Water Manifold . . .

[Spiffy Gem]

I've been asked as a result of the pictures I recently posted to provide an explanation/purpose for a water manifold. So here is my "quick" answer . . .

A water manifold is used to provide a centralized location for the water system valves/controls. This kind of a system was not used by the manufacturer in the older units, making it difficult to access each valve to each line segment (i.e. cold water line to the water heater, hot water line coming from the hot water heater, cold water line to the tub, etc.): some valves could be accessed from within the closet floor, for example, while others were located in hard-to-get places, usually from an outside access door.

As a result, winterization was difficult. Resolving water line issues were a pain.

I decided that would change when rebuilding Spiffy, and finally posted close-up pictures of the result.

The water system (manifold and all PEX hardware) is made for high pressure, meaning that I can use high pressure shore water without having to regulate the pressure. Check valves (visible in the picture) keep high pressure from my water pump and fresh water tank.

Lastly, and I know some will tell me this is not good, I designed things so I could use an air-compressor to blow the water out of my water lines (I have this paranoid idea that RV anti-freeze makes my water taste bad, and can't be good for you). I do use RV anti-freeze in the water pump, but have created a system by which I can flush it out in the spring without running it through the entire system.

I'm not sure how to link the pictures from my profile, so here are the two links:
1) http://www.airforums.com/photos/show...imageuser=8174
2) http://www.airforums.com/photos/show...imageuser=8174

[ROBERT CROSS]

Spiff,
Saw the photos in the gallery earlier today. Seems like a great system. Congrats.
Where exactly is it located? Looks as though you could drain each section separately if needed.

If you scroll down the reply page you can add photos from the manage attachments area.

[Spiffy Gem]

Bob,

It is located in the back (I kept the bathroom very close to original) and is accessible from the outside access door.

I can (and do) drain each section separately. In fact, the toilet and hot water tank get blown out at a lower pressure than the rest of the system.

[azflycaster]

Looks like a very neat and thought out system. How does it eliminate the need for a pressure regulator for city water? Some hookups could be very high pressure.

[Spiffy Gem]

Originally Posted by azflycaster

Looks like a very neat and thought out system. How does it eliminate the need for a pressure regulator for city water? Some hookups could be very high pressure.

Ok, to be more exact, I can withstand the pressure contained within house specifications (mine, particularly).

I do carry a regulator that I can connect to my hose for that need to hook up to a fire hydrant.

I have tested the system to 90 lbs.

[Aerowood]

Where did you get the manifold components?

[Pop Rivet]

Spiffy, I think your manifold is just - well - spiffy!!

[Spiffy Gem]

Originally Posted by Aerowood

Where did you get the manifold components?

Well, I was shopping around and didn't find anything. Then one day I walked into Home Depot and there it was; they only had one, and some of the parts were missing. . . .

[easyride]

Good looking system,as far as high pressure ,we test @ 150# of air before ever introducing water in the system,especially on a high rise unit,only leak I`ve had was when a crimper was out of calibration. Plumber Dave

[Spiffy Gem]

Originally Posted by easyride

Good looking system,as far as high pressure ,we test @ 150# of air before ever introducing water in the system,especially on a high rise unit,only leak I`ve had was when a crimper was out of calibration. Plumber Dave

I really don't know the limit of this manifold: I've just tested it to 90 lbs. My air compressor goes to 125 psi, but didn't feel the need to test past 90 psi. Awe, man, now you got me going . . .

[Spiffy Gem]

OK, I checked out the manifold, and only found the letters "Q NSF PLS P", which doesn't tell anybody the make or model. So I went out surfing and found what looks to be the same thing for $69.99: ZURN/QEST QPPM10N PEX QUICKPORT MANIFOLD

The same site sells the brass fittings and pex caps. The pex valves and fittings can be had at most plumming supply stores (they are common items).

[Aerowood]

Thanks

[Spiffy Gem]

You're welcome. Hope it helps. Brand is Zurn.

"Hot and cold potable plumbing manifold designed to reduce installation time and save energy by running dedicated lines to each plumbing fixture. Manifolds without valves let the consumer choose the type of connections that best suit the specific job. Comes ready for installation and can be easily installed by mounting it in an accessible area and selecting the appropriate size line and connector to run to each fixture (supply lines and connectors are sold separately). Manufactured using an engineered polymer. Factory tested to ensure reliable service."

[Mikethefixit]

Spiff
DITTO What PoP RIVET said . Cool set up.