Warm water floor from hot water supply in the apartment. Water heated floor in the apartment. Pipe laying methods

Today, underfloor heating systems are used both as primary and additional heating for homes. Recently, their popularity has increased significantly, since these devices can significantly reduce the cost of heating a room.

The traditional and most familiar to consumers is water heated floors. It can be installed in an apartment with the help of specialists or on your own. But we will tell you in this article what difficulties may arise when installing it and how to do such work correctly.

Is it allowed to install water floor systems in an apartment?

Before deciding to install such heating, you should find out whether warm water floors are allowed in the apartment. Since the device is connected to a common heating system, such work must obtain permission from the housing and utility company and the heating network, and, as practice shows, this is almost impossible to do.

This is explained by the fact that a water floor leads to a significant increase in energy costs and creates an additional load on the heating system, which was not taken into account during the design. To eliminate this phenomenon, it is necessary to install devices that provide forced circulation water (pump and mixing unit), and on the base central heating this is very difficult to do.

The only exceptions are rooms in which there is independent heating. In this case, having installed water heated floors in the apartment, the owners simply need to register changes made in BTI.

What threatens homeowners for illegally installing a water circuit in the floors?

However, despite all the prohibitions, many owners decide to independently connect the heated floor from the central heating (in the apartment), after which they are faced with various troubles and sanctions. Namely:

1. If the need arises to sell an apartment, it will be impossible to do so legally.

2. If there is a break in the circuit and the apartment below is flooded with water, all costs for its repair will be borne in full by the owner of the heated floors.

3. If illegal redevelopment of the system is detected by representatives of the heating network or housing office, the apartment owner cannot avoid legal proceedings, sanctions and fines.

That is why, when deciding to connect a heated floor from central heating in an apartment, you need to carefully weigh the pros and cons. To do this, let’s look at what other advantages and disadvantages it has this system heating

Advantages of heated floors

Homeowners who have installed hot water note the following: positive sides such heating redevelopment:

The room becomes much more comfortable than when heated by stationary radiators;

All rooms in the apartment are heated evenly;

The humidity level in the room remains virtually unchanged, the air does not dry out;

Heating costs are reduced by up to 40%;

The system does not affect appearance rooms (as opposed to bulky radiators and pipes).

If we compare the water circuit and film heating, then the first option has undeniable advantage due to lack electromagnetic radiation. Energy consumption when operating water heating is also less than when using electric analogues.

Negative aspects of the system

If we talk about the disadvantages that a water heated floor (in an apartment) has, then these include the following facts:

Due to a sufficiently large layer of screed (about 10 cm), the height of the room is noticeably reduced;

If you used during installation low quality materials or mistakes were made, there is a high probability of a breakthrough, which brings with it a lot of problems;

Since the water heated floor is laid in a screed, its installation can only be carried out at the construction stage of the building or during a major renovation;

The work on arranging the system is very labor-intensive, so not all owners are able to install it themselves.

Water floor installation

As has already become clear, the heated floor is installed in the screed. The device is presented in the form of tubes, which are located under the floor covering and filled cement mortar. The structure is connected to a heating system, from which hot water or a special liquid enters the pipes.

Circulating through the pipes, the coolant heats the floor covering, due to which the room is heated.

If you look at the underfloor heating system layer by layer, you can see that the elements are arranged in the following order:

1. Concrete slab(base of the floor).

2. Waterproofing material.

3. Insulation.

4. Heat reflector (foil sheets).

5. Reinforcing mesh.

7. Screed.

8. Finishing material.

As flooring V living rooms laminate and linoleum are used, since these materials are less susceptible to deformation and transmit heat well. In the bathroom and kitchen, heated floors are installed under tiles (water). It’s quite easy to do this type of finishing with your own hands; besides, ceramics have increased wear resistance and good heat dissipation.

What pipes and insulation can be used

We have already examined the advantages, disadvantages and elements with a liquid coolant; all that remains is to understand what materials are used during its installation and how to carry out the necessary work yourself.

First of all you need to choose quality pipes. Many people prefer products made from polypropylene foam, as they are the cheapest. This saving is not justified because plastic pipes characterized by lower heat transfer.

In the case of water floors, it is preferable to use metal-plastic options with a diameter of 20 and 25 mm. They have perfect ratio prices and quality. If your budget allows, you can install more expensive options, such as corrugated stainless steel and copper.

Next, you need to decide on the choice of insulation on top of which an autonomous heated floor (water) will be installed. Foamed polyethylene (with a reflective coating) and thin polystyrene foam are most often used in the apartment. If the apartment is located above unheated room, expanded clay can be used as thermal insulation.

