Where to put the underfloor heating manifold

The manifold's position decides how long the leads are, how many loops you need and whether a hallway runs too warm. A good spot saves pipe and makes balancing easier.

Near the middle and the large rooms

Every loop runs from the manifold to its room and back. These leads count towards the loop length (usually up to 100 m for 16 mm pipe), so a manifold far away uses up part of that length and means more loops.

Not too many leads in one hallway

When many leads run through a narrow hallway, it can get too warm. The leads are then insulated, for example with corrugated sleeve, or the manifold goes elsewhere.

Reachable for service

• A cabinet or a recess in the wall, so the flow meters can be set and air let out.
• Not behind furniture or under the stairs, where it is hard to reach.
• Usually on an inside wall, not a cold outside one.

When to use two manifolds

In a large house or a long floor one manifold can be too far from the far rooms. Then two are used: each serves the rooms nearest to it, and the loops stay shorter.