As a first-class floor heating distributor, we only carry the most durable, well-designed electric floor heating systems available.
Occasionally, heating elements are accidentally cut with tile saws or blades for clearing grout, crushed with heavy buckets of cement, or drilled through while installing drains, toilets, or shower doors.
If this happens to you, don’t worry! Easy-to-use repair kits are available for each heating system, and most systems can be repaired even if they have already been tiled over. We have created this article to help guide you in troubleshooting and finding the right solution should you have a problem with your system.
Common Electric Radiant Floor Heating Problems
If your floor heating system is not working properly, the issue almost always falls into one of two categories:
Use the lists below to identify what you’re experiencing.
Heating Element Problems (Mat or Cable Issues)
If you are experiencing one of these issues, proceed to the Troubleshooting and Repairing Heating Elements section below:
- The floor has cold spots in specific areas or uneven heating
- The system worked before tile was installed, but not after
- The breaker trips immediately when the system turns on
- The thermostat’s GFCI keeps tripping
- Resistance readings do not match the value on the UL tag
- The system was accidentally cut or damaged during installation
- The system draws power but does not warm the floor
- A shower system trips GFCI and cannot reset
Thermostat or Control Problems
If you are experiencing one of these issues, see the Floor Heating Thermostat Repair & Warranty section below:
- The thermostat display is blank
- The thermostat turns on, but the floor does not heat
- The system has correct resistance readings but does not operate
- The thermostat shows an error code
- The floor temperature is inaccurate
- The floor overheats or does not reach the set temperature
- The GFCI trips even though resistance readings are normal
- The system worked for years and suddenly stopped
- The breaker is not tripped, but the thermostat will not power on
- The sensor reading is outside expected range
Troubleshooting and Repairing Heating Elements
Step 1: Check the resistance on the heating elements using a Digital Multimeter (Ohm meter).
- This is the only 100% sure way to tell if the heating elements have been damaged. Each mat and cable will come with a UL tag on the power leads that will show what the resistance should be.
- If the resistance reading is correct, then you know that the heating elements are 100% functional. In this case, double-check that the correct power (120v or 240v) is being supplied to the system. If the correct power is supplied and the system still is not working, the thermostat may be the problem. If this is the case, see the thermostat troubleshooting section at the end of this article.
- If the resistance reading is incorrect and the flooring has NOT been installed, skip to step 3.
For the complete process, see our article: Using a Digital Multimeter to Conduct Heating Element Resistance Tests
Step 2: If the floor has already been installed, you will need to find the location of the break in the heating element.
- To do this, call us at 1-866-558-3369 to get in contact with a technician for your specific product.
- NOTE: If the break is inside a shower floor, it cannot be repaired since the waterproof coating has been compromised. The built-in GFCI on the thermostat will trip and not allow a repaired heating element to run in a shower or wet area.
Step 3: Once you have located the break in the system, you need to purchase the appropriate repair kit depending on the product you are using and the location of the break.
- If the heating element is damaged, click on the link for your product to purchase a repair kit:
- If the power lead is damaged, click on one of the following links:
For assistance with repairing your heating elements, call us at 1-866-558-3369 or contact our team to get in touch with one of our experts who can walk you through the process.
Floor Heating Thermostat Repair & Warranty
If an electric heating system is not working and the resistance on the heating elements is within normal ranges (based on the UL tag attached to the element), then there may be a problem with the thermostat.
Floor heating thermostats are far more sophisticated than HVAC thermostats like those you use to operate air conditioners and forced-air heaters. Since they are designed to handle high-voltage power coming directly from the breaker panel, floor heating thermostats have more mechanical parts than HVAC thermostats, and their high-grade GFCI protections are built in. Because of this, they have a lower lifespan than HVAC thermostats and will need to be replaced eventually.
While it is not unheard of for thermostats to need to be replaced after 4 or 5 years, we have also had thermostats last as long as 12 to 14 years. A proper installation (e.g., inside of a deep electrical box and out in the open rather than inside a cupboard or closet) can help ensure your thermostat will last as long as possible, so make sure to thoroughly read the installation instructions that come with your unit before you install.
All of the thermostats we carry come with a 3-year manufacturer warranty. If you are having any trouble with a thermostat that has been installed less than three years, give us a call at 1-866-558-3369 and we can put you in contact with a technician for your product who can troubleshoot the unit with you and replace it if necessary.
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Tania D'Amato says:
I have a Schluter Thermostat. Everything is working, I can hear it clicking but the flooring isn’t getting hot and I just want to know how to raise the temperature. I have the floor and ambient both set at 82degrees.
I have the same set up in my ensuite and it’s working fine.
