Underfloor heating: can you fix it?

The most commonly asked questions about underfloor heating regard how it gets repaired. Can you fix it? Yes you can  

The questions most commonly asked by people considering installing underfloor heating are almost always about whether it can be repaired – and if so, how.

 The answer to the first question is “yes” – and the answer to the second is, of course, “it depends on the problem” (and on which type of underfloor heating system you’ve chosen). But most repairs can be fixed easily, relatively cheaply and with a minimum of inconvenience. 

Well-fitted underfloor heating reduces repair need

If your underfloor heating system is fitted correctly in the first place then there shouldn’t be much need for repairs and maintenance. Because the heating system is embedded in the floor there are less stresses and strains on it than there are on a traditional radiator-based central heating system – which require few repairs themselves if maintained correctly. 

Of any faults that do occur, a high proportion will be away from the under-floor element – with the thermostat, boiler, pump or control unit, for example. These can be repaired or replaced in the same way as with a traditional heating system.

Underfloor heating problems localised

When problems do occur with the under-floor parts, a good system will have been designed so that the problem can be dealt with locally – ie, only the faulty part needs to be replaced rather than the complete system. Both electric and wet underfloor heating systems can be repaired in this way. 

Electric underfloor heating systems are often easier to repair because the heating element sits under the floor covering only in many cases. It is just a case of lifting the relevant tiles, carpet or wood covering and replacing the damaged circuit. (When tiling over underfloor heating, it is wise to save some tiles for just this eventuality as the ones you take up will probably break). 

Repairing wet underfloor heating systems

Wet systems can require more work. The pipes are usually embedded in the floor, which will be made of brick, concrete or screed, and will need digging up. This is hard work, but if carried out by a professional can be done quickly and tidily. 

If you need to go to these lengths then the repair could be quite expensive – but is usually covered by home or heating insurance (depending on the policy and the circumstances), and is no more likely to be needed than with any other central heating system.

Robbens Systems is a company with many years of expertise in underfloor heating. With more than 15 years in the business, the company is ideally placed to help you plan and install underfloor heating in a wide range of buildings – from care showrooms to renovated buildings. 

Our expertise can help you get the underfloor heating system you’ve always wanted, and our trained technicians are there to help you every step of the way. For more information, call us today on 01424 851111 or email robbens@underfloorheating.co.uk.

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