Required Devices

The main components of a warm water floor system are:

Boiler for heating liquid (in the case of autonomous heating);

A pump that provides pressure in the system;

Pipes for installation of wiring;

Ball valves;

A pair of collectors with a regulation and adjustment system;

Fitting;

Water circuit (pipes).

Pipe laying methods

Before you begin arranging the system, you need to decide on the method of laying the pipes. in the house can be presented in two versions. In the first, the pipes are laid like a snake, and in the second, like a snail.

The “snake” installation method is considered the simplest, however, when using it, the surface temperature in different parts of the room may differ.

The snail-shaped arrangement eliminates overheating, but pipe installation and system design are much more complicated.

You can install the water circuit yourself; to do this, you just need to take into account a few recommendations and strictly follow the instructions.

1. First of all, you need to remove the old finish (if any) and clean the floor until concrete screed. The new coating will be 6-7 cm higher, which should be taken into account by owners of rooms with low ceilings.

2. If you are installing heating in the bathroom, then in order to lay a heated floor under the tiles (water) with your own hands, you need to completely dismantle the screed.

3. If installed in the room metal pipes, they must be replaced with plastic ones so that rust does not appear at the joints. If the circuit is mounted in a stationary system, it is not necessary.

4. To protect the floor from leakage, reliable waterproofing should be placed on it. For these purposes, a special mastic is used, which, after hardening, prevents moisture from seeping into the neighbors.

5. Next, the insulation is installed. The material is placed with the reflective coating facing outwards, and the seams between the sheets are taped. You can lay it on top of the insulation additional layer waterproofing. This will reduce the risk of water leakage.

6. Along the entire perimeter of the room (at the edges insulation material) should be glued. After this, mats are laid for installation of heated floors.

7. Pipes are mounted on top of the mats (in the chosen method). The distance between the turns of the pipe must be at least 30 cm. At the base, the pipe is fixed using special clamps or brackets (made of strong wire), which are stuck into the insulation. If you purchased special mats with recesses for pipes, this procedure is not necessary.

8. Both ends of the pipe are brought to the place where the floor collector will be located. With its help, the system is connected to the main heating or connected to the boiler.

9. After assembling the system, water is pumped into it and checked, creating maximum pressure. This is done to identify leaks and eliminate defects.

To reduce the cost of arranging a water circuit, pipes do not need to be laid in places where furniture will be located.

Important nuances

If the heating floor is installed under ceramic tiles, the thickness of the screed should not exceed 5 cm. Also, the pipes should be placed at a distance of 15 cm from each other so that they warm the space to the required extent and cold areas do not form between them.

Under linoleum and laminated panels, the screed is made even thinner, and for strength, a reinforcing mesh is laid on top of the heating system.

The first heating of the floor may take several days, but in the future the system will maintain the desired temperature. Some areas of the apartment can be heated all year round(where there are tiles on the floors). In this case, complete warming up in the cold season will take less time.

To conclude the topic, we will touch upon the cost of warm water floors. Experts will make floors for an apartment, taking into account materials and installation, for 1300-2600 rubles per m². The price depends on the quality of the purchased equipment and the complexity of the project. If you calculate, the total amount is quite high, but after 5 years of operation the system fully pays for itself. And if we take into account its long service life (about 50 years) and rising heating prices, then perhaps all the hassle of installing a water circuit is completely justified.

Heating private houses and apartments using water heated floors is a fairly popular option, since the system is efficient and economical. Warm air rises evenly from bottom to top, creating optimal comfort in the room. Warm floors can be realized different ways, this can be a warm floor from central heating in the apartment or an electric one that requires installation heating cable. Considering the cost of electricity, many residents find the idea of ​​installing radiator-powered floor heating in their apartment more attractive. Costs will mainly be on equipment, and heating costs will not be so high.

It is widely believed that connecting a heated floor from hot water in the apartment or strictly prohibited. This is not entirely true. Resolution in management company can be obtained if the apartment is located at the end of the heating circuit - on the first or top floor, depending on the heat supply scheme. Thus, received in the apartment thermal energy will not harm other residents in apartment building. As a rule, you need to install a heat energy meter, and you can safely connect the heated floor from the battery.

Heat energy is supplied through a heat exchanger for the heated floor in the apartment, which makes it possible to make the heated floor circuit “autonomous”, not affecting other heat consumers.

How will the height of the room change due to the installation of heated floors?

When planning to install underfloor heating in an apartment, you need to think about not only the costs of materials and obtaining permission. Important nuance– take into account how the floor height will rise. To be installed good thermal insulation on the subfloor so that heat does not escape into the floor slabs. For apartments on the second and higher floors, it is enough to lay 3 cm of insulation (polystyrene, etc.).

