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How to Install Underfloor Heating Manifold?

A Manifold connects the underfloor heating circuits to your boiler, heat pump or other source of hot water (or multiple sources). It is responsible for circulating and distributing water within the system, whilst controlling pressure, flow rates and temperature.
The key to installing a manifold is getting the routing of the pipework to your heat source right, so that you don't get any heat loss, or conflicting flow routes. This means that it is essential to lay the pipework before screeding or self levelling compound is laid.
Once the route for the pipework is correct, it is important to fix the manifold to the wall, or a suitable board. This is crucial for safety and security, as well as being a good place to service the system in the future.
Manifold Installation Procedure
The first step is to fill and purge the manifold with water, removing air from the pipework and ensuring that the system flows smoothly. Next, the underfloor heating pipework is connected to the manifold's 'flow' and'return' arms and is secured into position with compression couplings.
During the initial installation, each of the floor circuits will have flow gauges mounted to its flow arm. These are set during the installation process to configure the correct flow rate and give a designed heat output - this is determined by the floor build-up and heat losses in the room.
The manifold will also have a wiring centre which is usually linked to the actuators and thermostats, providing a central hub for all aspects of the underfloor heating. Generally, the wiring centre is located in the equipment room for ease of access and servicing.