulty diverter valve?? Any thoughts please.

I'd also like to know what is done in a gas safe test. Would the plumber have done anything to cause this / should he have picked up on it? or is the timing just a coincidence (the service and the problem with unnecesary heating were a week apart).

Many thanks

AWheating · Jul 25, 2011

what boiler do you have?

leelister6 · Jul 25, 2011

A gas safety check only covers the safety aspects of gas appliances, such as ventilation, condition of flues, correct operation of safety devices etc as well as a check for gas leaks on the installation and meter. You should have received a copy of the cert with all the relevant sections filled out. It is doubtful that a service would have caused any problems with the central heating, it just sounds like an unfortunate coincidence.

diamondgas · Jul 25, 2011

Having googled the problem I am wondering whether the problem is caused by a faulty diverter valve??

You'll be right most likely regards diverter valve or a zone valve. Could be electrical but less likely. All depends on the kind of heating and hot water appliance you have!