If in the bathroom the heated towel rail is connected on the ground floor, below which there is a basement or ground, the insulation layer should be within 5-10cm. Next, the size of the pipes and the layer of finishing coating are taken into account. The result is final figure, by which the height of the room will decrease. If living space allows, you can buy equipment.

Pipes for heated floors

Considering that water heating the floor is filled with screed, it is clear that you need to choose durable pipes. The choice of a specific material will directly affect what the price of 1 sq. m of warm water floors will be.

But the price is not the main thing, it is important to comply with the conditions:

What do you need to connect a heated floor?

You can’t just cut the contours of a heated floor into the heating risers. The water will not circulate on its own, so you will need a pump. A system is also needed to remove air that accumulates in the system. Coolant in central heating is not clean, so to protect your own floor heating system you need to install filters that capture dirt particles.

It is important to take into account that the coolant in centralized heating can be heated up to 80 degrees, and you cannot run such water into your system - this will ruin both the screed and finishing coat, and the room will become excessively hot.

The optimal coolant temperature in a heated floor system is up to 45 degrees.

Therefore, it is necessary to install a unit that mixes water from the supply and return, as well as devices that control the parameters. Therefore, the price of a heated floor will include the price, a thermal head, a servo drive, etc.

Heated floor connection diagram

To properly connect the selected system, you need to prepare the equipment: circulation pump, servo drive for a warm water floor manifold, temperature control sensor, distribution unit, manifold. Connection and trial run systems are carried out before pouring the screed.

The main thing in the system is the distribution unit; it regulates the temperature of the coolant.

Thanks to a three-way valve and sensor (thermal head for heated floors), the apartment owner regulates the temperature, achieving optimal comfort and saving on bills. The essence of the operation of the valve with the sensor is to timely shut off the hot flow when the set temperature is exceeded.

needed for uniform distribution of coolant in the system. The pump is installed after the distribution unit, but after collector group. From three way valve The cooled water enters the pump, then into the collector and along the contours of the heated floor. An air vent is installed at the top and bottom of the manifold and drain valve respectively.

The diagram demonstrates how to connect a warm floor to heating in apartments that close heating circuit. If the insertion is carried out in apartments in the middle, then the three-way valve is replaced with a two-way valve.

Alternative underfloor heating Xl Pipe

Those who do not have the opportunity to legally connect floor heating from a battery should familiarize themselves with modern system Xl Pipe. Reading reviews of xl Pipe underfloor heating, they note that this is a kind of hybrid of electric and water heating that does not have their disadvantages. A heating element here is a polyethylene tube with a diameter of 2 cm filled with antifreeze. Inside the tube is a chrome-nickel heating cable in a Teflon sheath.

The design is sealed and safe. The system does not use a pump, manifold, or boiler. The coolant does not move here. Installation of liquid electric heated floor Xl Pipe is carried out in a screed. Furniture and equipment can be moved without restrictions, the system will not be damaged. As reviews of underfloor heating as the main heating say, this option copes with the task quite well; the temperature can be adjusted at your discretion.

The essence of Xl Pipe's work is simple and clear. When turned on, the cable begins to heat the coolant, quickly reaching the set temperature. The fluid pressure in the system ensures uniform heat distribution. According to the manufacturer, such a warm floor consumes one third less electricity compared to other electric heating systems. Compared to water warm floors, then the costs of purchasing a boiler, collector and other equipment are eliminated.

Floor heating with infrared film Heat Life

For those who have no idea how to properly make a heated floor, or do not have the opportunity to carry out major renovation indoors for this purpose, it is worth taking a closer look at the Heat Life IR heating film. It is used as a main or additional heating system in offices, residential buildings, at industrial and other facilities. Those who choose Hit Life heated floors note minimal installation and maintenance costs and low heating bills.

As a rule, installing the film does not require filling the screed. It can be used to heat tiles, linoleum, laminate, porcelain stoneware, and other flooring options. Energy is used to heat the floor, not the air. In addition, infrared film can heat any surface - vertical, inclined, embossed. Even with mechanical damage section of film, general system will continue to work. Corrosion is not a problem for Heat Life film.

Advantages and disadvantages of heated floors

Among the advantages of using water and electric underfloor heating systems, savings on heating bills are noted. If your feet are warm, even the minimum temperature can be perceived as comfortable. Installation is not difficult, the appearance does not attract attention, like standard ones. There will be no drafts in a house with heated floors. Children will not get cold playing on the floor.

As for the shortcomings, there are them too. Firstly, these are the costs of equipment and installation. Secondly, water heated floors require a loss of several centimeters from the height of the room. Thirdly, the floors must be free of carpets - otherwise, why heat them. When a breakdown occurs, it is difficult to determine which area is damaged. Furniture should not cover the floor so as not to interfere with heat circulation.

