An underfloor heating system is vital in a home. It heats up your property and requires little care and maintenance. However, bleeding your system is essential to keep your radiators functional. It also helps to prevent oxidization of ducts. Addressing bleeding issues is not a complex task. Even so, you have to follow the proper guide to achieve the desired result.
When does your system require bleeding?
When a heating system has air bubbles, it will not heat your home.
If there are bubbling noises from the system, it means there is air trapped inside. It may not cause a major problem, but it reduces the amount of heat your underfloor heating system generates. In this case, bleeding helps to get rid of the air, promotes heat generation, and keeps your property warm/hot. This piece offers a quick guide on how you can bleed your system efficiently.
Before bleeding
Before bleeding the system, it is imperative that you check out its vital components. This includes the;
- Boilers.
- The circulating pumps.
- All motorized valves.
You also need to carry out regular maintenance checks on your:-
- Underfloor heating manifolds
- Assess the heating manifolds regularly for any leaks. When you detect a leak, tighten the fitting and replace any broken valve.
- The underfloor heating pipes
- In most cases, the underfloor heating pipes require little or no maintenance. The systems inhibitors are designed to prevent sludge buildup. What’s more, the pipes are smooth on the side. They provide no room for the buildup of sludge.
- Flush the system
- The wet underfloor system requires flushing regularly. It helps the system to function well, pick up a fluid mixture and enhance heat retention.
A guide to bleeding underfloor heating system
Bleeding an underfloor heating system should not be done regularly. You only need to look out for signs that there could be an issue with the system as mentioned earlier. If there is a need for bleeding, you can do it by yourself or seek the help of a professional. Either way, you should;
- Get the right tools including a radiator bleeding key?
- A container to collect water.
- A towel.
- Check the pressure in the system
The pressure that rises and falls means your system is ok. However, if the pressure is low, it could mean there are underlying issues with your heating system. Add water to the system and keep an eye on any changes. Be keen on any leaks. Avoid fixing the system yourself if there are leakages.
If the pressure keeps dropping low, seek help from reputed professionals.
- Check the air bleed valves
It is imperative that you check the systems air bleed valves. It helps you to determine if there is air trapped inside. If air is trapped therein, heat flow will be significantly reduced. This further reduces water temperatures. Therefore, adjust air valves because it allows you to dislodge air in the system.
What you can do to bleed the underfloor heating
- Once your underfloor heating is filled with water, it is time to bleed every port. Wait for ten minutes after the system is filled before you vent the ports. It helps to prevent getting air back into the system.
- Fill all floor pipes with water.
- Start venting your underfloor heating. Start with the lower side of your property. Progress to pipes on the upper side. This means that when you are done bleeding your system, you will also be getting rid of water from the upper part.
- Every valve should be drained individually.
- Vent methodically, one valve after the other.
- During bleeding, water can flow out of the system’s valves, have a cloth by your side.
- Drain off any waste.
- Close each valve on the system once it’s fully vented.
- Flush out the pipes and refill the system.
- Repeat the process to vent the valves completely.
- Check Pressure after bleeding.
Once you are done with bleeding, you need to check the water pressure in the system. If it is correct, the pressure will read anywhere between 1.5 to 2 bar in the green marked area. If your valve shows in the red marked area, you need to refill the system until you reach the right pressure level.
After bleeding
Check the pressure level again. Often, the pressure may rise after venting. If the pressure is too high or too low, seek expert advice.
Test to ensure your underfloor heating is working effectively and efficiently as desired.
If the pressure remains low after venting and after filling the system, it is imperative that you seek expert help. It signals a complex issue that needs to be urgently addressed.
Once your system has been checked by an expert, it is always a good idea that you monitor its pressure regularly. It should be within the recommended green mark.
Always seek help whenever your water temperatures drop, if you have cold or hot spots and whenever you suspect the system is faulty.
Sources
https://vasco.eu/en-gb/blog/radiators/bleeding-your-heating-system
https://www.floorheating-direct.co.uk/underfloor-heating-faq/venting-underfloor-heating-system/
https://www.omnie.co.uk/filling-the-underfloor-heating-system-2/
If you still need help with your underfloor heating systems, contact us. We are qualified and reliable service providers.