One Zone Radiant Floor Heating Installation

Polyethylene Tubing Installation

• 1

  Begin on an exterior wall so that the hottest water first reaches the area that loses the most heat. Measure the distance from the boiler to the beginning of the zone. Leave a length of tubing with extra to spare before the beginning of the zone.

• 2

  Unroll the tubing carefully. Shape the tubing into gentle curves when you change direction but do not bend it at sharp angles or kink it. Leave six inches of space between runs of tubing. Make sure the spacing is uniform so the floor heats evenly with no cold or hot spots.

• 3

  Tie the tubing to reinforcing steel in the slab with zip ties. Measure the distance from the end of the zone to the boiler and leave more than enough extra length. Cut the tubing with a sharp knife or tubing cutter designed for the specific product you are using. Cover both ends with tape. Install perimeter insulation.

• 4

  Pour the concrete slab. Observe carefully during the concrete pour to ensure the tubing is not damaged and does not lift up. Make sure any other contractors or workers do not damage the tubing before or during the concrete pour.

Plumbing and Electronics

• 5

  Cut the copper pipe to the length you need with a pipe cutter. Run hard copper pipe from the supply and return sides of the boiler using a soldering torch, solder, flux and sandpaper to join pieces. Connect the supply end of the tubing to the supply side of the boiler. Install an expansion tank and recirculation pump in the return line. Connect the return line to the return side of the boiler.

• 6

  Install an automatic vent valve at the highest point of the system. Choose an easily accessible location to install two boiler taps with a ball control valve between them. Hook up the switching relay, thermostat, control module and 24-volt transformer.

• 7

  Determine the ratio of propylene glycol to distilled water required for your climate. Charge the system by using the boiler taps, rubber hoses and charging pump.

Floors and Finishing

• 8

  Inform all other contractors and workers that you have installed radiant floor tubing in the concrete slab. Do not drill into or drive fasteners into the slab. Consult blueprints to be sure there is no tubing in areas you have to install concrete fasteners.

• 9

  Choose floor finishes that will work with the radiant floor heating system. Use ceramic tile mortar and grout that are compatible with radiant floor heat. Thick carpeting may prevent heat from radiating upward from the floor to the room.

• 10

  Program your thermostat to start heating the floor two to three hours prior to the time you want the room or floor to be warm. Program the thermostat to stop calling for heat a couple hours before you want the room to cool. Radiant heat works gradually and steadily to maintain a comfortable ambient air temperature.