I’ve had no issues with it, but someone touched the setting and now i can’t figure out how to get it back.
I don’t want to pre set it. I want heated floors on all the time. Simple. How do I do that?
[email protected] says:
Hi Tania,
If you can identify the model of the thermostat we can get a manual emailed to you.
You can also contact Schluter directly for support at (800) 472-4588.
Have a great day Tania!
Carol and Jim Oakland says:
we have a Nuheat under floor heater .. It is nine years old, It ‘faded’ out as to the image and went blank and does not work. Please advise and give name of local dealer in Sioux Falls, SD Thank you. James Oakland
BobF says:
Our Nuheat system, which has been working for years, stopped heating. The thermostat (Nuheat Home, 5 years old) appears to be working, but the floor is not heating. I have a Schluter thermostat available to me. Are the Schluter and Nuheat systems compatible? Can I swap in the Schulter stat to see if the Nuheat stat is no longer working?
[email protected] says:
Hi Bob,
Thank you for contacting us today!
Yes, you could use the Schluter thermostat to replace the Nuheat Home that is no longer working.
Just make sure to follow the instructions so the wires go into the correct terminals on the Schluter thermostat.
Let us know if you have any other questions.
Thank you, Bob!
Raquel Dunn says:
We bought a home with this type of flooring installed in the bathroom. It was completed in 2016-2017 based off the information the former home owners gave us. When we try to turn the floor on, the thermostat kicks off. Could someone helps us determine the issue we are having?
[email protected] says:
Hi Raquel,
This sounds like the internal GFI in the thermostat is tripping, causing the thermostat to immediately shut off.
You can typically fix this easily by turning the breaker off for a minute then turn it back on.
If that does not fix the issue, the thermostat may just need to be replaced since they do tend to fail after some years of use.
Give us a call or you can order a new thermostat from our site here: https://kc.warmyourfloor.com/thermostats/floor-heating.html
Jeff says:
Hello, we recently installed a Ditra heat system. Upon installing the thermostat we ran out diagnostic system test, everything checked fine. We set our thermostat to the desired heat and you hear the thermostat click on calling for heat but the floor will not heat up at all. There are no errors on the screen at all it just will not heat. Any help would be wonderful
[email protected] says:
Hi Jeff,
Check the resistance of the cable in the floor and see if it falls within the range listed on the power lead.
Even though you ran the diagnostic test on the thermostat, make sure no wires are loose and all wires are in the correct terminals behind the thermostat.
If you’re still having trouble, contact Schluter support at 800-472-4588.
Angela Krueger says:
Hello,
I have a Nuheat infloor heating system in the bathroom. It kept tripping the ground default. I replaced the thermostat and now the unit will turn on and start heating and then it will trip the ground default. I reset it 3 times and it tripped the ground each time. Is my mat bad? It is under tile. Please advise. Thank you.
Angela
[email protected] says:
Hi Angela,
We’d want to know if the system ever worked and if so, has anything been done to the floor recently that could have damaged the heating element.
The GFI trip could mean the thermostat was just faulty but since you’ve replaced it and are having the same issue, it sounds like it could be something under the floor.
You’ll need to check the resistance of the heating element to see if it’s working properly.
Please give us a call at 866-558-3369 so we can discuss this issue in more detail over the phone.
Stephen Wilson says:
I have the Ditra heated floors in my bathroom. It has been controlled by a SunStat Pro II I believe. I looked online and it looks like that model. We have had this setup for a little over 5 years. A couple of weeks ago, the breaker got triggered. I tried to reset it and it trips it back. Since this isn’t a new installation, any ideas where the short could be? Could the thermostat be bad and tripping the breaker? Thoughts on how to trouble shoot it?
[email protected] says:
Hi Stephen,
Normally the GFI means a connection is lose behind the stat, or the heating element is damaged.
But given how old the system is and it was working this whole time, it is likely the thermostat just needs to be replaced.
You can see all the thermostat we sell on our site here: https://kc.warmyourfloor.com/thermostats/floor-heating.html
Barbara Bales says:
I have a brand new Ditra Heat on tile floor. The floor will not maintain a consistent heat. The Thermostate has been set at 85 and in the three weeks I’ve had it only 5 times has the floor been warm over the entire area and this doesn’t last for more than an hour. Floor is cold with small warm/cool spots. Warm spots are smaller than my feet. I’m very frustrated. Contract doesn’t think anything can be done. Says they didn’t use enough cable. If that were the case, how can it ever be warm?
[email protected] says:
Hi Barbara,
Sorry to hear you aren’t getting the heat you expected from your floor.
