What to Do If Geothermal Heat Is Causing the Ground to Heave
Geothermal heat pumps do not cause ground heave when in good repair. However, if the ground above a water source geothermal heat loop is heaving, this may indicate a water leak. Naturally occuring frost heave can damage heat loops. Does this Spark an idea?
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Frost Heave
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Frost heave occurs when moisture rich soil freezes, expands and causes humps, or heaves, to appear in the soil. The source of the moisture can be heavy rains during early spring or late fall, or leaks in a water source heat loop.
How Ground Heave Affects Geothermal Heat Loops
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A frost heave near a water or air source heat loop will shift the pipe causing kinks or breakage. Freezing water in the soil may expand cracks in the heat loops causing blockages. An already leaking water source heat loop will cause frost heave.
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Repairing Ground Heaves
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Contact your geothermal heat pump contractor immediately if you suspect the area of ground heave is near the heating loops. Once the soil has thawed, the contractor will dig up the area of frost heave and inspect the lines for damage. The contractor may recommend running the heat pump in auxiliary heat mode until the heat loop is repaired.
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References
- Photo Credit hoar-frost. winter window image by Vasiliy Koval from Fotolia.com
