How to Test a Zone Valve

How can You Check to See if a Zone Valve is Working

By Mark J. Donovan

Question: My hot water heating system does not seem to be operating properly. One of the zones does not seem to produce any heat. How can I test a zone valve to see if it is working properly?

Answer: To test your hot water zone valve, turn the thermostat up that is associated with the particular zone valve. Make sure to turn it up high enough so that it is warmer than the current temperature in the room.

You should immediately begin to hear and feel hot water flowing through the heating elements. If you do not, then you have a problem with the zone valve, circulator pump or thermostat.

If there is a lever on the zone valve, you can also push it to the on position to see if hot water will begin to flow through the heating elements. Once you push this lever to the on position, you should begin to feel or hear hot water flowing through the heating elements. Note, however, that when this lever is turned to the on position, the thermostat cannot control it. Hot water will continue to flow through the heating elements until you push the lever back to the closed position. If this test works, then chances are the circulator pump is working.