How To Repair Heated Floors?

Underfloor heating systems are durable and will rarely have any issues if installed correctly. The floor heating system is protected by the materials it is encapsulated in and doesn’t have moving parts. However, just like with other systems, the underfloor heating system might develop some issues that require professional repair. Below are some of the reasons why an underfloor heating system might malfunction and how you can repair it:

A Faulty Temperature Sensor

The floor sensor might be faulty if your thermostat displays strange and inconsistent readings. Most professional underfloor heating systems installation companies install an additional floor sensor as a backup to the first sensor. Therefore, if the first-floor sensor malfunctions, it’s easy to swap to the second sensor.

If you do not have a backup floor sensor, you will have to install a new sensor. The sensor is placed adjacent to the floor-heating mat. During installation, the repair expert will dig up some tiles or dig into the grout lines.

Faulty Thermostat

The underfloor heating system will not work properly if the thermostat is faulty. You can determine whether the thermostat is working correctly by resetting the clock to factory settings. You may have to replace the thermostat if the problem persists.

What Could Damage Heated Floors?

Electric floor heating systems will rarely malfunction with proper installation. However, issues might arise mainly due to failure to follow installation instructions. Some of the typical factors that could damage the system include:

• Failure to take ohm readings of the heating system – proper readings should be taken using a digital multimeter before, during, and after installation. This allows the technician to detect any damage that might have occurred due to wire exposure during the initial laying out.
• Failure to ensure that the factory joint is encapsulated in the floor leveller or thin-set where applicable
• Choosing an incorrect circuit breaker – For example, it’s not advisable to connect a 120V floor heating system to a 240V circuit.

How to Repair a Radiant Floor Heating System?

If your floor heating system has an issue, one of the obvious signs is that your floor will not heat up enough. In severe cases of damage, the floor will not heat up at all. You might also notice unbalanced heating where some parts of the floor are cold, and others are warm. Constant tripping of the ground fault indicator is also a sign that the floor heating system has malfunctioned. How can you locate the problem area, usually a short or a break beneath the floor covering? You do not have to remove the entire floor to repair a faulty floor heating system.

By using a TDR (Time Domain Reflectometer) meter, it is possible to locate the damaged part. The TDR meter is connected to the unpowered system; it sends an electric current through the connected table until it reaches the break or the short. Upon reaching the short or the break, the electric pulse travels back to the TDR meter. The electrician calculates the time it takes for the pulse to reach the problem area and converts it into a distance reading. By doing this, the electrician is able to determine the exact location of the problem.

It’s advisable to avoid DIY techniques with radiant floor heating system repair. You might end up doing more damage if you try to remove the flooring material to get to the piping. You might damage both the floor and the heating system further. Involving a professional repair expert is recommended. Experts have the right tools to identify and fix damages fast and effectively.

Several potential problems can affect an electric floor heating system. The most common is damage to the wires caused by rodents; this damage could make the entire heating system short out. Fuses and wiring issues could also make the electric heating system malfunction.

How to Repair Heated Floors Once Damage has Been Established?

Electrical problems in your floor heating system could be something as simple as a blown a fuse. With the help of an electrician, you can know what is happening by checking beneath the flooring. The most common problem is a short that occurs due to damage to the wires. Electrical problems are often difficult to repair, and it’s important to consult a professional. The electrician will determine whether to repair the existing wires or replace the entire run of wiring. The solution to your faulty floor heating system will depend on the problem at hand and the type of system that you have.