Having familiarized yourself with all the listed nuances, you can make an informed conclusion about heated floors and the advisability of using them in an apartment as the main or additional source of heat. Generally, electrical systems floor heating is installed in small spaces- in the bathroom, kitchen, toilet. If you plan to heat a spacious room, it is better to give preference to a water-based system. In any case, it is important to consult with professionals; they will subsequently be entrusted with the installation of the system, startup and maintenance. This way you can get guarantees for the safety and durability of the system.

Do-it-yourself installation of a heated water floor in a bathroom in an apartment multi-storey building can solve many problems. According to standard project, the bathroom is heated exclusively by a heated towel rail, which is clearly not enough for comfortable water procedures.

Cold floors, insufficient heating of the room - all this is a consequence of an insufficient and ill-conceived heating system. It is not surprising that many owners are seriously thinking about improving their bathroom heating system.

Is it possible to have water floors in the bathroom?

Installing a water floor in a bathroom is a personal matter only in the case of a private home. According to the Housing Code, any independent change in the design of the heating system is illegal.

Complaints from neighbors about a decrease in heating intensity are justification for initiating trial, the result of which will be an administrative penalty and an order to eliminate the changes in a short time.

Based on this, the legality of installing water-heated floors in an apartment building is questionable at best. The Housing Code allows you to change the design and layout of the heating system, but only after obtaining the necessary permits and coordination with the relevant authorities. In any case, registration should begin with a visit to the housing and communal services department.

Connecting a warm heated floor in a bathroom from a heated towel rail is one of the most commonly used solutions for heating a bathroom in a high-rise building. At the same time, it is extremely important to ensure that the heating temperature of your neighbors does not drop. A two-way valve can be used for this.

How to install heated floors in the bathroom

Making a water heated floor in a bathroom yourself is not that difficult, especially after obtaining all the necessary permits to change the heating system. It is enough to follow the basic installation steps.

In the shower and bathroom in an apartment building, in most cases, a water circuit without a collector is installed. The short distance of the heated area allows you to power the circuit from the heated towel rail and obtain a sufficient amount of thermal energy.

How to fill a bathroom floor

Independent installation of heated floors is much easier to carry out when using special leveling and leveling mixtures. At the same time, in order to make water heated floors in the bathroom and shower, you need to take care of the quality of the screed, which must meet the requirements:

1. Withstand temperature changes- do it yourself cement composition It is almost impossible not to crack after several years of use, so it is best to opt for ready-made mixtures.
2. Maintain strength– heated floors are subject to constant loads from changes in temperature and humidity. For decreasing negative impact you will need to lay a layer of reinforcing mesh. The fittings are especially necessary if you plan to install a drain in the shower room.

The composition of the floor “pie” consists of: waterproofing, reinforcing mesh, foil insulation and thermal insulation. A high-quality screed allows you to connect all four types of layers and create an almost monolith.

How to connect a water floor in the bathroom

There are several solutions for how to create and power a water floor in a shower or bathtub. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

• From the heated towel rail– the temperature of the coolant will remain unchanged. Since in most multi-storey buildings heated towel rails are connected from the hot water return; the heating intensity largely depends on how much the coolant has time to cool.
• From the boiler - the solution has certain advantages, consisting in the possibility of adjusting the water heating of the bathroom floor. You will need to install a thermostat.
• From the central heating system– a bathtub with a warm water floor can be connected to the apartment’s heating system. Before carrying out work, you will need to obtain permits and make a technical design.

Common mistakes during installation and connection

To install heated floors in the bathroom, everything must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Judging by consumer reviews and reports from teams who have to remodel and repair heating systems, the main violations during installation are:

1. Lack of waterproofing of the bathroom with water heated floors. During installation work, the prevention of leaks is neglected. Waterproofing is a layer that prevents moisture from reaching neighbors in the event of a water circuit break. It is also necessary to waterproof the floor before installing the underfloor water heating system of the bathroom in a heated polypropylene floor.
2. Lack of work plan and installation scheme. Preliminary calculations help to carry out installation quickly and efficiently, to avoid waste of material.
3. Carrying out installation work without obtaining permission. After installation, obtaining approval is much more problematic.
4. Filling the screed with ordinary cement mortar. The technology for installing water heated floors in the bathroom of a private house or apartment requires the use of adhesives with the addition of plasticizers and additives. Without additives, cement eventually begins to crumble, crack and become unusable.

Heated floors in the bathroom - electric or water

Only one question remains unresolved: which heated floor for the bath is better, electric or water. Each option has its own advantages.

Thus, it is best to install an electric floor in an apartment building. The solution does not require obtaining permits for installation. Installation requires less material costs and is faster.

Water floors are completely safe. Fire is excluded and short circuit. In an apartment building, their use does not carry additional material load.

