A radiant heating system maintains warm interior temperatures. However, unlike traditional HVAC systems, it also lowers your exposure to allergens since it doesn't require blowing hot air into your living space. Instead, heated water is sent through pipes under your flooring to create a comfortable indoor environment. However, just like all mechanical systems, it will occasionally need maintenance and repair. The following guide explores signs you should call a plumber.

When Do You Require Radiant Heat Repair?

1. Damaged Floors

Because radiant heating pipes are installed in the porous concrete slab below your floors, you might notice moist carpeting or water-stained hardwood if there is a leak. You may also see discoloration in carpeting and tile grout. 

2. Strange Sounds

Hissing, bubbling, and dripping noises should always prompt a call to a plumber. They may indicate a leak in pipes attached to one of your appliances or in your radiant heating system. A professional will be able to pinpoint the cause of the issue and resolve it.

3. Rising Water Costs

Often the above problem is accompanied by rising water bills. A dripping faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water per year. Meanwhile, a radiant heating system is supposed to be closed-loop, meaning that it recycles the water it uses rather than drawing more from your boiler supply. If there is a leak that is causing it to lose water, it will likely involve a sudden spike in your water consumption rather than a gradual one.

4. Shift in Pressure

Your radiant heating system should come with a pressure gauge on the manifold that reads between 10 and 25 PSI. This should have been set during installation and remain fairly consistent since. If your system is reading lower than this, there is a leak that requires fixing.

5. Mineral Deposits

White, green, pink, or gray powdery material around safety valves and connections on the tank indicates mineral buildup, most likely from the sediment in your water. However, since the system is supposed to be closed, these calcium and lime deposits signal a problem. Call a plumber to find out how the water is coming in and out.

If you suspect your radiant heating system is leaking, call the plumbers at Rochester Plumbing & Heating. Located in Olmstead County, MN, since 1922, their services include drain cleaning, boiler repair, backflow prevention, and more. They are also available 24-hours a day. Call (507) 289-1613 for an estimate, or visit them online for more on their offerings.