Underfloor heating is truly one of the greatest inventions of all time. There is a certain sense of luxury in stepping out of bed on a cold morning and onto a warm floor. In recent years, underfloor heating has become increasingly popular, and it’s easy to understand why. However, there is one potential drawback to this type of heating system, and that is the possibility of a leak occurring.
Underfloor heating involves circulating water through a network of pipes beneath the floor. However, there is always a risk of a leak developing. When a leak occurs, the main challenge is not fixing it, but rather quickly locating its source. The last thing you want is for your expensive wooden floor to suffer irreparable damage due to dampness and moisture from a leaking pipe. The key to detecting an underfloor heating leak is identifying the exact source without having to lift the entire floor. This approach minimizes delays and expenses and should be prioritized whenever possible.
By its very nature, confirming whether or not you have a leak in your underfloor heating system can be challenging. The last thing you want to do is unnecessarily rip up tiling or floorboards. That’s why it’s important to know the signs or symptoms that can help you make an informed decision. Here is a list of the most common symptoms to look out for.
At ADI Leak Detection, we have a range of different tools and equipment that we use depending on the specific situation and circumstances. Some of these tools are exclusive to us as we developed them in our own research facilities. When it comes to underfloor heating leak detection, the main tools we utilize include:
Visible Signs of Damp
This will be the most obvious sign that you have a leak in your underfloor heating. You may also notice wet patches on the floor, in certain areas which could identify the source of the leak.
Cracks in Your Tiles or Grouting
Another sign to look for are cracks in your tiles, or grouting, or tiles coming loose. This could indicate movement, or leaking water, underneath which is causing the wood to expand.
Expansion of Wooden Floors
If you have wooden flooring as opposed to tiling, then you may well notice a swelling in the wood which normally indicates that water has penetrated. This is something which needs to be dealt with as a matter of urgency.
A Noticeable Drop in Pressure On Underfloor Heating Gauges
Regularly check your underfloor heating gauges as this is an excellent way to monitor the health of your system. If you notice the pressure is consistently dropping, then this is a clear indication that you may have a leak in the system.
Underfloor Heating Stops Working
This is one of the key reasons why homeowners identify an issue, when their underfloor heating stops working. Unfortunately, by the time this comes to fruition there may be significant damage already caused.
Error Messages on Your Boiler
Depending on the boiler you have installed, it may display an error code, which will help you identify the problem. As you can see there are likely to be a number of clues to help you identify the problem, many of which once you are aware of them are relatively easy to identify.
By its very nature, leak detection can be a slow and complicated process. Let’s face it, if it wasn’t, then everyone would be doing it. That’s why we only assign our engineers one job per day. This allows them to take their time and effectively solve your swimming pool leak problem during their visit. Our engineers are not under any pressure to rush or move on to another job, which sets us apart from the competition. Additionally, this approach contributes to our low staff turnover as our engineers feel appreciated and respected. This also ensures that our company retains the valuable skills and knowledge within our team, ultimately benefiting our customers on a daily basis.
There are many reasons why a leak could develop in your underfloor heating. ADI Leak Detection has investigated and dealt with many of these types of leaks. They can usually be attributed to seven key factors.
Damage was caused to the pipework during the installation process.
Although this should never happen the installers are working in a confined space so it is possible that the pipes could be damaged without the installers being aware of the issue.
A Faulty Pipe or Fitting
Pipes and fittings are mass-produced, so it is entirely possible that there could be an undetected fault in the materials. This fault may not become apparent until the pipe or fitting is exposed to pressure.
Simple Wear and Tear
Unfortunately, just like everything else in life, underground heating pipes and fittings will wear out over time. This will eventually require them to be replaced.
Movement or Vibrations in Your Flooring
In certain properties, especially those with high foot traffic and where the pipes are located close to the floor, the continuous vibrations caused by people walking can lead to the weakening of the pipes and fittings over time.
Accidental Damage Caused To The Pipes
In many instances, we are called out to handle a leak in the underground heating pipes. These leaks are often caused by accidents, such as someone accidentally drilling into the floor and hitting a pipe.
System Pressure is Too High
If the system pressure is consistently high this can cause long term problems to the pipework leading to a leak.
There is a lot of science, technology, and expertise involved in the leak detection industry. This is why it is a specialist area that most general plumbers do not get involved with. The required specialist equipment is expensive and requires knowledge that has been built up over many years. When it comes to leak detection, it is important to deal with a specialist company like ADI Leak Detection.
At ADI Leak Detection, we use a range of different tools and equipment depending on the specific situation and circumstances. Some of the tools we use are exclusive to us, as we developed them in our own research facilities. When it comes to underfloor heating leak detection, the main tools we utilize include:
Our specialist devices can detect the sound of a water leak up to 2.5 meters below ground. These listening devices are commonly used to identify underfloor heating leaks. By using these devices, we can accurately pinpoint the exact location of the leak, allowing us to only lift the flooring in the immediate area of the leak.
Our thermal imaging cameras help us visually search for and locate leaks under your flooring. It works in a similar way to a police chase, where helicopters use thermal imaging cameras. When there is a leak, there is a noticeable temperature difference that our cameras can easily detect.
In certain circumstances, we introduce a special mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen into your pipework. This gas is lighter than water, which allows it to actively pinpoint the weakest point in the system - inevitably the source of the leak. Our specialist devices are equipped to detect the distinct smell of the gas mixture, enabling our engineers to easily locate the source of the leak.
The good news is that in most cases, it is possible to repair your underfloor heating instead of replacing the entire system. With advancements in technology, many new brands of underfloor heating come with warranties ranging from 15 years to a lifetime, reflecting the confidence in the quality of these products.
At ADI Leak Detection, if we are unable to repair your underfloor heating, we can provide you with information to help you make an informed decision on the different types and brands of underfloor heating available in the market today. It’s important to remember that this is a long-term investment and should not be taken lightly. Some of the brands we recommend include Warm up, Pro Warm, Heat Mat, Flexel, and Thermosphere.
Each of these companies offers bespoke systems designed to maximize efficiency in specific scenarios. For example, Thermosphere offers four different system options based on different materials used to deliver heat. These options include Mesh, Membrane, Foil, and Inscreed Heating Cable systems.
Many of these systems utilize modern technology, such as WIFI connectivity in conjunction with advanced thermostats. This allows you to remotely control your underfloor heating system, even when you are away from home. The key benefits of this technology are that you can save money by avoiding unnecessary heating when no one is home, and the system can turn on your heating at the optimal time, ensuring a warm and cozy home when you return from work.
At ADI Leak Detection, our priority is to provide the best quality service to our customers. We always strive to repair leaks and minimize costs. However, if your system is outdated and it’s time for an upgrade, ADI is the perfect partner to assist you in this process. ADI – systems, products, and a team you can rely on.
We serve the whole of Berkshire, including all towns and villages in the county.
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