While a reliable and safe heating option, underfloor heating problems can sometimes arise, so it’s important to know how to solve simple issues and learn when you need to call a professional. If you’re experiencing underfloor heating problems or your underfloor heating is not working, this guide will walk you through common causes and how you can fix them, whether it's for wet systems or electric underfloor heating.
Why Your Underfloor Heating Isn’t Working
There are a few common underfloor heating problems that can cause your system to stop working or operate less effectively. Here are the top reasons for underfloor heating not working:
Power or Control Faults
A tripped breaker, blown fuse or a faulty thermostat can cause issues and cut power to your electric underfloor heating system. There could also be issues with wiring or misconfigured controls that can prevent activation of heating circuits.
Incorrect System Installation
Whether you’ve installed your underfloor heating yourself or hired a professional to do it, mistakes happen, and there could be a problem with how the system was fitted. Incorrect loop lengths and pipe spacing can cause cold zones. Also, if insulation is installed incorrectly, there could be an issue with heat loss and inefficiency.
Blockages
There are a couple of underfloor heating problems which only affect wet systems, such as air, debris, and minerals becoming trapped in pipes or manifolds, which can reduce water flow and cause cold circuits.
Loose or Broken Connections
In electric systems, a damaged heating cable, loose joint or broken connection can cause your underfloor heating system to stop working.
How to Fix Underfloor Heating
Step 1: Check Power & Controls
The first step is to ensure all your breakers, fuses, and thermostats are working, as this is one of the most common reasons for underfloor heating not working. Start by checking your circuit breakers and fuses to ensure nothing has tripped, then check the thermostat and make sure that it’s switched on and set to your preferred temperature.
If your electric underfloor heating isn’t working, you’ll have to confirm that the thermostat is compatible with the heating mat and cable. Also, if your underfloor heating system has zone controls, make sure that all the valves are open and functioning.
Step 2: Check Thermostat & Sensors
A faulty thermostat or temperature sensor can stop your underfloor heating from working, so you’ll need to test your sensor resistance using a multimeter and verify the results against the manufacturer's specifications. Some thermostats also have programming modes, so it’s important to check that it isn’t accidentally set to ‘eco’ mode. Looking to upgrade your system? Explore our full selection of underfloor heating thermostats.
Step 3: Check Electric Cable Continuity
If your electric underfloor heating still isn’t working, the next step is to test the continuity of the heating cable or mat. For this step, you can use a multimeter and compare the results with what’s in the installation manual. One broken cable or mat can cause the full system to fail, so it's crucial to check for signs of damage, moisture or loose wiring.
Step 4: Flush, Bleed or Clean the System
For wet underfloor heating, things like scale, sludge, debris, or airlocks can become an issue and cause your underfloor heating to not work effectively. You can bleed each zone individually and check the flow meters to ensure the pump is operating correctly, checking that all valves are open with no leaks. Also, make sure you’re carrying out regular maintenance on your underfloor heating system with professional flushes or chemical cleans.
Step 5: Call a Professional if Needed
If all your DIY checks fail and your underfloor heating still isn’t working, it’s time to call a professional. Complex issues such as hidden cable damage, manifold faults or pump failures need professional expertise. For guidance, free quotes and expert installation, contact us, and one of our experts will help you resolve your underfloor heating problems.
Why Choose UFH1 for Repairs, Upgrades & Installation
At UFH1, we have over 17 years of experience in designing, supplying and installing underfloor heating systems, so you know your system will be of the highest quality and fitted to the highest standard. We also provide warranties, trade rates, and offer a bespoke service so you always leave us with the perfect underfloor heating system for your needs.
From electric underfloor heating mats and low profile kits to thermostats, manifolds, and accessories, we provide everything you require for a reliable, efficient heating solution.
Underfloor Heating Problems FAQs
Why does underfloor heating fail?
There can be a few reasons why underfloor heating fails, such as power/control issues, faulty thermostats, damaged cables, blocked pipes or airlocks in wet systems. Poor insulation or lack of regular maintenance can also contribute to system failures.
Why is my floor cold with underfloor heating?
A cold floor often results from insufficient insulation, thick floor coverings, trapped air in pipes, or uneven heat distribution across the system. Checking flow, insulation, and floor materials usually resolves the issue.
Why is my underfloor heating not getting hot enough?
Underfloor heating may not get hot enough if the system is sized incorrectly, the thermostat is set too low, there’s poor insulation, or flow problems occur in wet systems. If you have an electric heating system, make sure there are no power or electrical issues. For wet systems, it’s important to maintain regular cleaning to avoid blockages in pipes.
