Blog>Expert Advice>Why is your underfloor heating not working?
Last updated: 7 October 2024
Why is your underfloor heating not working?
From problem pipes to trapped air, there's many causes to underfloor heating not working. Explore them all, plus the best solutions - with our guide.
Underfloor heating not working? Blockages, broken pipes, faulty wiring, or damaged sensors are common causes to investigate.
Depending on the model, there can be many more culprits to faulty underfloor heating.
The good news is - you might be able to fix your underfloor heating rather than replace it.
Explore the most common problems with underfloor heating and the best fixes here.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
Common problems with underfloor heating
There are a good few reasons why underfloor heating breaks.
It all depends on the type of underfloor heating. Electric, hydronic, or infrared heating systems can have different faults.
Let's explore the common problems with underfloor heating.
Problems with electric underfloor heating
Electric underfloor heating is a robust, durable, and efficient way to heat your home.
But problems can occur, including;
Leaks, valve, or expansion vessel issues can lead to low-pressure
Cut or damaged heating cables stop them from heating up enough
A faulty valve actuator due to a sticky pin valve can cause several problems
Faulty wiring or a tripped circuit breaker stops your underfloor heating from turning on
Faulty thermostats cause incorrect temperature readings and constant heating
Actuator issues stop underfloor heating, turning off
Air in the system gets trapped in the loop, reducing its heat output and causing uneven heating
Crossing cables can cause damage and overheating - always space your cables at least 50mm apart, and don't let them touch
Infrared underfloor heating problems
Infrared underfloor heating is efficient, cost-effective and hassle-free.
It screams easy maintenance.
But infrared underfloor heating can have bad days, too.
Some common infrared underfloor heating problems include;
Issues with the circuit breaker can lead to a lack of power
Inconsistent wire spacing and floor levelling can result in uneven heating
Inadequate insulation results in energy being wasted downwards
A lack of thermal mass causes rooms to cool down quickly
Furniture obstructions can lead to ineffective heating as it blocks the infrared radiation
Oddly shaped rooms; split the wattage between two zones when the panel size and location are correct - but your underfloor heating is not working
Common problems with hydronic underfloor heating
Hydronic (wet) systems use water to heat your home. They are durable and highly efficient.
Some common problems include;
Air trapped in the pipes blocks the water flow and causes uneven or no heating
Pump failure or motor issues stop the water in the pipes from circulating properly
Pipes blocked with debris or sediment can restrict water flow, leading to cold spots
Leaks in the pipes can reduce water pressure and a lack of heating - look for damp patches or a pressure drop
Low water pressure caused by faulty pressure valves causes improper water circulation and poor heating
A boiler not heating the water properly due to low pressure, thermostat issues, or other issues can also make the whole system struggle. Look out for noises from the boiler or inconsistent water temperature.
Does your wet underfloor heating have any of these issues?
Finding the right underfloor heating repair is an easy way to get it working again.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
Underfloor heating troubleshooting
If you feel comfortable problem-solving, you can try answering these questions;
Is the thermostat working? Check the batteries of wireless systems
Is it set to the right temperature? Check the thermostat
Is your system getting power? Check if the circuit breaker has tripped
Is there any visible damage? Check for leaks, exposed wires, damaged heating cables or faulty wiring
Is the whole room cold, or are there cold spots? Check your heating zones for a problem in one or all areas
Is the pump (in wet systems) making any strange sounds?
For fault-finding electric underfloor heating, you can check for all of these things, plus;
Use a multimeter to test the cable resistance
Check for faults in the temperature sensor
Underfloor heating won't turn off
You might have an issue with a thermostat or control system when your underfloor heating won't turn off.
This underfloor heating fault may be because of;
Stuck relays in the control box
Wiring issues affecting the thermostat
Faults in the actuators or zone valves
Wrong thermostat settings - try resetting the thermostat; check your user manual for instructions
Steps one to three are likely caused by electrical issues. So, getting a heating engineer or electrician to test the circuits is best.
Underfloor heating actuator problems
Actuators can fail in hydronic systems, leading to inconsistent heating in zones.
Actuator problems may come from;
A stuck actuator pin
A failed actuator motor
Stuck or blocked valves
Wiring issues linked to the actuator
The actuator not opening or closing fully
When your pin is stuck, try to dislodge it. You can use silicone spray or long-nose pliers to remove it.
Actuators are vital for the efficiency of underfloor heating.
If your actuator has any other problems, ask a certified electrician or heating engineer to check for electrical issues with the wiring or thermostat.
Underfloor heating pump not working
The circulator pump is vital for circulating hot water around wet or hydronic underfloor heating systems.
When your circulator pump fails, your heating system won't work properly.
Issues that can lead to a faulty pump include;
Pump motor failure
Air trapped in the pipes
Clogged or blocked pump
Incorrect pump speed settings
To spot problems with your circulating pump, you can try turning it off and checking if the pressure changes.
This can be a sign of leaks or blockages. You can also try flushing the pipes with a cleaner or bleeding the system.
A heating engineer can also help you with a faulty circulating pump.
Underfloor heating not working in one room
When only one room won't heat up, the problem is probably with one zone.
Causes can be;
Air trapped in the pipes
A faulty actuator in that zone
Blockage or leak in the pipes
A thermostat issue in that room
Ways to troubleshoot underfloor heating not working in one room include;
Check your boiler for problems
Check for a stuck pin in the valve actuator
Check the thermostat for faults, low battery or incorrect settings
Check for trapped air in the underfloor heating loop; try bleeding the system
Check for pressure issues causing blockages in the filling loop, pipework, and diaphragm
Check for wiring issues, faulty connections or tripped circuit breakers
Check for leaks by re-pressurising zones one at a time
Only try these troubleshooting steps if you feel comfortable.
FAQs
How do you detect faults in underfloor heating?
There are several ways to detect faults with underfloor heating.
First - visually check your system for damage, broken pipes, or faulty wiring.
Try testing the thermostat and checking the wiring with a multimeter.
You can also look for leaks or air in the pipes for hydronic systems.
How do you reset underfloor heating?
When your underfloor heating isn't working, try resetting it.
Turn the system off at the main power source. Then, wait a few minutes before turning it back on.
You can check your user manual if you need help with this.
How easy is it to repair underfloor heating?
The effort level involved in repairing your underfloor heating depends on the heating system and the problem.
You can fix minor issues with the thermostat yourself.
But, it's better to get professional help for more severe system issues, such as leaks, faulty wiring, or damaged cables.
Finding a fix for faulty underfloor heating
Are you still stuck with underfloor heating not working?
Hiring a trusted and qualified heating engineer is an easy way to get an accurate diagnosis and a fast fix.
Enter your postcode below to get your underfloor heating warming your toes again!
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