Unfortunately, if your contractor is correct, and they did not use “enough” cable with the proper spacing, and cover the area you wanted to heat, it won’t get warm unless you remove the tile and install the proper amount of cable.
However, if sometimes (5 times you mention) it does heat up enough, I’d guess they have the cable spaced too far apart.
Schluter recommends it be 3 pillars, which provides 12.75 watts per SF.
If they spaced it 4 or 5 pillars, total heat output is lower, but it may still warm up, and it will take longer.
I’d put the thermostat in Manual mode, set it at the desired temperature, and let it run and see what happens.
Perhaps a call to the installer so they can help you and make it right.
peter occolowitz says:
Hello,
Can anyone recommend an electrician in the NYC area who can locate the location of my damaged cable and repair it? My electrician who installed it is not familiar with the diagnosis equipment that is required.
Much thanks,
Peter
[email protected] says:
Hi Peter,
We’d suggest you call the manufacturer of your system to see if they have someone specific in your area for repairs.
Here are contact numbers for some of the most popular floor heating manufacturers:
SunTouch: 888-432-8932
Nuheat: 800-778-9276
Schluter: 888-472-4588
Amelia Winstead says:
I have an electric heated floor and am looking for a reliable service company in the Atlanta area. How do I go about identifying a company that can service my floor and not damage it. I think the thermostat needs to be replaced and most electricians tell me to call an HVAC company.
[email protected] says:
Hi Amelia,
These systems are just electric cables under your floor so any electrician should be able to assist you with servicing the system.
An electrician could certainly replace the thermostat as we have DIY customers replace them all the time.
Or if you know the brand of product you have, you can try contacting them as some have local pros in your area to assist with service.
Let us know if you need anything else.
Thank you, Amelia!
George Johnson says:
We rececntlybhad a problem with our system. It popped the breaker and I reset it and walked away a few minutes later my got me and told me that the thermostat started smoking . I pulled it quickly and one of the black wires was smoking from a short. Nothing has changed in the room so should I check the cables and test resistance , or can I assume that the thermostat is toast. Thank you for the help ! Geo
Cliff Sobchuk says:
I am installing my floor heating wire presently and am interested in which failure modes are able to be troubleshot and how the location of those faults can be determined so that I don’t have to pull up the entire floor.
I will be using Ditra Heat for the 40 sq. ft. installation – so I hope these should be hypothetical situations – but stuff happens…
A few possible failure modes:
1) one warming lead breaks and is isolated from touching the ground wire shield.
2) one warming lead breaks and touches the ground wire shield.
3) two warming leads break and are both isolated from touching the ground wire shield.
4) two warming leads break and touch each other but not the ground wire shield.
5) two warming leads break and one touches the ground wire shield.
6) two warming leads break and both touch the ground wire shield.
7) two warming leads break in different places – circle through the above to add variation for shorts and opens.
8) the cold to warming lead connection breaks open
9) the cold to warming lead connection break short – breaker pops would be my guess.
I really wanted to carry this in to the shower, but I see that both Schluter and yourselves recommend a separate warming circuit/line to avoid having the entire floor relegated nonfunctional.
Thanks,
[email protected] says:
Hi Cliff,
There really are only two scenarios for the cable, it is either functioning or it is not.
If it is not functioning due to a damaged cable, it won’t heat at all and you’ll need to purchase a repair kit to make the repair.
We recommend you use a fault alarm in conjunction with an ohmmeter to make sure the cable is functioning before the finished floor goes down.
If a break does occur and is not caught before the floor gets installed, there are devices you can get from Schluter to assist you with finding the break.
Dewey H says:
We got our Schluter Ditra Heat -E-RT, Type UDG4/4999-SL thermostat installed by an electrician in September 2019 and it was working fine until now. It seems it is stuck in “child lock” showing only the 3 dots on the screen when I try to reset it and we can’t get to the menu/schedule setting to reset it. Any suggestions?
[email protected] says:
Hi Dewey,
You should be able to turn the child lock off by clicking the Menu button in the upper right of the main screen.
Then click “User Settings”. Click “Child Lock” and you should have the option to turn it off from there.
Rick Whitaker says:
Hi Mary Lee
I have a GFI problem it wont reset just keeps flashing I tested floor mat it is within tolerance GFI just wont reset. The floor was installed in 2012.
Scott Cook says:
Hi Rick,
The thermostats typically last about 5-8 years on average.
So it sounds like your thermostat has reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced.
You can see the current thermostats we carry HERE.
You’re also able to place an order directly from our website.
