Worcester Boiler Fault – Hot Water but No Heating | Afterglow Plumbing & Heating
At Afterglow Plumbing & Heating, we regularly get calls from homeowners across Kings Heath, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield and Great Barr who are frustrated because their Worcester boiler is giving them hot water but no central heating. This is one of the most common Worcester boiler problems, and it can often be traced back to just a handful of issues.
Common Causes of “Hot Water but No Heating” on Worcester Boilers
1. Faulty or Broken Programmable Thermostat
If your Worcester Greenstar boiler is not responding to the thermostat, the problem may not be with the boiler itself but with the programmable thermostat or wireless receiver.
Checks you can do yourself:
- Replace the thermostat batteries (flat batteries are one of the most common reasons for heating not coming on).
- Make sure the thermostat is calling for heat and is set above the current room temperature.
- Look for an override button on the receiver unit (usually near your boiler). Pressing this can help you test whether the heating system is working without the thermostat.
- Check the display – if the screen is blank, it’s almost always a battery or power supply issue.
2. Stuck Diverter Valve Motor
Another extremely common Worcester boiler fault is a stuck diverter valve. This valve controls whether the boiler sends hot water to your taps or to the radiators.
- Over the summer months, when the central heating isn’t used, the diverter valve can seize or stick in the “hot water” position.
- The result: plenty of hot water but no heating.
Tip from Afterglow engineers:
To prevent this problem, we recommend turning your heating on for at least 20 minutes once a week over the summer. This keeps the diverter valve moving freely and helps avoid costly repairs when winter arrives.
3. Why Boiler Servicing is Essential
Many people assume a boiler service is just a quick safety check, but at Afterglow Plumbing & Heating we carry out a full comprehensive Worcester boiler service.
That includes:
- Replacing the burner gasket – this gasket can become brittle, cracked or perished over time. If it’s not replaced, it can leak dangerous gases or cause serious boiler damage.
- Cleaning key components, including the heat exchanger.
- Checking the flue, gas pressures, and safety controls.
Skipping a service is a false economy. We’ve seen boilers in Solihull and Sutton Coldfield fail prematurely because gaskets were left unchanged for years. A service is not just about efficiency – it’s about safety.
Local Customer Feedback
We’re proud to be a trusted boiler repair and service company in Birmingham and the West Midlands. Here’s what some of our customers say:
- “Afterglow came out to my home in Kings Heath when my Worcester 30i wasn’t heating the radiators. They quickly diagnosed a faulty diverter valve and had us warm again the same day!”
- “Great service in Solihull – Afterglow fixed my thermostat issue and explained how to use the override button. Friendly, reliable and local.”
- “Our Worcester boiler in Sutton Coldfield kept locking out. Afterglow carried out a full boiler service, replaced the gasket and it’s been running perfectly since.”
- “Highly recommend Afterglow in Great Barr – honest advice, no pushy sales, and professional Worcester boiler servicing.”
Worcester Boiler Faults – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does my Worcester boiler give me hot water but no heating?
A: The two most common causes are a faulty thermostat or a stuck diverter valve. At Afterglow Plumbing & Heating, we check both during Worcester boiler repairs.
Q: How do I fix a Worcester boiler thermostat problem?
A: Start by replacing the thermostat batteries, checking the programmed schedule, and trying the override button on the receiver. If the heating comes on with the override, the thermostat may need replacing.
Q: Can I prevent my Worcester boiler diverter valve from sticking?
A: Yes. Simply turn on your heating for 20 minutes per week in summer. This keeps the diverter motor active and helps avoid costly Worcester boiler repairs.
Q: Do I really need my Worcester boiler gasket replaced during a service?
A: Absolutely. A perished gasket can leak and is a genuine safety risk. Afterglow Plumbing & Heating always replaces the gasket as part of a comprehensive Worcester boiler service, ensuring your system runs safely and efficiently.
Why Choose Afterglow Plumbing & Heating?
- Worcester Bosch boiler specialists in Kings Heath, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, and Great Barr
- Gas Safe registered engineers
- Fast response for boiler breakdowns
- Full Worcester boiler servicing including gasket replacement
- Honest advice and transparent pricing
Need Help Today?
If your Worcester boiler has hot water but no heating, call Afterglow Plumbing & Heating. We’ll get your system running properly again and make sure your boiler is safe, efficient, and ready for winter.
Contact us now for Worcester boiler repairs or servicing in Kings Heath, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield and Great Barr.