Increasing prices for hot water supply makes people look for more economical way heating in the apartment. One of these methods, water heated floors in an apartment, will be discussed in more detail, namely, how to properly make a heated floor.

Laying warm floor coverings and warm water floors in apartments in European countries has been done since the 80s of the last century. In Austria, Switzerland and Germany, water heated floors in apartments are installed in 60% of houses. Various energy sources are connected to heating for underfloor heating:

• infrared emitters;
• heating electrical cables;
• PLEN device, films with built-in electric spiral and others.

The heated floor and the technology for its implementation in the case under consideration involve heating through a layer of hot liquid, most often water, sometimes antifreeze or antifreeze is used. Laying a water heated floor requires laying the pipes evenly over the floor surface.

When circulating, the liquid in the heating system passes through a centralized heating source, transfers heat to the concrete, and then heats up the air. The technology for laying water heated floors involves heating water with an autonomous boiler, or heated floors in the apartment are connected from central heating. In both cases, you can turn on and install the water heated floor yourself.

Modern technologies simplify the installation of water heated floors. Pipes are used whose configuration is based on the molecular memory of cross-linked polyethylene. This has reduced the cost of materials, the connection diagram for a water heated floor and the installation technology have become simpler, and reliability has increased.

Installing and pouring a heated floor is not a complicated process; making a water heated floor with your own hands is quite possible. For this purpose, several methods have been developed and special materials. People show interest in how to connect the warm floor of a room to a heating system, and how to implement this project on their own.

Pipe length calculation

How to calculate the length and lay pipes on a heated water floor will be discussed below. There are several options for how heating pipes should be installed in a water-heated floor: in a snail shape or in straight parallel lines, or in other ways. But the main requirement is met everywhere.

The pipes are distributed evenly, the total length covering a certain area depends on the pitch between them. To meet the conditions for heating with underfloor heating, you need to correctly calculate the length of the pipe. To simplify the process, designed for different options pipe consumption is tabulated.

Floor heating pipe consumption depending on the loop pitch

Using the table, it is easy to understand how to do the calculations yourself. With a room area of ​​20 m and a laying step of 20 cm, the length (L) will be equal to 20 m2, multiplied by 5 linear meters/m, which will be 100 m. The length of the warm coating circuit should not exceed 70 m, this is due to the effective circulation of the coolant through the pipeline and pump capacities. If the pipe in the circuit exceeds 70 m, warm floors are not effective, then how to make the right choice?

The pitch is set to 300 mm. Length (L) = 20 m 2 * 3.4 linear/m = 68 m. This fully meets all the requirements. In a large room, several lines are installed, but individual heating circuits should not exceed 70 m. Connection is allowed using powerful pumps warm circuit water floor up to 120 m.

The laying technology for heated floors clearly determines what to fill the warm water floor with. Exist ready-made mixtures, which remains to be diluted with water in the concentration specified in the instructions. In some cases, a water-heated floor is made without a screed when the floor is made of plywood. If chipboard is laid with laminate, parquet, linoleum, it is not necessary to fill the heated floor with screed mortar. Dry screed is successfully used for warm water floors.

Before pouring and installing the floor covering, the pipes are checked for leaks. A special compressor is used, water is pumped into the pipes under a pressure of 6 bar, a process called pressure testing. If the pressure has not decreased by more than 1.5 bar during the day, the heating circuit is sealed. An incorrectly made heated floor or poor-quality installation can lead to the need to dismantle the floor covering.

Main advantages

Towards old technology With radiator batteries, the new technique has a number of advantages:

• A heated layer at the level of the feet of human feet. Feet warm, head moderately cool - this stimulates human body to active life.
• The labor-intensive procedure of removing dust from hard-to-reach areas of radiators is eliminated.
• Uneven heating stimulated colds. In the case of heated floors, all these disadvantages are absent, the surface is easy to sweep and wash;
• Space is freed up, there is no need to think through options on how to fit pipes into the interior of the room;
• Installation work has become much easier;
• Carrying out the work and the main elements of the system are cheaper. To heat the room, a temperature in the pipes of 55 ̊C and no more than 60-70 ̊C is sufficient. Installation and further exploitation heated floors are 30% cheaper. Therefore, many people wanted to know how to make a water-heated floor.

Warm floor from central heating

Organizational matters

Many apartment residents want to dismantle the radiators or additionally connect them to underfloor heating from central heating. Before starting such a reconstruction, it is necessary to decide organizational matters, namely, to coordinate the project with the management company that services the house.

Unauthorized connection to central system heating is punishable by very high fines, in addition, they will subsequently be forced to dismantle all installed equipment.

The difficulty in the question of how to make a heated floor is the process of obtaining permission. The difficulty is that most boiler houses operate at the limit of their calculated power or have a small reserve. Several apartments can be connected; with a mass connection, the central system will not be able to function normally.

