Drayton 27100 22mm 2-Port Motorized Valve

After our boiler heating and hot water system service provider tried twice to fix the pump running problem when heating and hot water switched off without success (first visit i as told it was a faulty pump, second visit i was told it was the hot water cylinder thermostat) I decided that I may as well work out the problem myself. After reading reviews here on Amazon and also via plumber Google, I fund others mentioning the same symptoms for their system for the same boiler as mine and it was dead right, basically the heating valve actuator microswitch had failed when the airing cupboard had become warm (eg after 5 hours of heating.) This was a direct replacement unit and works a dream. Why the service company, a BIG Well known one, didn’t think of this is beyond me. Anyway, all done, great it’s, good price, speedy same day Prime delivery, job done!

I have a few of these installed to zone off an extension and to trigger circulation to a pressurised water cylinder. Recently the hot water valve actuator wasn’t closing when demand ended. This means the pump runs endlessly and hot water is forever produced based on thermostat demand. It always returned when given a little jiggle but obviously not a practical solution. So.. with these units the head is easily replaceable. This came with the 2 port as well but was a good price compared to regular retail outlets. Wiring was super simple assuming appropriate skills. I’m handy but definitely not an electrician. For me this was simply replacing wiring like for like (see pic). BUT ISOLATE THE SUPPLY FIRST AND CHECK!!! All done in about 20 minutes. First time for me too. Once tested a few times really happy that compared to a plumber call out this was a simply job at low cost! Boom

I didn't need to replace the valve part but it's cheaper to buy the whole gubbins rather than just the actuator which is what broke. These things are not the most reliable, but they are easy to fit and replace. The old one packed up because the post to which one of the return springs attach snapped off - poor design I think. They are, however, very easy to fit provided you isolate the electrics and carefully replicate the original wiring in the junction box. I'm not a tradesman so I wouldn't like to wire one in from scratch. Time to fit once diagnosed, about 30 minutes max. The new actuator just clips on to the existing valve.

The headline describes already the downside of this actuator. The Drayton actuators do not usually have a very long life. On the plus side they are notably less expensive and very easy replaced. And it is not so as if the big brand with the H would be flawless. The older units were great but the newer ones only have a higher price than the Drayton ones and are much more frequently a cause of trouble, opposed to the older units and barely better than the Drayton ones. That is the reason why this actuator gets a 5 star rating, which I would not have given a few years ago. The location, where this actuator is replacing the faulty one, is very crammed up. I would not really have fancied trying to fiddly unscrew and screw back an actuator, whilst trying to align the lever. The click fit of the Drayton actuator made that part of the job quick and easy. And allows for quick testing out of position if needed.

Flexible and robust, just had a micro switch fail after 19 years, still current and easily replaceable. Well engineered, British, and reliable. Costs in well and is so easy to maintain, can see why I bought it 19 year's ago.

Very easy to fit as a replacement. Didn't need the valve as mine was OK but it was cheaper than a replacement without the valve. Wife now happy that the heating now turns off when hot water comes on site I'm ecstatic.

First up, top notch service. Ordered late Saturday night (I know how to have fun) and delivered Monday morning. This was simple to refit, replacing a dodgy 5 year old valve. (Circa 2010). Symptom were valve not shutting and hot water becoming super heated. We've got an s-plan system so with CH on, the HW tank kept heating too. Rads not very warm, hot water at tea-making temperature. Cause? Valve body seems ok (turns easily by hand) but microswitch was super intermittent. Disassembly showed the switch to be loose, appealing design. New one seems better designed.. Though am loathe to take it apart to confirm! Cable is better quality as is the moulding. Suggests a different factory has produced it or they have revised the design. Here's to my £40 investment in reduced bills!!

Direct replacement for the British Gas valve motor as my heating kept staying on (sticky micro switch). Worked perfectly and the motor just clips on and off the valve already there and then wire in. Comes with the valve but I never needed it. Great price and speedy delivery.