Richard Lefcourt says:
Can a self-levelling concrete-like product be poured over an electrical radiant heating cable and still bond to the concrete slab below it? If so, which product(s) do you recommend/
Marye Lee says:
Hi Richard,
This will depend on the type of warming system that you want to use. Most systems require that you pour a self-leveler over the top. If using a cable system, such as the WarmWire cable, the self-leveler will be poured over the top as well as bonding to that concrete slab. Feel free to give us a call at 899-558-3369 and we can help you determine which system will be best for your layout.
Warm Regards,
Warm Your Floor Team
Darren Menu says:
I have a brand new system that I installed over the Ditra heat mat. The system will hold heat for a uncertain amount of time. I have watched it hold heat for up to three days. However at some point it will trip the GFCI in the thermostat. I have replaced the thermostat on two different occasions and the same problem occurs. I have a had a local electrition test the system and it ohms out. Obviously I do not want to tear this floor out. Have you ever seen this problem before, what would cause this to short out after days of holding heat? Where do I start?
Marye Lee says:
Hi Darren,
We are sorry that you are having an issue with your thermostat tripping! This sounds like it could be a potential amp overload on the thermostat. They can hold up to 15 amps, so if it is above that, it may be tripping. There are ways to fix this without completely tearing up your floor! Please, give us a call at 866-558-3369 and we will do our best to try and help you figure out this issue.
Warm Regards,
Warm Your Floor Team
Richard Curry says:
My floor heating system, (Sunstat Pro model 500670) was installed in mid-2010. It stopped working a few days ago, with no error message appearing on the screen. I turned the unit on and off then turned the breaker on and off. I opened the thermostat to verify all wiring was connected, including the floor sensor – all was intact. The thermostat shows it is heating but no heat comes up from the floor. I then set the thermostat to “Regulator” mode (per owner’s manual) to see if by passing the floor sensor would heat the floor. Still no heat. Does this mean my floor heating system is totally non-functional and no longer usable?
Marye Lee says:
Hi Richard,
Thank you for reaching out to us. Please, give us a call at 866-558-3369 so we can better determine the issue. This may be that you are in need of a replacement thermostat in order to get the floor to heat up properly. Thanks, Richard!
Warm Regards,
Warm Your Floor Team
linda j wilk says:
our den and hallway floor is covered with nuheat and bamboo flooring, love it and have had it 1908 with out problems. I recently spilled soapy water on it, (flooded actually) and then the system gave a pop and would not work. Of course we turned it off immediately and have waited for several days now…today the “standby” sign came on…do you think it will simply dry out and work again??? We certainly don’t want to burn out the system.
Thank you in advance for any info you are able to share.
Linda WilSt Paul, Mn
Marye Lee says:
Hi Linda,
Thank you for reaching out to us! We recommend that you turn the power off at the breaker and call us at 866-558-3369. We want to make sure to locate and figure out the issue with this.
Warm Regards,
Warm Your Floor Team
Don Heer says:
I have a SunTouch Floor Warming System that was installed some 12 – 13 years ago. The thermostat that I have is unlike any that you show. I need information how to set thermostat so that it warms floor daily. Currently, most days temp is 72-73 except one day it will be 81. How do I program this older thermostate?
Marye Lee says:
Hi Don,
We would love to help you figure out how to properly program your thermostat! We will need a little more information and possibly a picture of this thermostat in order to help you out. Please, send us an email at [email protected] with the details and picture of this and we will help you with troubleshooting.
Also, check out the new thermostats that we offer to get the most out of your floor heating system. All thermostats are compatible with all types and brands of floor heating systems. You can find them here: https://kc.warmyourfloor.com/thermostats/floor-heating.html
Warm Regards,
Warm Your Floor Team
William Foote says:
Hello. I have a Solo PB thermostat that was installed about 5 years ago and found out today that the thermostat display was constantly flashing full screen numbers on/off but would not respond to the programming button or the test button. The circuit board number is OEM632-GA/U. Based on the information I have read here on the website, it appears that the thermostat is bad. Do you still sell this unit and where may I purchase a replacement?
Thank you.
Bill Foote
345 Riverview Dr.
Youngstown, NY 14174
Marye Lee says:
Hi William,
Thank you for reaching out regarding your thermostat. We no longer carry the Nuheat Solo, but we do have their direct replacement for this. The direct replacement is called the Nuheat Home and it is a great programmable thermostat that is easily installed. Here is the link for this: https://kc.warmyourfloor.com/nuheat-home-programmable-thermostat.html
All of our thermostats that we carry can be used with any brand and type of floor heating systems. Feel free to check out more thermostat options here. If you have further questions, you can reach out to us at 866-558-3369 or email us at [email protected]. Thanks, William!
Warm Regards,
Warm Your Floor Team