Finding the right underfloor heating system

Wavin Plastics advice on how to choose and install underfloor heating systems - Part 2 of 4: how to prepare, test and monitor your UFH system.

In a 4 part article Karly Taylor, market manager for Wavin Plastics, gives advice on how to choose and install underfloor heating (UFH) systems, whatever the floor type, shape or size of room.

Wavin Plastics, a leading UK provider of water management solutions, has developed a number of clever UFH solutions to suit all applications.

This week, in Part 2, , Karly is offering advice on how to pressure test your UFH system.

Karly explains how to prepare, test and monitor your UFH system as well as record tests and what to do after testing.

After the pipe has been laid, but before the floor is screeded, each circuit should be pressure tested to ensure that there are no leaks in the pipes or connections.

Follow the instructions below to ensure your system has been pressure tested correctly:.

1] Preparation.

* Ensure the pipe circuit is complete.

* Fill pressure testing unit water tank.

* Attach the FLOW end of circuit pipe to the talk outlet connector .

* Attach the RETURN end to the return connector if fitted or, via a controllable valve, to a bucket.

2] Testing.

* Open both valves.

* Hand pump water into the circuit until no air bubbles flow back into the tank.

* Close the RETURN line valve.

* Use pump slowly and monitor gauge to 6 bar for continuous pipe or 18 bar where joints and fittings are used.

* DO NOT PRESSURE TEST ACROSS THE MANIFOLD.

* Stop pumping and close FLOW valve.

3] Monitoring.

* Maintain pressure for 30 minutes.

* Check pipe work for signs of leakage or a drop in pressure - this will indicate a leak.

* If none is visible, the circuit is secure.

* Where fittings are used, refer to Wavin procedures for pressure testing.

4] Recording.

* Record time and date of test for your records.

5] After testing.

* Release RETURN valve to let water back into the reservoir.

* Disconnect the FLOW and RETURN pipe ends.

* Reconnect to the relevant Manifold ports.

If you have questions that need answering, contact the OSMA UFH helpline on 01392 444 122 or via email at info@osmaufh.co.uk For more information and to discover the winning formula for intelligent UFH, visit www.genius-ufh.co.uk.

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