What Is The Best/Safest Method For Removing Floor Tiles With Under Floor Heating

divecomuk

Hi MSE,
I need to replace some of the kitchen floor tiles in a house I’ve just purchased. My question is what is the best/safest method to do it? As the previous owner installed (working) under floor heating of the hot water type, which I’ve never worked with before.
In addition thinking of adding an island to the kitchen, and would like to add an electrical supply to it. Is this possible with under floor heating?

Thanks In Advance

Divecomuk

phil24_7

The tiles will be on top of a screed so a hammer and chisel should get the tiles up. Adding electric to an island could prove a problem. There will be work arounds I'm sure, but these are likely to bring with them their own problems!

mandm65

Yep tiles are laid on the on top of a screed so can be removed but care must be taken to avoid any damage to the pipes.
When we got our UFH done, we took photos of the complete pipe layout so if its possible to contact previous owner to see if they have any drawings/photos of the layout?
Like divecomuk said, taking electric to an island could prove a problem but its subject to the pipe layout.
I guess having access to the drawings/photos could help you to see if a safe passage was available for electric!
HAH

divecomuk

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like I just need to take my time and be careful removing the tiles, luckily there’s only a small area to replace.
Checking with the previous owner to see if they have any photographs of the under floor heating being installed. A colleague at work has suggested, using a thermal camera to map out the floor. Do people think this is worth hiring one?

chappers

Either way you will be having to avoid pipes, it's highly unlikely you will get a clear run to where you want the island, but in reality the UFH pipes should be at the bottom of the screed which would be in the 60-70 mm region

Rain_Shadow

I have just had hot water under floor heating installed. There is a significant thickness of screed on top of the pipes. You would have to be impossibly heavy handed with a hammer and chisel to get anywhere near the pipes while removing floor tiles.


I would think it would be physically possible to carefully channel out the screed to lay an electric cable above the pipe runs and fill it over. I don't know if that is allowable or advisable though.