Connecting a water heated floor to a heating system has some technical difficulties. This depends on the design of the central system. So, in schemes with direct supply through one pipe, there are no options for connection. Where the coolant circulates along the circuit of forward and reverse pipes, connection is possible.

The location of the heat exchanger largely influences the decision of the management company. When the heat exchanger is located at the bottom, residents upper floors the likelihood of getting permission is greater, and vice versa. After obtaining permission, you can purchase equipment and begin installation work on the central heating floor.

Connection diagram

Before pouring, the entire installation scheme is checked for the tightness of the warm water floor. Depending on the length of the circuit and the diameter of the pipes, the pump power is selected. The installation scheme for heated floors includes the following main elements:

• Valves at the entrance to the heated floor circuit;
• Check valve;
• Three-way control valve(thermal head);
• Circulation pump;
• Coolant temperature control sensor;
• Manifold for underfloor heating;
• Plastic pipes.

The scheme for installing a water heated floor begins with connecting the central heating system to the return line. Two valves are installed to drain the forward and reverse flow of the underfloor heating system. They are designed to allow you to turn off the water at any time and carry out repairs or Maintenance elements in the heated floor line.

The check valve ensures that the coolant fluid moves in one direction. Great importance The system has a three-way valve; it distributes hot and cold flows, mixing them until the set temperature is reached. Sometimes this device is called a thermal head. The temperature of the water entering the heated floors from the central system can reach 70 °C, this is too much; for normal operation no more than 50 °C is required. The thermal head reduces the temperature to the value set on it, usually 40-45 ̊C.

The circulation pump circulates water within the circuit in a given direction. Temperature sensors indicate the temperature of the coolant. Eat automatic systems controls that combine the operation of sensors and three-way valves, but this topic requires a separate, more extensive description.

A manifold for underfloor heating distributes coolant flows through pipes of different circuits. Return line underfloor heating collectors collect cooled flows, directing them to a three-way valve, where the liquid is distributed by a thermal head for further circulation in a closed circuit, maintaining the temperature set in it. Manufacturers make manifolds for heated floors from various materials:

• Brass products are durable and strong, withstand high pressure, they are universal for any type of pipe;
• Manifolds for heated floors made of copper can withstand the most high pressure up to 30 bar and high temperatures V heating systems. Often used in circuits where the coolant can be oil, antifreeze or antifreeze.
• Details from of stainless steel enjoy most in demand due to reasonable prices and good technical characteristics, satisfying installations in apartments.

Three way valve design

The heating system to which heated floors are connected necessarily includes a three-way valve; its design and principle of operation require detailed consideration. Essentially, the valve works like a hot and cold mixer cold water, you can make it warmer or colder.

When moving the shut-off element in the adjustment sector, the space for the flow of hot liquid increases and the space for the flow of the cold part of the coolant decreases and vice versa. In this way, the temperature in the system can be controlled. This diagram of a water circuit with a valve helps to better understand its purpose and operating principle.

Sometimes valves with electric drives, in conjunction with thermostats. Water flows are adjusted automatically depending on temperature changes. When decreasing locking device the valve moves in the direction of increasing hot flow, and, conversely, when the set temperature value increases, the electric drive moves locking mechanism towards an increase in cold flow.

Features of the circulation pump

Whether the entire system will work efficiently depends on the correct selection and installation of the pump. The circulation of the coolant depends on the length and diameter of the pipes; bends at pipe turns make it difficult to move the flow. To achieve the required rate of fluid circulation in the system, a pump is installed. Consumers have a greater preference for pumps with three pumping speeds; this makes it possible to control the temperature of the coolant, and therefore the air in the room, by changing the circulation speed.

When the room temperature drops, the coolant in the pipes will cool faster. By increasing the circulation rate, flows will pass through the heating element more often, increasing the temperature. The speed switch is located on the pump body and is controlled manually. There are options when the entire process is controlled by an automatic system.

Manufacturers produce two types of pumps: with a wet and dry rotor, in the first version the rotating part is in the circulating fluid, in the second version the rotor is isolated. More suitable for apartments wet rotor, their capacity is limited to rooms of 400 m 2, this is quite enough. They consume less electricity and operate silently. The pump body can be made of stainless steel, cast iron or polymer, last option optimal, light, strong and durable.

The numbers separated by a fraction sign on the marking indicate the dimensions of the inlet and outlet openings, the last number indicates the length of the product for calculations when installation work. In order not to go into details when calculating a pipe for a heated floor, use a table to calculate the calculations when choosing a pump.

