We have lived in this house 15 years. So far we have replaced the 3 zone valves in our furnace 3 times. Is this normal wear and tear or what is going on. These are very expensive and my husband is NOT a handy man

From my boiler experience days, you may have acidic water in your system. Checking the water Ph is simple, and cheap... Litmus paper strips are available. Most systems require antifreeze in them, which should be replaced on schedule, it's already chemically adjusted, and contains corrosion inhibitors. Perhaps installing a zinc sacrificial anode plug, in the system near the boiler would reduce the cost... the plug would have to be replaced periodically, but it's cost is considerably cheaper than the valves'... In any case, periodic monitoring of the water Ph should be done to reduce costs.

Irobound...

Are you replacing the entire zone valve (draining system amd cutting out and replacing entire valve) OR are you just replacing the POWER HEADS form the zone valves (unwiring and twisting head off)?

How old is the boiler?

Let us know...

MARK