
Vaillant ecoTEC Plus / Pro Plate Heat Exchanger Ref. 0020038572
If you notice that the hot water is lukewarm or has fluctuating temperatures and the flow of domestic hot water has decreased, you may need a new heat exchanger for Vaillant ecoTEC Plus / Pro, reference 0020038572. This part transfers heat from the primary circuit to the domestic hot water instantly. It is installed in Vaillant boilers from the Ecotec Plus range, such as the models VMW 236/3-5, VMW 280/3-5, and VMW 296/3-5, among others. It is advisable to replace it when experiencing temperature and flow issues in the hot water.
Vaillant boilers compatible with reference 0020038572
Plate heat exchanger with reference 0020038572. Six confirmed compatibilities: VMW 236/3-5 and VMW 280/3-5.
Proven compatibility
| Boiler model | Family | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| Vaillant VMW 236/3-5 | Vaillant Ecotec Plus / Turbotec Plus (VMW) | Contrasted |
| Vaillant VMW 280/3-5 | Vaillant Ecotec Plus / Turbotec Plus (VMW) | Contrasted |
| Vaillant VMW 296/3-5 | Vaillant Ecotec Plus / Turbotec Plus (VMW) | Contrasted |
| Vaillant VMW 306/5-5 | Vaillant Ecotec Plus / Turbotec Plus (VMW) | Contrasted |
| Vaillant VMW 346/3-5 | Vaillant Ecotec Plus / Turbotec Plus (VMW) | Contrasted |
| Vaillant VMW 346/5-5 | Vaillant Ecotec Plus / Turbotec Plus (VMW) | Contrasted |
Can't see your model or have questions? The printed reference takes precedence. How to check it · Send us a photo via WhatsApp.
How to check if ref. 0020038572 is the part for your boiler
What determines it is not the boiler model, but the reference printed on the part you already have installed.
- Find the reference printed on the installed part and check whether it matches the catalogue reference 0020038572. If it is not visible, do not identify the part from its shape alone.
- Check the full boiler model on its data plate and look for it in the model associations on this page.
- Compare the connections and physical body with the original part before installation.
- If anything is unclear, send us a photo of the marking via WhatsApp before placing your order.
Symptoms and faults that the plate heat exchanger 0020038572 resolves.
The plate heat exchanger transfers heat to the domestic hot water. These are the typical symptoms and what to do:
Common symptoms and faults
- 01
The domestic hot water does not reach the temperature indicated on the panel.
Cause: The heat exchanger does not transfer enough heat between the primary circuit and the domestic hot water circuit.
Reduce the flow at the tap and see if it improves; if it heats well with low flow, the problem is in the heat exchanger.
- 02
The hot water enters and exits, heats up and cools down irregularly.
Cause: A partial blockage due to scale causes an unstable flow and the modulation becomes erratic.
Check the cold water inlet filter, it often causes the same symptom and is cheaper to fix.
- 03
The boiler frequently requests pressure and you need to refill the heating circuit.
Cause: An internal leak between plates can mix water from the domestic hot water circuit with the heating circuit.
Check if the mains water consumption has increased on the bill, it's another clue of a possible internal leak.
- 04
The hot water comes out with a different color or taste than usual.
Cause: Corrosion of the plates can affect the water circulating through the heat exchanger.
Bleed several liters of water and check if the problem persists before replacing the part.
These symptoms can have more than one cause. If your boiler displays a fault code, send it to us via WhatsApp along with a photo of the labeling, and we'll tell you if this is the part.
Vaillant 0020038572 plate heat exchanger datasheet
- Catalogue reference
- 0020038572
- Brand
- Vaillant
- Type of part
- Plate heat exchanger
- Units in stock
- 0 units
- Status
- Refurbished
- Warranty
- 1 year
- Shipping
- 1-2 business days
- Return
- 14 days
Data read on the part and in the manufacturer's documentation
What we have not been able to verify does not appear here.
- Marking on the part
- Vaillant (embossed logo on the metal casing)
- Printed code
- 0020038572
Manuals and technical documentation
Official documentation of the boiler, useful for locating the part and cross-referencing the fault codes.
- Vaillant VMW 296/3-5 Manual (PDF)Document © Vaillant, provided as a technical reference.












