Finding UFH pipes in screed

[BMcN]

Hey guys, anyone recommend a way of detecting UFH pipes inside the screed?

 

I left some length of pipe sticking out for me to put sensors in later but I think the guys pouring have stood on a couple.  So will need to find a new method of getting temp sensors in.

 

16mm PEX pipe laid in 50-60 cement based screed.   Thermal is the only way that pops inside mind but not easy to get equipment.

[Russell griffiths]

I think you can get a thermal imaging app for your phone. 

[Declan52]

I have one of these and have used it to trace my pipes in the floor.

https://www.thermal.com/

 

[Ed Davies]

1 hour ago, Russell griffiths said:

I think you can get a thermal imaging app for your phone. 

 

You'd need thermal camera (or at least a scanner) as well. Software can't magically make a sensor designed to detect less than 1 µm radiation detect 10 µm radiation (not least because the lens of a normal camera is opaque to thermal IR).

[Dreadnaught]

Is there such a thing as a domestic doppler scanner (to detect fluid moving through the pipes)?

[Temp]

Perhaps you can use an in ear thermometer if you have one? 

Edited January 13, 2020 by Temp

[PeterW]

2 hours ago, Dreadnaught said:

Is there such a thing as a domestic doppler scanner (to detect fluid moving through the pipes)?

 

Yeh an SDS drill being used by an electrician.....

[wozza]

I read somewhere that someone found the locations of their UFH pipes by mopping the floor (making it wet) and then watching it dry - apparently it dried quicker where the pipe loops were.

 

For the cost / risk, I would get or hire a thermal camera.

[dpmiller]

I've got a Walabot, I must try it on the screed for a laugh...

 

[ProDave]

I find when you mop the floor, you briefly see the pipe runs as they dry out slightly quicker than the gaps, so it has to hbe worth trying that simple method first.

[PeterW]

Only really works when the pipes are close to the surface as the heat in a slab is much more dissipated. 

[Ed Davies]

Presumably it would help if you let the slab cool down, turn on the heating then do the mopping soon after so the heat hasn't had quite so much time spread?

[BMcN]

Its only for the floor temp sensors so I am not sure it will be worth the risk. 

 

Might be as well just drilling in the 4inch gap I left near the partitions and walls.