HW constant hot (even when not turned on!) ACTUATOR prob?

[MikeDee]

Hi
my hot water has suddenly started being very hot despite me NOT switching the hot water on. My heating is getting used just now and i reckon my problem is with the actuator. I have looked at it, its very hot to touch and it seems jammed on. I used to be able to move the small plastic switch thing freely but it wont budge now and i cant hear or see any clicking from the unit (liked it used to do). Is this the problem and is it an easy DIY? It seems as though it could be. If so, is it a case of replacing the actuator box and switching the wiring over? Also, how much are these units? I have a 19 year old gas fired boiler, with water tank etc not a combi.
PS The valve is NOT sticking, it moves freely.
Many thanks in advance,

Mikey

 

[swbjackson]

Is it a two port valve or three port valve? What make is it? You can get replacement heads for some. the old blue switchmaster models are obsolete and need a slight wiring alteration and minor reconfiguration of the pipework.

 

[MikeDee]

Is it a two port valve or three port valve? What make is it? You can get replacement heads for some. the old blue switchmaster models are obsolete and need a slight wiring alteration and minor reconfiguration of the pipework.

not sure how many ports mate, there is a pipe either side of the box and a pipe in the middle going away from the box. There is no make on the box cover, just says "Mid position actuator code: BGMVSP-23", its a blue box, looks like it has a sticker on it saying it was made in 2006. Not too old. The CH hasnt been on since this morning and yet the box is still hot.

i wont be touching it myself if its not a straight replacement, leave it to a pro! in the meantime, will any damage be getting done to my boiler system because of the constant hot water?

Mikey