Manifold for Home Run Distribution

Scott Gordon

So the same manifolds that are used to run lets say some zones of in slab pex can also be used to supply and return from panel radiators? Same manifold different application.

Thanks Again

Scott Gordon

Can someone recommend some specific brands and models of manifolds that would be suitable for a home run distribution system coupled with panel radiators. I'm looking at controlling with trv's or valve actuators but haven't decided. Many of the manifolds shown on various plumbing sites and manufacturers sites don't mention suitability for any particular system.

Thanks

Norm Harvey

I use uponor pex, and because of that I use the uponor manifolds.

I think they look nice mounted on the brackets.

You can use whichever you like. If your connecting to your radiators with pex, it would be easier to us the manifold manufactured by your pex manufacturer.

Also, I would go with TRV's

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Brad White_9

Any of the quality brands

Uponor, Viega, Caleffi, Rehau, Watts.... pretty much take your pick. I like the looks of the chrome plated ones myself even if you are the only one who remembers where it is eventually....

All are the same in function: Low pressure drop and even pressure, adjustments and flow meters if you prefer, the ability to mount power heads (if not on the radiators themselves).. There is no suitability for a particular application, it is your imagination.

Just remember that it is a system so your fittings, couplings and PEX material itself has to all be compatible.

I like the approach because as you build the system you can purge each zone and get it going while you work on the others. The ability to purge and vent is one of the neatest features to me.

With panel radiators, some of which have TRV's built in, the decision is made for you. If the aesthetic wants to be cleaner, no harm in running a wire to a power head. Diagramatically, with the radiator on the outside walls and the thermostats on the inside walls, a center of house manifold is in a great location. Easy to visualize, I think.

Ted_9

some examples


I have various manifolds: Wirsbo brass, Wirsbo copper, Caleffi and Viega(the Viega one in that pic is 3/8th for staple up radiant). As you can see, some have different types of pex from the same manufacturer. While with the Caleffi, I used Wirsbo and Viega Fosta pex.

BTW, In all of the panel rad installs, I have a pressure differential by-pass. Some you may not see because it is not near the manifold but near the pump.

Like Brad said, make sure your pex and manifolds are compatible. It's best to stick with one manufacturer.

Massachusetts

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Brad White_9

Same manifold in type

but each manifold is dedicated to a single temperature or service.

Unless your radiators or radiant floor use exactly the same water temperatures, you need a different manifold assembly for each service (radiators or radiant floors). I think you know that, I just wanted to make it more clear.

Scott Gordon

Yes. For some reason I had the idea that a specific design of manifold was necessary for use with radiators.

Scott Gordon

Could a simple manifold be built from copper?

Could a simple manifold be built from copper or is there some specialized internal construction that can only be created in a factory?

Thanks

Brad White_9

Alberta Tee, EarthLee and others

make drawn and brazed copper tee manifolds, sure. Nice products. By the time you get done adding purge and vent valves, zone flow meters/balancing valves, zone isolation valves and PEX couplings, hanger brackets and main isolation valves, your kids will be in college and need scholarships too. (Kidding of course).

If you go the fitting route, that is a lot of fittings and nipples to make up.

Compare the value of your time versus the cost of a good manifold setup and I think you will see the value added.

The drawn copper products look spiffy to me and I use them in dead-end service where the mixing and control happen upstream. Because they are close-ended (at least the ones I bought), it is impractical to purge and vent the assembly or else you waste a branch or two in so doing, if that makes sense.

Brandon_4

HPS Controls specialize in zone control stations. This may be what you are looking for. Their website is www.hpscontrols.com

Brandon_4

HPS Controls specialize in control stations. This may be what you are looking for. Their website is www.hpscontrols.com

If you need some advice call 780-482-1051.