Hi, we have a house with underfloor heating system on 3 floors. Basically pipes running under the floor that are circulated with hot water from the central boiler. The house is about 22 years old. The system works great, and the house (and floor) are always toasty warm.

Question: does anyone know what kind of maintenance this system needs, besides topping up the water now and then? What about calcium buildup? Does the system need to be flushed out periodically, and if so what does that cost? Anyone have experience in this matter? There's nothing wrong with it now, but I am thinking about preventative measures.

Anyone with experience in this? Thanks for any feedback.

I haven't heard that the water circulation system ever needs any maintenance - being in a new house mine is just over a year old, so haven't personal experience.

As it's a closed system (for water circulation), I wouldn't think that continual kalk build up is a problem - and there's every chance that they may be a preventative additive in with the water (but just guessing).

Probably best to speak to a heating engineer.

http://www.underfloorheatingsystems....g-maintenance/

As Tim has said, it is a closed system so there will not be any calcium build up. Just save up some money for the day when the pump and boiler need replacing.

I recall that when we replaced our boiler (et al.) a few years ago they drained and refilled the underfloor system, as well as all the radiators etc. At that time we were strongly recommended to have the heating circuits seperated from the actual heated water by a heat exchanger, to ensure that the water therein was not continually re-oxygenated. I think they also put some sort of additives in it. Both measures taken to ensure minimum corrosion or sludge/scale buildup.

But the system had, at that time, been operating for >25 years, with no suggestion that it had been subject to any periodic maintenance beyond a normal annual service of the boiler (we had receipts going back at least ten years when we moved in), so I think the answer is that you shouldn't worry about it. If you have an annual service contract, ask them about it next time they come. (If you don't, I suggest you do, IYSWIM

Not always. Our old one ran directly through the boiler, without a heat exchanger, together with the radiator circuit, so was therefore subject to pressure-releases and periodic top-ups from the mains.

I have been looking into this as well and asked a question in that respect in this thread - post 12.

In Denmark no-one clean their floor heating pipes I am convinced it is a waste of money at best and scam at worst.

I have asked the hauswart to call me when the "cleaning company" shows up as I want to see the first pipe being cleaned and see how much crap the pull out...if any.

Welcome to my world!

Karl, in a few months, I'll let you know how much those cost to replace.

I was informed when we purchased our new build house they will not need cleaning, although as mentioned all materials were new. However, the water feed for the shower, washing machine, dishwasher etc are subjected to Calc build up. Therefore we bought a water cleaner to prevent and prolong long term damage, cost about 2000 fr if I remember rightly.