I inspected a home with a pex distribution system with no shut off valves at the walls where the water supple enters the rooms. The distribution manifold is located in the garage with the appropriate shut off valves for each line. I know this arrangement is common but should I recommend shut off valves be added in each room where the supply enters that room for the fixture.
why would You recommend a break in a continuous line that already has a marked shut off at a manifold ?
1 Like
Because the manifold is downstairs and in the case of a water leak it would be faster to shut the water off in the same room as the fixture.
Hard to have a leak if there are no breaks in the line. If You add a couple of valves under the sink You now have 4 breaks in the line which are potential leaks. The whole purpose of the manifold is to provide a single pipe to the fixture with no breaks or fittings.
1 Like
Homes with no manifolds should have valves below each fixture.
Ya, as i was thinking about it, I see your point. If the fixture needs replaced the shut off is available in the garage. Emergency shut off probably not needed at the fixture. thanks
1 Like
that is where I was trying to send Your brain Jack, we all tend to overthink things…
1 Like
Interesting. I don’t see many manifolds yet here in MN, probably run across a handful all of last year. I can see reasoning for both, but agree if you have a manifold easier to just have that straight shot.
I think we don’t see manifolds because it costs more to run the system that way …
Unfortunately the lavatory sink does not need shut off‘s under the sink in the vanity. As long as the valves are labeled on the manifold this is an acceptable shut off for the lavatory faucet.
3 Likes
Yep! It’s good to have them there but as long as there is shutoff valves, that’s all that is needed, unfortunately as Martin stated.
1 Like
Martin I have always respected Your opinion and can’t think of a time I disagreed with You on a plumbing situation. But I wonder why You said unfortunately ?given that I am an old retired contractor and not a master plumber I could use You help here. I am of the understanding that a manifold system provides a shut off valve for each service line that then goes uninterrupted to it’s destination. Thus providing limited avenues for leaks. Would this not be a better option than systems with multiple breaks in the line ?
1 Like
James it doesn’t matter if you have a valve on the manifold or a valve under the sink it’s still the same number of connections. If the valve is located under the sink it is more convenient to isolate the fixture for repair.
I’ve seen a number of valves on manifolds that were mislabeled. I see this often on natural gas CSST manifolds.
2 Likes
Not speaking for Martin, but I think the reference to “unfortunate” was more in line with someone that has all the shutoff valves located at a manifold system in the basement, 3 floors beneath the faucet. Lots of running to shut off a bad gasket or valve should it fault.
3 Likes
You got a Thomas that’s exactly what I meant.
1 Like
I’m guessing You must have studied the new math partner… every manifold system I have seen (and that is not many) has had a shut off valve at the manifold and a dedicated line to the fixture with no fittings in line .Thus providing limited avenues for leakage barring line failure. If You add two additional valves under each fixture are You not breaking that dedicated line and providing multiple new locations for leaks ???
James I honestly don’t see number of connections in a plumbing system as being something that I would even consider to be deficient. I do understand where you’re coming from.
1 Like
Good call. You hammered it!
Separate valves, readily accessible, shall be placed at the foot of each riser line, on all branches to exterior hose bibs, on hot water storage tanks, and on supplies to fixtures. That means for bath tubs, showers and sinks.
Remember limitations. Might not be visible.
Observation: Lack of a visible readily accessible separate hot or cold potable domestic water supply shutoff valves before risers.
Recommend: A licensed plumbing contractor install readily accessible shut off valves were required.
Follow any additional recommendations.
1 Like
Well I am not going to argue with You Martin You are the Master Plumber and I am just an old carpenter with a rusty hammer, but I have to say I Live in a two Year old house with Pex plumbing and a bazillion cheap plastic valves under each fixture and multiple fittings in each supply run. I sure would have preferred a manifold and dedicated run system…just sayin…
I totally understand your logic James. I’ve put in thousands and thousands of fittings it’s very rare that one is defective. Sometimes they are installed improperly and the leak will be evident immediately. I do prefer a valve under the sink for the fixture.
2 Likes