Underfloor heating not working

🔒 Written by a Gas Safe registered engineer
May Need Pro💷 £0£30020–60 min
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Most likely cause & what to check

1

Check the thermostat or smart controller for the underfloor heating zone — confirm it is calling for heat and set above the current room temperature.

2

Find the underfloor heating manifold (usually in a cupboard or utility room) — it looks like a series of pipes with flow meters and valves. Check all zone valves are open (handle inline with the pipe = open).

3

Check the actuators (small cylindrical motors on top of each manifold valve) — they should feel warm to touch when the zone is calling for heat. A failed actuator can be replaced for £15–£30.

4

Check the system pressure on the manifold gauge — wet underfloor heating is part of the sealed heating system and requires 1–1.5 bar.

5

Check your boiler is firing and that the circulation pump is running (you should be able to feel vibration on the pump body).

6

If individual zones are not heating but others are, and actuators are working, the manifold balancing valves may need adjustment. This is a job for a heating engineer.

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