From Failure to Warmth: Understanding Underfloor Heating Issues and How to Fix Them

Underfloor heating is one of the most popular solutions for providing warmth in a home

It is highly favoured for its ease of use, aesthetics (allowing for the removal of radiators in living spaces), easier and longer maintenance of thermal comfort in rooms, and savings associated with using less energy to heat the home.

This system is characterized by high durability and resistance to mechanical damage – partly because its components are hidden – therefore, breakdowns are extremely rare. However, like any system, it is not entirely immune to them.

Damage to underfloor heating systems

Damage to underfloor heating systems typically occurs due to issues arising during installation. These may result from improper cutting of pipes, poor connections, or inadequate insulation. Therefore, it is particularly important to pay attention to the quality of installation. However, an experienced installer should never allow such errors to occur, especially since in such cases, a mandatory overall leakage test of the entire installation is carried out before covering it with another layer of anhydrite or cement screed.

If any element of the underfloor heating system is damaged at this stage of installation, it must be replaced without hesitation. As a result, cases requiring the dismantling of the floor are rare. Therefore, with a properly installed underfloor heating system, the occurrence of mechanical failures at the floor level is minimal.

However, the proper functioning of the underfloor heating system and its efficiency depend on other factors.

Causes of underfloor heating failures One of the causes of underfloor heating failures may be air trapped in the system, a situation where air is present in the underfloor heating pipes, causing a disruption to the entire system’s operation. It can occur during installation or due to water leakage, which caused the fluid to escape from the system. In such a case, a bleeding procedure should be carried out, involving releasing air from the circuit, allowing the fluid to circulate correctly. Special bleeding tools should be used to remove air from the system. However, this procedure requires some knowledge and experience, so it is better to contact a professional service.

Improper operation of the underfloor heating may also be influenced by:

• issues with the circulation pump – if the circulation pump is damaged or malfunctioning, water will not circulate correctly through the pipes, or there will not be enough water in the system, resulting in a lack of heat in the room. In such a situation, replacing the circulation pump is necessary.
• damage to heating valves – if the heating valves are damaged or not functioning properly, water will not flow through the pipes, and likewise, there will be no underfloor heating. In such a situation, the damaged valves need to be replaced. It’s good to first make sure that the radiator valve is open and that the water flow is adequate, as it must reach all sections of the floor.
• thermostat issues – incorrect settings or damage to the thermostat can lead to inadequate or excessive heating of the floor. In such a situation, adjusting or replacing the thermostats is necessary. But always make sure first that the thermostat switch is set to the correct temperature.
• installation leaks – if the pipes or heating conduits are damaged or leaking, repairs to the leaks will be necessary.
• low water pressure – if the water pressure is inadequate, water will not circulate correctly in the system, resulting in a lack of heat in the room. In such a situation, restoring proper water pressure in the circuit is necessary.
• electrical supply problems – if the heating system operates on electricity, problems with the electrical supply can cause underfloor heating failure. In such a situation, the source of the problem must be identified and the power supply repaired.

Underfloor Heating Service – Repair, Bleeding

In most cases of underfloor heating failures, it is recommended to contact an experienced service provider who will accurately diagnose the problem and carry out necessary repairs. Attempting to intervene independently can lead to further, more serious damage to the system.