Characteristics table for pump selection

Heating area, m²	Pump capacity
	radiator heating	warm floor
80-120	0,4	1,5
120-160	0,5	2,0
160-200	0,6	2,5
200-240	0,7	3,0
240-280	0,8	4,0
300-350	1,2-1,5	-

When installing the pump in a line, you cannot confuse the direction of movement of the coolant; it is indicated by an arrow on the body. The rotor must be in a horizontal position when vertical installation pump power is reduced by 30%.

The pump can be installed on any section of the main line, but most often this is done at the entrance to the system after switchgear, thermostat. It is very important that the pump is equipped with an air release valve. Airlock can block the circulation of the coolant and the operation of the pump; opening the valve will help get rid of accumulated air in the interval in the network where the pump is installed.

Connection to an individual heating boiler

The presence of an individual boiler for heating in an apartment or private house removes all organizational problems to permit the installation of water heated floors. In this case, connecting a warm water floor does not require any permits. Depending on the location and operation conditions of the facility, boilers can be of various types:

• on gas fuel;
• on liquid fuel(diesel oil, fuel oil);
• solid fuel: firewood, pellets, coal;
• electrical;
• combined.

In apartments of multi-storey buildings, gas or electric are most often used. heating boilers, connection to the central heating system of the heated floor circuit is not required. IN in this case the scheme differs slightly, but functional purpose the basic elements remain the same.

Essential elements:

• boiler;
• expansion tank;
• pressure gauge;
• circulation pump;
• manifold for underfloor heating;

Unlike the case with central heating, connecting a heated floor to a boiler does not require installing a three-way valve to regulate the temperature of the coolant. Its installation is not necessary; the temperature can be changed from the boiler control panel. Temperature control sensors are also located on external panel management.

The expansion tank serves to maintain stable pressure in the system; when heated, the volume of liquid increases. To prevent the underfloor heating collector, pump and other expensive elements in the pipeline system from collapsing, the tank compensates for the expansion of the coolant volume. The pressure gauge shows the pressure in the pipes. The main thing is that before pouring the solution into a warm floor, you need to check the functionality of all components.

Regardless of the modification of the device and its manufacturer, all panels have basic options, and some additional programming functions:

• buttons or regulators for increasing and decreasing the supply coolant temperature;
• button automatic installation comfortable, economical temperature regime, room – 20-22 ̊С;
• Maybe software control, setting the modes “winter”, “summer”, “vacation”, “function of protecting the system from freezing of liquid”.

How to do specific settings for boilers with different control panels, described in the operating instructions. Filling a water heated floor with a solution for a separate boiler is done in the same way as for central heating.

Video: water heated floor in an apartment

All this shows that it is preferable to make heated floors with the installation of an autonomous heating boiler; the main part of the installation can be done with your own hands. A water floor made without a screed, or a dry floor with a screed, will simplify the work and make it cheaper.

If the connection diagram for a heated floor is not entirely clear, individual elements in the floor, you can and should consult with professionals. Having studied the purpose, the correct connection of the main elements in general scheme, technically literate people understand that laying a heated floor is not difficult, making a heated floor with your own hands is a very real task.

The temptation to install a water-heated floor in an apartment is quite great. Despite constant warnings from the authorities and bad experience those who have already laid the water circuit, the residents do it again and again additional system heating your home. What points should you consider before taking on a project?

Is it possible to make water floors in an apartment?

In domestic conditions, obtain official permission for installation autonomous system Heating in an apartment is quite problematic. Therefore, warm water floors in an apartment building are connected to heating risers, heated towel rails, etc., which ultimately constitutes a gross violation of the housing code.

The legislation strictly punishes anyone who makes changes to the central heating system apartment building. Self-connection water heated floors in an apartment are fraught with sanctions, court decisions, fines, etc.

The reason for the lawsuit is usually flooded neighbors downstairs. Therefore, before installing a water heated floor in an apartment with your own hands or with the help of hired builders, you must first calculate all the advantages and disadvantages of the solution, take into account possible risks and negative consequences.

According to SNiP, it is possible to make changes to the heating system of the apartment, subject to the approval of the modification with representatives of the housing and communal services and the heating network. In practice, this is only possible in the case of autonomous heating provided for in the design documentation.

What is needed for a water floor in an apartment

There are three main disadvantages of water heated floors in an apartment:

• Difficulties associated with registration and legalization of work performed.
• The consequences of possible leaks, responsibility for which falls entirely on the owner of the apartment.
• Responsibility for uncoordinated installation.

To install warm water floors you will need to overcome all these difficulties.

Decoration - the reasons why heated water floors are prohibited in apartments are as follows:

First reason:
According to housing standards, it is not allowed to increase the heating power in an apartment when replacing radiators or making changes to the central heating pipeline.

