Common problems with under floor heating and how to avoid or fix them


Under floor heating has low maintenance needs but many things can go wrong with it. Some of these problems are as a result of improper installation, damaged wiring, improper insulation and damage to tiled flooring and other issues as well.
1. Damage to wiring: Tiles are the best flooring solution when using underfloor heating because they retain heat after being warmed up, and this helps save on bills. However, the heating system's wiring can easily be damaged when installing the tiles. The sharp trowel used in spreading mortar can actually rapture the wires.
Damaged wire may make some parts to not operate well or to malfunction, although it would not necessitate under floor heating replacement.
Raptured and damaged wires can easily be fixed with the help of a Putney plumber who removes and installs back the tiles, although it can take time to find out the exact point where the wire is raptured.
2. Blocked under floor pipes: It is important to flash out the system's pipes whenever you are installing or doing under floor heating replacement. Flashing will help avoid iron oxide that could collect in the system's pump and cause serious issues.
Usually hire an experienced and qualified Putney plumber or professional to install the system or do underfloor heating replacement to avoid this problem.
3. Heat causing crumbling of tile adhesive: Frequent changes in temperature such as changing from warm to cool or putting it off completely or frequently adjusting the temperature can cause the flooring material to expand irregularly and crumble the tile adhesive.
Such crumbling can also occur when the mortar used to fix floor expands due to heat exposure. Tile flooring distorts because mortar expands at a faster rate than most floor tiles.
Tiles can end up pointing from the floor at odd angles due to this distortion problem. The problem can also cause cracked or chipped floor tiles. More damage could result when you walk on this flooring because of the change in shape of the mortar. The best way to fix this problem is ensuring that the mortar used will tolerate the heat of an under floor heating system.
4. Damage to wood flooring: Temperature change can cause wooden flooring to warp or bow. This can result due to rapid temperature changes and therefore, switching the system off right from a very high heat can strain the wood to end in such damage although bowing and warping occurs over time.
Wooden flooring also damage due to uneven distribution of heat where some areas are made warmer than others. This may cause gaps between floorboards.
To avoid such problems, ensure to involve an experienced qualified professional or Putney plumber, use high quality wooden flooring materials and ensure even heat distribution.
There are many others that we will discuss in a different article. For instance, the heating single zone may not be heating up, in which case you should check if the actuator has failed, if the thermostat is faulty, wiring issues, flow gauges not being opened up correctly on manifold and air in UFH loop. A sticky pin valve underneath an actuator can also cause this problem.