Typical underfloor heating mistakes and how to avoid them – During installation

Underfloor Heating Pipes in position

In our last blog post on underfloor heating, we discussed why proper planning for Underfloor Heating (UFH) installation is so important, but it’s not just at the early stages where mistakes can be made. Even with the best planning process in the world, it can be easy to make silly mistakes during the installation stage. Paying attention to best practice, and following the right steps during installation, can help avoid mistakes further down the line.

As part of our guide, let’s explore some of the common mistakes that are often made during UFH installations…

UFH mistake one: Overlooking the conduit

When installers are pushed for time it can be easy to sacrifice the pipe conduit but overlooking the function of this material could have implications post-installation. The conduit acts as a protective sleeve for pipes where they rise from the screed floor up to the manifold, as well as where pipes travel through an expansion strip. Not only does conduit protect the pipework from damage but it also helps to insulate the pipe and prevent an excessive build-up of heat in one area, which can often cause cracks in the floor screed. A little bit more time spent installing conduit on your pipework could well save you a call-back later on.

underfloor heating manifold

UFH mistake two: Bursting under pressure

If there’s one piece of advice we like to give plumbers aside from using plastic fittings, it’s to always remember to perform a pressure test. Unfortunately, this critical action is often skipped, particularly when installers are in a hurry to move from one job to the next. However, when you forget to perform a pressure test you also forget to expand the pipework. Installers shouldn’t automatically expect the UFH system to perform at optimum capacity when the pipes are at their most expanded. We always advise performing a pressure test at 6 bar before flooring or screed is laid. This will allow you to check for leaks and ensure the pipes reach maximum expansion. Make sure you maintain this pressure until the screed has been fully applied, as this prevents the screed from cracking later on.

pressure testing underfloor heating manifold

UFH mistake three: Carrying out the wrong pressure test

Believe it or not, carrying out a pressure test with air instead of water is a common mistake that many installers make. This will not allow the pipes to hydraulically expand, simply because air can be compressed, whilst water cannot be. It is important to make sure there aren’t any traces of air in the system, as air loops in the pipe wouldn’t let the system run properly.

opening valve on underfloor heating manifold

UFH mistake four: Not opening the valves on the manifold when performing a pressure test

Tricky business this pressure testing, isn’t it? Even if you remember to perform a pressure test and follow best practice by conducting a test with water rather than air, it is still possible to make a mistake if you do not open the valves on the manifold. Each manifold has two isolation points on each circuit. These are controlled by a decorator cap, which protects the valve. While pressure testing, the cap should be unwound so that it only just sits on the manifold, or removed completely to allow the water in the system to flow. If you forget to remove the cap, you will only pressurise the manifold, not the water. The same is true for the other isolation point, which has a cap on the flow gauge. This must also be open during a pressure test.

Following some of the steps outlined above and in our previous blog post can help prevent mistakes from creeping into your work. Of course, mistakes can be made even after installation, watch this space to find out how you can avoid common mistakes at the commissioning stage, or click here for more information about underfloor heating.

Need advice?

Speak to our technical support team.

Andy Lea Headshot

Andy Lea

Technical Sales Engineer

About the author

My journey in the construction industry began when I trained as a plumber.

Fuelled by ambition, I took the leap and became self-employed, running a successful business for eight years. Seeking to expand my knowledge and enhance my skills, I pursued a Higher National Diploma, which provided me with a broader perspective on the industry.

Today, I proudly celebrate 22 years with RWC, a company I've called home. As a spokesperson, I have the privilege of sharing my extensive expertise and insights, connecting with audiences and conveying RWC's vision and innovative solutions.