Where can you install your underfloor heating manifold? Happily for both installer and end user, and you can site it wherever suits you best – the choices are (literally) manifold. Here are a few suggestions.
While underfloor heating is often chosen because it’s neat and discreet, not every component of a UFH system can be hidden beneath the floor boards. The manifold controls the flow of water in a wet underfloor heating system so it needs to be easily accessible.
The good thing is that manifolds scale with the size of the system, so a small building is unlikely to have to house a massive manifold. However, even a single-room UFH system has “above-ground” components to fit in.
So, where should you stick your underfloor heating manifold? (Polite answers only.)
Where’s the best place to site the manifold?
Ideally, the manifold is centrally located in the building. Make sure the pipework can easily reach the boiler – you don’t want to add too much feed pipe if you can help it. Allow enough space around it so you can access the manifold.
Then there are the aesthetics. While some of us think a stainless-steel manifold is a thing of beauty, most people would rather it wasn’t on display. At the same time, it needs to be easily accessible for commissioning and checking – you’ll need to find a balance here.
Off-the-shelf manifold cabinet
This is a great option because it can be installed in any home: all you need is a bit of wall space. You can easily buy a ready-made manifold cabinet, which come in a range of sizes. The backless metal cabinets are shallow and can be recessed neatly into the wall.
Utility room
The engine room of the home, the utility room is default space for anything practical from boilers to boots. It’s an obvious location for an UFH manifold, not least because it can be boxed neatly inside a cabinet or cupboard. Away from the living spaces but still easily accessible, it’s a good option if available.
Airing cupboard
This is another natural spot for an UFH manifold. These tend to be more common in older and larger homes that have (or once had) a hot water cylinder. Airing cupboards are usually easy to access, and in many traditional homes, they’re centrally located within the building.
Under the stairs
A handy place where a manifold can be hidden away. Downside: the cupboard under the stairs is also a useful spot for hiding vacuum cleaners, paint tins, Christmas decs, young wizards etc, meaning that there’s a good chance the manifold will vanish behind a heap of household stuff.
Loft and basement
Yes, you can install a UFH manifold in the loft or basement, but as well as extra feed pipe, you’ll need to make adjustments to the pump. Multiple pipe runs changing level can also add air to the system.
Plant room
If you have the luxury of planning UFH for a large new build or renovation, the manifold can be installed in the purpose-built plant room. It can be sited centrally and designed to be easy to reach.
Can you adapt the manifold’s design to fit the space?
Larger manifolds can be adapted to fit in corners by using 90-degree manifold elbows to create an L-shape. This doesn’t affect the flow and is a clever use of available space. We’ve also seen manifolds installed vertically to fit in narrow spaces.
Speak with the underfloor experts
What works best for your project? We’ll work with you to create the ideal UFH system. Contact our UFH Experts today.