This standard is made in order to maintain the coolant temperature level within normal limits for each room in the house. Any changes associated with an increase in energy costs are unacceptable. Therefore, it is prohibited to install water heated floors in an apartment with central heating.

This regulation can be circumvented if, after installing the water circuit, the total thermal power will remain the same. And for this you will have to reduce the number of radiators, which is not always practical.

The second reason:
It is prohibited to lay due to possible leakage contour. You will have to draw up a project of work and prove that if the integrity of the pipe is damaged, the likelihood that the water will ruin the housing of the neighbors below is negligible.

To legalize the installation and use of water floor heating in an apartment, you will have to use high-quality waterproofing, make a project with the materials specified in it. It may be necessary to put insulating corrugation on the pipes to prevent leakage, and to comply with other heating network conditions.

Probability of leaks– even if the waterproofing layer is installed correctly, it is unrealistic to completely prevent the possibility that neighbors below will not be flooded due to a pipe rupture.

And since a home-made warm water floor in an apartment is a reconstruction of the living space, financial responsibility for the damage will fall entirely on the culprit of the leak.

If you fail to reach an agreement peacefully with your neighbors, you will have to pay compensation, including repair work, court costs, etc.

Official registration– obtaining permission is so problematic that most owners go the other way and simply install the heating system themselves, connecting the circuit without the necessary approvals. This is regarded as illegal redevelopment of the apartment. And independent changes lead to the inability to sell living space.

The only solution is to do individual heating in the apartment. In this case, you will only need to register changes in the layout in the BTI, which is much easier than resolving issues with the Heating Network.

A fine for having a water floor in an apartment is not the only punishment. Institutions in judicial procedure oblige the owner to dismantle the water circuit.

How to lay pipes on the floor

If, despite all the listed disadvantages, a decision is made to connect a heating circuit, you will need to adhere to the following scheme for installing a water heated floor in an apartment with your own hands:

• Preparing the base– floor slabs are processed waterproofing materials. It is preferable to use a special mastic that will prevent moisture from seeping into the neighbors in the event of a leak.
• Laying insulation– choice thermal insulation material for laying warm water heated floors in an apartment is limited. The height of the ceilings does not allow the use of thick insulation.
  It is optimal to install warm water floors in an apartment building using polystyrene systems. In this case, mats play the role of insulation and base for pipes.
• Water circuit – installation technology involves the use of “snail” and “snake” pipe laying methods.
• Finishing layer - polystyrene systems are covered with plywood or gypsum fiber board in two layers. As flooring you can use: ceramic tiles, linoleum, parquet, laminate, etc.

The service life of a PVC water circuit does not exceed 50 years. It is strictly forbidden to use ferrous metal pipes that rot in concrete floor in a few years.

Where to connect water floors

There are two methods that are used in apartments to connect to a coolant source:

1. Heated towel rail– as a rule, heating return or hot water supply is supplied to the riser. Consequently, the heating temperature is more gentle around 35-50°C. It is much easier to power from a heated towel rail, especially considering that some owners have replaced this part of the riser by installing shut-off valves for possible repairs.
2. Connection from a central heating system in a city apartment– the solution has several disadvantages. Water heated to 70°C and higher is supplied through the heat exchanger in the apartment. As a result, walking on a floor powered by radiators will only be possible in thick slippers with thick soles. To prevent overheating of the floor, a collector group is installed.

Installation features and possible errors

In addition to the difficulties associated with obtaining permits and approvals, certain mistakes are made during installation.

• Independent connection with independent connection from the riser. There is always coolant in the heating pipe. The liquid is drained only during system maintenance for a short time. To start working with central heating, you need to obtain permission, pay a receipt and drain the water from the riser.
• Lack of ability to regulate floor temperature. If you plan to power the water circuit from central heating, you will definitely need to install a system that regulates the heating of the coolant. The installation order will need to include the installation of a water collector.
• Lack of a heated floor project. Maximum length pipeline length cannot exceed 70 running meters. At best, this is enough for 10 m². You will need to determine the pipe layout in advance and divide the room into heating zones.
• Use of components for heated floors and pipes different manufacturers. A common mistake that leads to rapid depressurization of the system.

It is necessary to connect the water circuit in such a way that after it is turned off, the coolant continues to circulate in the central heating system.

Which floor to choose - water or electric?

From the point of view of legality and possible negative consequences, it is still better to choose floors that run on electricity. Necessary equipment for mounting film or cable system: electrician's kit (pliers, painting knife, wire cutters, tester, etc.).

The regulations for the use of electric floors in an apartment building do not have such serious disadvantages as in the case of a water heating circuit.

You can decide to install a water heating circuit illegally, or try to obtain official permission, but, as a rule, the material and time costs resulting from this decision are unjustified. According to SNiP, it is better to lay cable or film IR floors in an apartment building.