Originally Posted By: John Clayton This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
yeah its cool…
The manifold system does not fit every application with the location of the water heaters and the design or floor plan of the houses. In my area probably 75% are plumbed the traditional way while the rest are done with manifolds or combination of trunk lines and multiple manifolds.
The branch line off the tee in your second and third picture needs to be secured/strapped to relieve the tension it is puting on the fitting.
Originally Posted By: phinsperger This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
Conventional Plumbing System
Kitec XPA pipe systems and PEX tubing systems may be used in
a conventional manner using feeder lines to supply smaller branches
that tee off and service an individual or small group of fixtures.
Originally Posted By: hgordon This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
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? Class Action Settlement administered by the Consumer Plumbing Recovery Center (CPRC). http://www.pbpipe.com
? Comprehensive information on polybutylene re-piping for homeowners, real-estate professionals, home inspectors and property managers.
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Originally Posted By: jonofrey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Thank you for your input. Here is the response from Zurn:
John,
There are three ways to do plumbing installations. Qickport Manifold, Branch and Tee, and Mini Manifold. All three are acceptable, but because of the connections to the Qickport, it has to have an access panel to it. All other connections, as long as they are crimp style, can be buried inside walls. Branch and Tee and Mini manifold both use crimp connections.
Originally Posted By: roconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I just did a rough inspection the other day that had copper risers and then PEX branch lines. The plumber used PEX branch lines due to all the fittings/bends that would have been required with copper for that particular layout.
The only down side I see (other than long term US performance) is that PEX is more susceptible to damage, and requires special attention to installation of oversized protection plates where the lines are close to the edge.
Just my opinion and 2-nickels ... 
-- Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong
Originally Posted By: escanlan This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hey John O., and any others,
When you inspect PEX installs do you check the crimp connectors at all? Do you use a Go-No-Go gauge? If not do you write anything in your reports to disclaim it?
What types of issues do you generally see with PEX installs? Are there common mistakes? All of the vendors literature for installs assumes PEX is run in wall cavities, under slabs, etc. They really do not provide info for installs in open spaces such as attics. What would you call out as issues in through attic installs? Is there a recommended insulation for these? Manufacturers approve of bundling runs for a neater install but do not specify seperation of hots and colds. Any thoughts on that?
Have not inspected a PEX install yet but it is becoming more popular, especially with retrofits and upgrades of plumbing systems on older single story homes. I would be interested in hearing your inputs.
Thanks!
-- Manny (Emmanuel) Scanlan
Knowledge is power, but sharing knowledge brings peace!
Originally Posted By: awalters This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
John-
Was this house built by Pulte? I have done a couple of new homes in the Spring area that were the same way...no manifold. They are the first builder I have run across that does not use or make the manifold accessible.